AGM 2007 Presentations
The following Awards were presented at the AGM on the morning of Saturday 10 November, 2007. The Show awards were presented at a separate ceremony in the afternoon and these are listed under Shows -News.
Lyttel Trophy
The Society’s premier award to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the world of alpine plants.
Bob and Rannveig Wallis have, over many years, grown a huge range of dwarf hardy bulbs and corms to a consistently high standard and have distributed this material widely as gifts and through Rannveig's specialist Nursry, Buried Treasure. They have acknowledged expertise in numerous genera – Calochortus, Colchicum, Cyclamen, Erythronium, Fritillaria, Iris, Scilla andespecially Narcissus. They have travelled extensively, in NW America, the eastern Mediterranean and, latterly, Iran, discovering in the process plants new to science, and equally encountering species such as Iris danfordiae and Fritillaria poluninii that had hitherto not been seen in the wild for many years. Their acute observations in the field have led to the unravelling of long-standing horticultural conundrums, such as the differences separating F. hermonis from F. amana. They have written a succession of very informative articles as a consequence, lectured widely and encouraged the cultivation of their findings. They are also accomplished leaders of several AGS tours to the aforementioned countries. Over the years, they have been staunch supporters of AGS Shows, winning large numbers of trophies and awards. Both are highly respected judges at such events, and Rannveig is an Assistant Director of Shows.
There are many examples of individual plants whose cause has been advanced by them – to give but one example, they have virtually single-handedly fostered the establishment of the Sichuan endemic Fritillaria davidii. Not only have they grown such plants to hitherto unrivalled standards, but they have then distributed them widely, popularising them in the process. The cultivation of such plants has never been more popular; the standards achieved – and the efforts of Bob and Rannveig – are surely unrivalled.
Lunchtime
Putting the Lyttel Trophy to good use!
Sir William & Lady Lawrence Award
An international Award given to someone under 35 years of age who has made a contribution to work with alpines - cultivation, research etc.
Kaye Griffiths is employed at the RHS Garden at Harlow Carr near Harrogate. Her specific responsibility is for the alpine collection and since taking over this role she has transformed the collection in terms of both quality and presentation. Much work has been undertaken by Kaye to improve the plunge beds and to increase the alpine collection through propagation and acquisition. Kaye is also involved in a great deal of educational work, encompassing school parties, sixth form teach-ins and graduate training. She writes a regular gardening column for a local newspaper and one of her innovative alpine plantings was featured in a recent issue of ‘The Garden’.
The Kath Dryden Award
This award recognises meritorious work and expertise in advancing our knowledge and understanding of the cultivation of a genus or group of alpine plants.
Philip Baulk in recognition of his work with the Genus Lewisia. Philip Baulk joined Ashwood Nurseries in 1975 and since that time has developed seed strains aiming to produce more floriferous plants in a range of pure colours. Arising from this he developed the well-known ‘Ashwood Yellows’ that have subsequently appeared on many AGS show benches. More recently Philip has developed the Lewisia ‘Ashwood Carousel’ strain, hybrids between Ll. Cotyledon and pygmaea. Philip formed a National Collection of Lewisia in the early 1980’s and continues with this work.
The Ferrier Charlton Award
This award recognises outstanding work for the Society in an administrative or managerial capacity.
Doug Joyce has been solely responsible for the administration of the AGS Photographic Competition for many years. He has also carried out a great deal of preparatory and organizational work for the Society’s exhibits at both the Chelsea Flower Show and that at Hampton Court. Doug has assisted with the staffing of Society publicity stands at shows and events and played a strong organizational role within the Mid-Anglia Group, having been Secretary of the Group and Conference Organiser.
Award of Honour
This award recognizes sterling work undertaken on behalf of the Society, not necessarily during the year, but over a period of time
Alan Furness has been a leading member of the AGS for nearly three decades. He has served long periods of Office locally, both as Chair and Secretary of the North-East England Group and also Show Secretary of the Northumberland Show. In addition Alan has served on the Society’s Main Committee three times, including one as Chair of Main Committee (2003-2006) and a member of RHS Joint Rock Garden Plant Committee. Alan is an authority on many alpine genera and one of the best known exhibitors and judges of alpine plants in the country. In particular Alan has pioneered the cultivation of many exacting species of Celmisia and has held the National Collection. Alan has helped to build several beds in the AGS garden at Pershore and is a well known speaker, having visited many AGS groups.
Award of Honour
This award recognizes sterling work undertaken on behalf of the Society, not necessarily during the year, but over a period of time
Primrose Upward has acted as the AGS Secretary to the RHS Joint Rock Garden Plant Committee for eleven years. This has involved much hard work, dedication and a call upon her vast plant expertise. Behind the scenes she has supported her husband Michael (past Secretary of the Society), in all the many aspects of his work for the Society. Primrose has provided generous hospitality and accommodation for numerous AGS visitors. She is always willing to offer help and support for both local and national events. For over 40 years Primrose has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Society.
Local Group Award
These awards recognise outstanding service within a Local Group over a number of years, the impact of which is felt more widely than just the local area.
Fred and Pat Bundy for their services to the West Yorkshire Group. Pat has been Treasurer of the Group for many years and also Show Treasurer for the AGS national shows in Leeds and Harrogate. Fred has regularly served on the West Yorkshire Group Committee and taken on the role of ‘audio technician’. They have both supported the Group in all its activities, giving loyal and outstanding service over a long period of time.
Local Group Award
These awards recognise outstanding service within a Local Group over a number of years, the impact of which is felt more widely than just the local area.
Rosemary Powis for her services to the East Kent Group and in helping to promote the AGS nationally. For over 16 years Rosemary has played a very active role in running the activities of the Group. She has also arranged publicity displays on behalf of the Group at events around the county and helped with the computerization of show results for the AGS National Show at Rainham. In addition Rosemary has been a regular volunteer on the AGS exhibits at Chelsea, where she has helped to promote the Society and recruit new members.
Local Group Award
These awards recognise outstanding service within a Local Group over a number of years, the impact of which is felt more widely than just the local area.
Maurice and Gerda Russell - for their services to the Dorset Group. Over the last 15 years Maurice has taken on various roles within the Group, previously Secretary for 10 years and more recently as Treasurer. He has also been Editor of the Group Newsletter and played a leading role in the organization of the AGS national Summer Show South. In addition he has served on the AGS Main Committee. Gerda has been Membership Secretary of the Group and also Treasurer for the AGS national Show. Both Maurice and Gerda are extremely hard working and dedicated members of the Group with a strong commitment to the Society.
Literary Awards - Clarence Elliott Memorial Award
Peter Erskine for his articles:
Unfinished Business – Thirty Years on Greensand [Dec 2005: 256-271; March 2006: 61-73; June 2006: 204-211 and Sept 2006: 441-450] by Capt Peter Erskine CBE RN VMH
Literary Awards - Florence Baker Award
Anne Wright for her painting:
Matteuccia struthiopteris [exhibited at the Loughborough Spring Show]
Literary Awards - The Lionel & Joyce Bacon Award
Terry Smale for his article:
Growing Cape Bulbs in the UK [Sept 2006: 347-358]