WOTTON Horticultural Society is changing its name - but not for the first time.

The society was founded in 1862 with the sole object of organising flower shows.

These became famous all over the West of England and drew thousands of people to the town. However, they invariably lost money, and in 1907 lack of funds led to the society being dissolved.

The club was reformed in 1940 as Wotton-under-Edge Home Food Production Club, influenced by the Dig for Victory campaign.

Its first show in 1943 included sections for gardening, pigs, rabbits and beekeeping. But at the end of the war, interest waned.

There are very few records for the years between 1948 and 1962, although the Gazette faithfully reported the results of the shows held.

And when Lord Bledisloe donated a cup for the best garden of a member of any gardening society in the county, it was won in the first two years by Archie Hughes of Wotton.

In 1960 the club was suspended for "lack of enthusiastic support from members", but it resumed again in 1961.

In 1963, the club took on the format that still exists - monthly meetings with a speaker and outings in the summer - though it hit another bad patch in 1971.

Ernie Wakefield and his wife Doreen came to the rescue and under their care, with Fred Stinchcombe as chairman, the club thrived and grew.

Current chairman Barbara Adams said: "Today the membership is still good, with Doreen still an active member, but we are sure there are younger enthusiasts in the area too."

All the members enjoy gardens but not all are avid gardeners, and after discussion, the name has been changed to Wotton Gardening Club.

Barbara said: "And there you have it - not earth shattering but a big step for us."

For further details about the club contact Barbara Adams, 01454 261278 or Ros Davison, 01453 521598.