GARDEN CLUB HISTORY
By Chris Davison – Club Historian
From the inaugural meeting in February 1982 when the first President took the chair, each successive President (18 in all) has worked diligently to promote the development of the Tamborine Mountain Garden Club. The Committee and each member assisting the Presidents have played a part in the Club’s overall success. From a 1982 membership of forty, the Club currently has a membership of 178.
Tied into the history of the Garden Club is the unique situation of the administration and development of the 11 hectare Botanic Gardens, a massive undertaking for a Garden Club. To raise the necessary funds to administer, develop and maintain these Gardens, in cooperation with the local Council, the idea of a fundraising Flower Festival was born. The Flower Festival, now known under the registered title, “Springtime on the Mountain” blossomed from the first little show in the Zamia Theatre in 1984 to the huge regional festival that it has become today. Coral Chatfield with the help of Pam Bell can be credited in the early days for the small event turning into this Festival, as can Margaret Bell for then taking the Festival into the modern era of Springtime on the Mountain ‘Open Gardens Trail’ and always with the dedicated help of Garden Club members. The Festival drew members together and many lasting friendships were formed.
Over the years the Garden Club has held various other functions to raise money for charities and organisations such as Drought Relief for Charleville, Rural Fire Brigade, SES, Roslyn Lodge, Community Care etc.
For over 30 years the Garden Club has been a community venue to socialise with like-minded gardeners and been a source of learning with workshops, garden visits and guest speakers. Bus trips in the early days are still being talked about 20 years later, and today are of huge enjoyment for Garden Club Members. The sheer joy of belonging to such a club as ours will ensure that the Club will be enjoyed for a long time!
Life Members. Recognition of Exceptional Service to the Club –
As at 2015.
Eve Harling ( Deceased)
Bill Haseler (First Botanic Gardens Curator – Deceased 2014)
Ann Morris (Early President)
Paddy and Margaret Brennan (Deceased 2009 and 2011 – Instrumental in formation of Club)
Ross McKinnon AM (BG Mentor and official opener of Botanic Gardens)
Bobby White (Head Potty Potter and Legend of the Decade)
John and Christine Youngman ( In recognition of their generosity to the Gardens and Club)
Faith Whear (Dedicated service to the Club via Field Days, Springtime etc.)
Geoff and Kay Ilett.
Brian and Chris Davison
Sandy Silabon
The Ron Miller Award (Service to the Club)
Ron Miller was Vice President(1983) and President from 1984-1987. Ron was an energetic, amazing character who involvement with the Botanic Gardens development in it’s infancy was immense.
He was a great organizer of Garden Club trips to the country areas that were often a week long.
Ron started bulk buying of fertilizers and seeds for purchase in smaller quantities by individual members. However, his expertise was not only in his organisational skills but also in his knowledge of roses and growing roses at his home in Lahey Road. Botanic Gardens Newsletter, May 2007
RON MILLER AWARD RECIPIENTS
2006 Jackie Miller
2007 Pat and Margaret Brennan
2008 Nola Woodward
2009 Sandy Silabon
2010 Pam Franklin
2011 Neil and Elwyn Paton – John and Marj Simonson
2012 No award made
2013 Chris Davison
2014 Ann Edie
2015 Dawn Hooper
2016 Eddie Fenton
2017 Glenda Sullivan
2018 Larraine Bilbie
Ron Miller grew Hawaiian Hibiscus in the area of the gardens where the Rose Garden is situated.
Club Patrons
Deneice Wyllie (resigned and left mountain in 2014)
Mary Wallace 2013
Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer. ~Author Unknown
