Back to Events

Meet the Kew Guild

Events / 27th Jul 2025
23rd April 2025, Princess of Wales Conservatory
Members at the Meet the Guild event

On a radiant April evening, members gathered at the Princess of Wales Conservatory for the inaugural Meet the Guild event - a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and welcome new faces amid stunning surroundings.

Kew Guild Trustees: L-R: Silke Strickrodt, Emma Allen, Richard Barley (Anita Barley), Rob Brett, Colin Hindmarch, Brita von Schoenaich and Tom Pickering

Approximately 60 members came together for an engaging evening filled with animated conversations and delicious refreshments. President Rob Brett welcomed everyone warmly, expressing gratitude for their presence and emphasizing the significance of the Kew Guild as the official alumni organisation of RBG Kew. He highlighted its role in fostering connections and sharing the remarkable depth of expertise held by both long-standing members and current students - celebrating a legacy of horticultural excellence and collaboration.

It was heartening to reunite with familiar faces and forge new connections throughout the evening - a true celebration of the Guild’s spirit. One bittersweet moment came as we bade farewell to Richard Barley, whose departure from Kew marks the end of an extraordinary chapter. Now returning to his homeland in Australia, Richard leaves behind a legacy of dedication and enthusiasm that has enriched us all. He will be greatly missed at Kew, but the Guild are thankful that he will continue his association to become Non-Executive President for 2025-26. 

Meet the Guild - 2

Following the promise made at the 2024 AGM and the success of the Spring event, we’re delighted to extend an invitation to our second ‘Meet the Guild’ gathering, set amidst the stunning backdrop of Cambridge Cottage at RBG, Kew.

Date: Wednesday 24 September 2025. Join us from 4:00pm onwards.

Details will be sent out with the Summer newsletter, so save the date and we look forward to seeing you again in September. 

 

More articles