Monday 30th May to Saturday 4th June 2022
Led by Dave Simpson Logistics: Brian Phillips
Back in the normal days of 2019 we put together a detailed itinerary for a visit to the west coast of Ireland, based in Galway, for 4 full days (5 nights) in June 2020.
Naturally this all got cancelled.
Being ever optimists we rebooked the hotel for the same period in 2021. Well that of course also got cancelled.
So here we are again. We have rebooked the hotel and they have held the prices that were agreed back in 2019. I have contacted the proprietor of the coach company and was very relieved to find that they are still in business.
The excursions being planned are the basically the same: to the Burren, Connemara and the Aran Islands. We are now also fortunate to have an expert geologist with us to help explain all the exceptional formations of the areas we will be visiting.
Last time we arranged for the package to start from Shannon Airport with members making their own plans to fly into Shannon. With members coming from various parts of the UK, Shannon proved less than ideal with many logistical issues. We are, therefore, going to start the package this time from Dublin Airport. Dublin has many more flights (even now) from more parts of the UK and the prices are more competitive
The package will include:
The arrangements would be as follows:
For those wanting to stay longer:
Assistance can be provided with recommending flights and options.
Budget price: £650 / person (2 sharing) (subject to exchange rate variation)
In the next few weeks I will be contacting the various organisations in Ireland to get firm prices for 2022.(the hotel price is fixed with no change from 2020). Unfortunately, the hotel has a significant single persons supplement. The size of that will depend on the ratio of double to single rooms (double rooms can be double or twin beds). I hope we can keep the supplement to a manageable number.
As before there will be an initial deposit due before Christmas, another payment around February and the final instalment in first week of April. You can cancel anytime up until the middle of March.
We have given first refusal to those who were booked for 2020. Three couples feel they cannot now make it, so we have moved up the first three reserves.
Brian Phillips: brian@brianandsylvia.com
We want to restrict the numbers to about 40, but there is no hard and fast number. However, we need to have at least a minimum of 30.
It is hard to believe it is 15 years since I first suggested to the Kew Guild Committee that we should consider having a medal struck to recognise people of outstanding merit in topics close to the interests of the Guild. The Committee set up a small working group to develop the idea. On the basis of their report it was agreed to go ahead because the initiative was seen to ‘raise the profile of the Guild, to recognise personal achievements and spend the money of the Guild in a wise and constructive manner.’
The initial criteria devised by the working group have been revised since they were first set out, and the most recent revision, in 2018, states them as follows:
“The Medal is awarded for outstanding merit in the furtherance of one or more fields of interest of members of the Kew Guild. For example: Scientific or amenity horticulture, Plant systematic research, Plant or habitat conservation and Horticultural Education. Other relevant fields of interest can be considered. The recipient need not be a member of the Guild.”
It was agreed that the Medal should be presented at the Annual Dinner or the Annual General Meeting unless the recipient or their representative is unable to attend, when other arrangements can be made. It was also agreed that normally the Medal should be awarded every two or three years, and exceptionally on consecutive years. However, as you can read below, there was no shortage of suitable candidates and after 2014 a medal has been awarded in each of the following years. Kewite Anthony Ross was invited to design the medal, and although somewhat taken aback by the request, consulted a medal die and engraving specialist company in Twickenham about practical matters and put his considerable skills to producing the exquisite medal. A first batch of ten was struck. The medal is silver gilt, weighs 50g, is 50mm in diameter and 2.5mm thick. The 2006 Journal cover showed the Medal, together with a short article by Anthony Ross on page 78 of same.
Initially the nominations for the medal were made by a Medal Awards Sub-Committee. This consisted of the President of the Guild with John Simmons, John Edmundson, Prof. Gren Lucas, Dr. Thomas S. Elias, David Hardman and David Cutler (Secretary). This functioned very effectively, but in due course the members of the Kew Guild Committee decided that they should take full responsibility for receiving and deciding on the nominations and the Sub-Committee members were thanked for their work and the Sub-Committee was disbanded. I continued to be responsible for seeing the process through the Guild Committee until I retired from this role in 2019.
Nominations are most welcome from all members of the Guild and should be sent to the Kew Guild President. It is very important that when making nominations you shouldn’t tell the nominees! Medalists up to the time of writing are as follows:
2007 Roy Lancaster, 2009 Raymond Desmond, 2010 Alan Barber, 2012 Noel McGough, 2014 Sir David Attenborough, 2015 Christopher Brickell, 2016 Alan Titchmarsh, 2017 Christopher Beardshaw, 2018 Martin Duncan, 2019 Laurie Olin.
I would like to add my thanks to Richard Ward for his help in gathering data for the article.
Peter Styles – We have recently received ten new medals. We used a mint through our Welshpool printers so thereby keeping things in house so to speak and making it easier for ordering.
Spec is: Design and Development – 50mm Obverse @ £940.00, 50mm Reverse @ £780.00, 10 off H M Silver, 2.5mm thick Collar Medal, gilt finish, in a standard presentation case 50mm @ £196.00 each. These were provided by Toye Kenning and Spencer Ltd, London. They are by Royal Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen and the medals were cast in their factory in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.
2008 – Roy Lancaster
Guild President Rebecca Bower presented the first ever Kew Guild Medal to renowned plantsman Roy Lancaster at the Kew Guild buffet dinner at the Coach & Horses Hotel, Kew Green on 19th May. See 2008 Journal p 298.
2009 – Ray Desmond
Awarded ‘in absentia’ at the annual dinner on 23rd May. ‘Ray has been driven to work tirelessly for the benefit of Kew and the Guild. During his tenure on the staff he helped place the Kew Library on a more secure foundation. He also established the Kew archives as we know them today. All his many publications are reference works of great value, and have been central to increasing interest of how Kew has developed over its 250 year history. His latest, the second edition of the history of Kew, is an especially valuable contribution of increasing public understanding of the mission of Kew.’ Together with Nigel Hepper Ray co-authored a celebration of the Kew Guild in their book ‘A Century of Kew Plantsmen’ published in 1993.’ See 2009 Journal pp 398/9.
Photograph © RBG Kew, originally published in ‘Kew: The History of the Royal Botanic Gardens’, by Ray Desmond.
2010 – Alan Barber
Awarded at the annual dinner on 22nd May. ‘Simon said he was always proud of his achievements while he studied at Kew Gardens in the 1960s and achieving the Kew Certificate and was always mindful of his distinctive service as Secretary of the Mutual Improvement Society. Alan has devoted his working life to the improvement of Parks and Open Spaces and campaigning for their improvement and development. Alan’s career spans over 50 years and served in many positions and is well known as a commissioner for architecture and the built environment. He is the author of numerous publications and articles and is much sought after for advice on management of urban parks and green spaces and has been consulted on management of green spaces of cities in the United Kingdom and overseas and is a worthy recipient of The Kew Guild Medal.’ See 2010 Journal p 500.
2012 – Noel McGough
Noel joined Kew in 1988. Apart from the line management of the Conventions and Policy Section and of the UK Overseas Territories and Conservation Training teams, Noel’s role at Kew involves advising the UK government on the application of international biodiversity related conventions to plants. This role also includes conservation governance and negotiation, packaging scientific advice for government policy makers, inter-governmental decision-makers and for international negotiations. Noel is often found leading for the United Kingdom and European Union Presidency in international negotiations.
His day to day job involves managing Kew’s role as UK Scientific Authority for Plants under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and supporting the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity at Kew and in partner countries, the investigation of trade in wild plants and the assessment of possible detrimental trade and the effective application of the CITES Non-Detriment Finding process.
Noel is often working with partner countries to identify methods to correct detrimental trade, in particular through the CITES Significant Trade process and the CITES Plants Committee. This can include developing tools and building capacity to help countries fulfil their obligations under international conventions and building global partnerships through the mechanisms of international biodiversity related conventions.
Noel is a member of the CITES Plants Committee, Chair of CITES Plants Committee Significant Trade Working Group, and Co-Chair of the CITES Advisory Panel for the Evaluation of the Review of Significant Trade. In addition, he is a member of the European Union CITES Scientific Review Group, a member of the CITES Standing Committee Working Group on the use of Taxonomic Serial Numbers, a member of the Defra Advisory Panel for the Methodology for Assessment of Priorities for International Species Conservation and a member of the UK CITES Officers Group. A further significant role is as a UK Government delegate for CITES meetings of the Conference of the Parties, CITES technical committees, European Union meetings and in negotiations.
Projects Noel is involved with include CITES checklists, listed timbers, trade research, Climate Change Science Policy, Plant Diversity Challenge: The Official UK Response to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and Significant Trade in CITES Plants.
Noel has not only been instrumental in building capacity and expertise in the Conventions and Policy section but is recognised by Defra and other international bodies as a key player in the arenas of CITES and latterly of the CBD. He has made a significant contribution to help Kew maintain and enhance its collections legally, to train numerous staff and relevant external people in most aspects of CITES implementation and has been an effective ambassador for Kew.
Biography originally contributed by D. Hepper. Also see 2012 Journal p 168.
2014 – Sir David Attenborough
‘The President then introduced Sir David Attenborough to whom he then presented the Kew Guild Medal. In accepting the Medal, Sir David expressed how much Kew meant to him and how his attachment to Kew, cemented as a Trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens for 10 years, began at a much earlier time when he was married in St Anne’s church on Kew Green where the Hookers are buried. His wife’s family are from the area and as a resident he became a frequent visitor to the Gardens in the days when they charged just 1d.’
As published in 2014 Journal pp 420/21.
2015 – Chris Brickell
At the 2015 Annual Dinner the Kew Guild recognised Christopher Brickell for his outstanding contribution to international horticulture and botanical science, awarding him the Kew Guild Medal. Through his initiatives and involvement in garden management, plant conservation, taxonomy and publications he has provided knowledge, interest and encouragement to a large audience, both professional and amateur to fully appreciate all types of plants and their care.
See further details in 2015 Journal pp 581/582.
2016 – Alan Titchmarsh
35 Kewites assembled on 15th June for a lunch at the Coach and Horses Hotel, Kew Green. The event was arranged by the Kew Guild to mark its award of a Kew Guild Medal to Alan Titchmarsh for distinguished work as a horticulturalist. In welcoming Alison and Alan, Guild President Tony Overland mentioned Alan’s career and particularly his work as President of Plant Heritage, Perennial, and a Trustee of Gardens for Schools, and President or patron of approximately 35 charities and organisations.
Alan, in turn, thanked the Guild for the honour and expressed his pleasure in returning to Kew and meeting up with old friends. He recalled his digs on the Mortlake Road in Kew, and five happy years beside Kew Green; how he had met his wife through Barnes Operatic Society, how he valued the Kew Diploma and the fact that he is in touch with plants every day – he will always be a gardener.
See 2016 Journal p 79.
2017 – Chris Beardshaw
President Jean Griffin presented the Award at the annual dinner on 25th May. Multi Chelsea Gold Medal winner and TV personality Chris provided an entertaining review of his work and gardening experiences.
‘As a landscape designer Chris has been responsible for many attractive planting schemes including the RNLI commemorative feature at the National War Memorial at Alrewas (Staffs) along with many imaginative award winning plantings that have supported important charities at RHS Chelsea. Along with many contributions to radio and television he perhaps is best known as ‘the Helicopter Gardener’ as he ‘dropped in’ to view many top ranking UK garden landscapes. All of the UK’s major horticultural events have benefitted from his expertise, often adding an appealing and captivating touch of humour along the way. Chris uses his natural skills to encourage any age group seeking to pursue an interest in growing plants whether it be for colourful amenity planting, productive cropping or the natural landscape.’
See 2017 Journal pp 142 & 202.
2018 – Martin Duncan
Jean Griffin presented the medal to Martin at the annual dinner on 23rd May.
‘Martin Duncan, Head Gardener at Arundel Castle owned by the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, who attended the dinner in support of Martin. From horticultural training in Ireland, National Parks work, farming, coffee plantation and advisory work in Africa to Jordan working for King Hussein, titled people in Bermuda and landscape designing in the UK; Martin now manages the ornamental and organic vegetable garden at Arundel. He is a firm believer in developing and making history, not keeping to strict historical layout or features as his work at the castle testifies.’
See 2018 Journal pp 285 and 322.
2019 – Laurie Olin
Awarded ‘in absentia’ at the annual Dinner.
‘Laurie is a distinguished American teacher, author, and one of the most renowned landscape architects practicing today. Born in Wisconsin and raised in Alaska, Laurie studied civil engineering at the University of Alaska and pursued architecture at the University of Washington, where Richard Haag encouraged him to focus on landscape. He practiced in Seattle and New York before travelling to England on a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship in 1972-1973 and to Rome as a Fellow in Landscape Architecture at the American Academy in Rome in 1974-1976.’…‘He is currently Practice Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, where he has taught for 40 years, and is former chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture at Harvard University.’
See 2019 Journal pp 401 and 454.
Precied for the Kew Guild website by Sparkle and Richard Ward in December 2020.
In view of the exceptional circumstances brought about by the coronavirus outbreak, we’ve decided, very reluctantly, to postpone our spring/summer events programme. Unfortunately this includes the annual dinner and, most likely, the Ireland trip. I’m really sorry that we’ve had to take this action but the safety and welfare of our members is paramount and this cannot be assured for the foreseeable future.
All being well, we aim to re-arrange these events to take place either later in the year or in 2021; we’ll email you regularly with updates. For those booked onto the Ireland trip we’ll be in touch with you separately.
Once again, apologies. Please stay safe and well.
All the very best, Dave Simpson, President.
The Kew Guild AGM 2022 will be held at RBG Kew on Saturday 10th September 2022. More information will be available nearer the time.
On behalf of the Kew Guild, as its President, I request the pleasure of your company at the Kew Guild Annual Dinner to be held at Cambridge Cottage, 37 Kew Green, TW9 3AB on Thursday 26th May 2022.
We are delighted to announce that we are very honoured to have our Patron HRH Princess Alexandra attending this year’s Kew Guild Dinner.
The Dinner provides the perfect opportunity to renew old friendships, make new friends, catch up on news, and meet the current Kew Diploma students and Guild Committee members.
The Guest Speaker will be Richard Deverell Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In addition to this special occasion all day free admission to Kew Gardens has been agreed for all applicants. Cambridge Cottage will be open from 5.30pm with a pre-dinner drinks reception from 6:15p.m with carriages at 11:00p.m.
Tony Overland has once again arranged a menu with an excellent selection for you to choose when applying for your tickets. There will be a cash bar to purchase drinks throughout the event. The current students will organise a cash raffle / auction to help support student travels. There will be no reserved seating.
Any member requiring financial assistance to facilitate attendance at the Dinner should contact Maxine Briggs, Awards Scheme Secretary, in confidence by email awards@kewguild.org.uk by Thursday 31st March.
We look forward to meeting you all at what will be an excellent occasion for the Guild. Please complete the attached application form to reserve your place[s].
You can apply by completing the form here.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Kidd, President 2020-22
Car Parking Information
Please note that 24 hour parking restrictions apply to all roads around Kew Green, and only paid for parking is available.
Alternative parking is available at the Kew Ferry Lane car park with access, during the day, to the gardens through the Brentford Gate.
Free parking will be available for members and guests in the Herbarium car park from 6.00pm until the end of the event.
Sparkle and Richard Ward have followed and documented the story of past Kew student Hermann Krumbiegel in the Kew Guild Journal over the past few years.
Late last year they were invited to participate in a film about him, at very short notice. The film’s premier was in India on 30th. November 2021.
We are pleased to have obtained agreement from Inner Eye World Films to include the link below:
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__ckCXs3N9Q
We have now clarified that closed captions should be turned OFF when watching the film on Youtube (due to the large number of spelling mistakes). We hope this will be rectified at some point.
The continuing President, Chris Kidd, welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting of the Kew Guild CIO and explained to members that the Guild are required to hold an Annual General Meeting. This was the first face-to-face meeting for nearly 18 months. The surroundings of Cambridge Cottage on a pleasantly warm sunny day was refreshing.
Congratulations to our Trustee Graham Heywood and his wife Eira, who have both been awarded British Empire Medals in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for their services to Autism.
Graham and Eira founded Bolton Adult Autism Support (BAAS) in 2013 to provide support for autistic adults after their son, Julian (now 50) was diagnosed in later life.
Coming as a complete surprise to both Graham and Eira, Graham said “We wouldn’t be here without the support of many organsiations and people… We are also celebrating as we have been given National Lottery funding for our befriending service.”
Well done Graham and Eira, we are proud of you.
Despite the Covid-19 lockdown our printers have come up trumps, your Editor practised self-distancing, and your Journal has been posted!…
Queries about non-receipt of Journals should be addressed to Secretary Sara Arnold.
Run and moderated by our Secretary, Sara, this is a great place for members to connect and share experiences. We hope you will find this engaging and useful.
Members only, see you there!
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