Public relations are one of the Association’s primary activities. Close contact is maintained with individuals and organisations in West Sussex who are able to influence and effect horticulture. This includes Members of Parliament, District and County Councils, DEFRA, the Environment Agency, the Home Office, SAWS Scheme Operators and theBank of England.
Nursery Open Days
To give members of the public an insight into horticulture and its importance in West Sussex, the WSGA organised Nursery Open Days in 2003, 2005 and 2007. We are holding another open day in June 13th 2010. In previous years, a dedicated supplement in the local newspaper and various additional attractions at different sites, have encouraged over 6,000 people to visit the nurseries in the area on the day. The supplements will be published in the Observer Series of newspapers. We hope that you will join us at our next open day and see just how horticulture operates today. Please click here for more imformation on our 2007 Open Day.
Education and Training
We help members maintain good relations with their local schools. For example, hosting nursery visits for younger school children. These give children an insight into the work on a nursery and links with their education under the National Curriculum. In 2004 the WSGA won an award from SEBA for our work with schools.
For 9 years now the WSGA has held an annual Grow A Garden ‘Mum competition for infant and junior schools in West Sussex to encourage and promote an interest in growing. Our 2008 competition saw a total of 22 schools and over 1,700 children taking part.
Older students have benefited from the opportunities of seeing at first hand, the production and marketing processes on nurseries and how this equates with their studies in Business and Marketing.
WSGA Membership
Finally, membership of the WSGA gives the opportunity to network with fellow horticulturalists, whether it be through the meetings held at the Aldingbourne Country Centre, Norton, near Chichester or at the annual Autumn Dinner.
To become a member of the Association, you need to be a member of the NFU. If you live in the West Sussex area you may sign up to NFU membership via the WSGA or through your own NFU Group Secretary (which ensures that you also get local farming and growing information from your local office). If you live outside of the West Sussex area you are able to become an Associate member of the WSGA.
