John Bridgland
12th August 1907 – 15th August 2007
Solent Fuchsia Club owes a great deal for its origin and continued existence for many years, to the enthusiasm of our former President, John Bridgland.
Over numerous years he devoted a great deal of his time to the flower that we as Club members all admire; the Fuchsia.
It was in 1973, when John and six other persons decided to start up a Fuchsia Club. With the encouragement from Stan Cash, Whiteman Medal of Honour and editor of the British Fuchsia Society, they formed a nucleus of dedicated members that would eventually become a prominent concern in the south of England. It became known as Solent Fuchsia Club.
He was elected Vice Chairman in 1973 and then Chairman in 1976.
When the Club had been in existence for approximately six years, it was decided they required a President and John’s name was immediately linked as a possible candidate. Needless to say he was duly elected. He held this position with pride and distinction from the 7th February 1979 until his outstanding and magnificent life concluded a few days after his one hundredth birthday in 2007.
Even when celebrating this special centennial event, it was observed that he still wore his Solent Fuchsia Club’s PRESIDENT badge.
Apart from being very knowledgeable on general horticulture, John was also a fuchsia hybridizer. Records show he produced approximately forty cultivars. His most successful variety being ‘Amanda Bridgland’, named after his granddaughter.
(More details of his cultivars can be found on the B.F.S. website)
It was a very proud moment for John’s family when he became one of Fareham’s first ‘Citizens of Honour’
(This award is presented by Fareham Borough Council to residents or local groups in recognition of their voluntary unpaid efforts for the benefit of others).
Are you interested in growing fuchsias?
Need to know what that fuchsia is called?
Want to know how to over winter them?
Interested in talking to and meeting other fuchsia growers?
Fancy going on organized day trips?
Then come and join us!
We always welcome new members.