Welcome to the Website of Shoalhaven Orchid Society Inc.

The Shoalhaven Orchid Society was formed in 1956 and currently has a membership approaching 140.

The objects of the society are:
a. To advance the culture and enjoyment of orchids
b. To increase the number of those interested in orchid culture
c. To promote friendly competition between members at society meetings and shows
d. To conduct exhibitions and grant prizes

General - The Shoalhaven Orchid Society Inc is managed by an annually elected Committee of Management.
Members of this committee are:

President - Martin Montebello 4446 6177
Secretary - Lynne Phelan 4447 8280
Treasurer - Stuart Crowther 4421 2449
Publicity Officer - Andrew Munro
Auditor - Lorraine Wood
Librarian - Mary Ahonen
Vice President - Wayne Simmons
Brian Phelan
Sandra Ellis
Sue Montebello
Yvonne Young
Brian Nightingale

For further information contact the Secretary, Lynne Phelan, 206a Woollamia Road, Woollamia NSW 2540, Phone 02 4447 8280, Email lynnbull@tpg.com.au

Meetings and Venue - The society meets in the Pavilion at the Nowra Showground at the western end of Junction Street, Nowra, on the third Wednesday of each month, with the exception of January. The hall is open at 6.30 pm and meetings begin at 7.45 pm. Plants for judging must be benched by 7.30 pm. Membership fees are $25 for families and $20 for singles p.a.

Plant Judging - Prior to the commencement of the meeting, a Popular Vote is conducted with members and visitors voting for their favourite orchid in Open Class, Intermediate Class and Novice Class. A formal vote is conducted by qualified persons during the course of the meeting. Winning plants are later photographed and feature in the Newsletter for the following month. These results are recorded and prizes awarded at the end of the judging year. Open Class is for experienced growers, Intermediate Class is for less experienced growers and Novice Class is for orchid beginners.

Speakers - At each meeting there is a guest speaker either from within the society or an outside authority to speak to members on a range of matters relative to orchids and their culture.

Newsletter - The society publishes an eight page Newsletter one week prior to each meeting. This Newsletter records all society events and happenings, benching and show results. It is available via Email to those who have this facility.

Society Events - Two shows a year are conducted in winter and spring and an exhibition is held at the Berry Garden Festival. The society is also involved in the Shoalhaven Lifestyle Expo and other similar events to which we are invited.

Sales Table - The society conducts a trading table at each meeting and shows where members are able to buy and sell plants and related material. A commission is charged for the sale of plants.

Activities - At least once each year the society has a 'Roving Day' where members are invited to view the orchid growing establishments of several growers to see how others are growing their plants. These days feature an orchid workshop and a barbeque lunch. One daytime meeting is also held each year for those who have difficulty attending night meetings and this also includes a workshop. A Christmas in July dinner and normal Christmas Party are also held along with periodic social evenings at the Nowra Golf Club. An auction of orchids and other goods is held once a year to raise funds for the society.

Library - An extensive library of orchid books is available to members. These include two national orchid magazines which are published bi- monthly.

Society Book - In 1998 the society published a book "Orchid Growing in the Shoalhaven". This book, written by members, is on sale for $10. The history of the Shoalhaven Orchid Society was also written to commemorate the 50th year of operation by the society.

South and West Region - The Shoalhaven Orchid Society is a member of the South and West Region, which holds a combined show and conference every second year. Other member societies are, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Canberra, Sapphire Coast and Eurobodalla. Large displays are a feature of these shows and Shoalhaven will host the next show in 2011.