The Rose Society of Northern Ireland was founded in 1964 by Craig Wallace, Sam McCredy and Reg Wesley. Craig’s vision was the driving force in bringing the International Rose Trails to Belfast in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. Our members still judge in the trails today.
The Rose Society of Northern Ireland and the Rose Gardens at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park came about through the aspirations and ambitions of two young men. At that time both were in their twenties.
Craig Wallace, who had long harbored the idea of a Rose Society in Northern Ireland and Sam McGredy who aspired to have a Rose Trial Ground in Northern Ireland. The two met at the McGredy Rose Breeding Nursery in Portadown on 9th August 1963 and so began the journey to create the Rose Society and the Rose Garden.
Reginald Wesley, Director of Belfast Parks was approached and liked the idea of an International Rose Trial with a Rose Society to supply a judging panel. He pursued the idea with the Parks Committee, who agreed that the City of Belfast International Rose Trials be established in a suitable Belfast Park.
A steering group was set up of Reginald Wesley, Sam McGredy, Craig Wallace and including Pat Dickson a Rose Breeder from Newtownards. Also on the steering group were Cecil Nixon and Eric Mayne senior horticulturalists from the Ministry of Agriculture.
A letter was sent out to a number of Rose growers and horticulturalists and others likely to be interested inviting their attendance at a meeting on 4th March 1964 in the International Hotel in Belfast. 37 persons attended the meeting. A formal proposal was made by Pat Dickson seconded by Eric Mayne that a Rose Society be formed and a proposal was made by Reginald Wesley seconded by Sam McGredy that the Society be known as The Rose Society of Northern Ireland. Both proposals were passed unanimously.
The Early Years (1964- 1969)
In the 1960’s memories of World War 2 and the necessary promotion of growing vegetables rather than flowers caused a surge in the popularity of the Rose and other flowers. The Society grew quickly to a peak of over 400 members. In the early years lectures and outings were arranged informally and the only permanent calendar dates were Summer, Autumn Shows and the City of Belfast International Rose Trials.
The Formative Years (1970 – 1989)
Despite troubled times in Northern Ireland, the next two decades saw the compass of the Rose Society increase significantly. A Rose Week each July in Dixon Park added public interest in the Rose Trials and attracted large numbers to enjoy the Roses, entertainment and sales stalls. The Society’s profile was enhanced and our ambitions grew. A full programme of lectures and events were arranged each year with two and eventually three Rose Shows in July September and October. A World Federation of Rose Societies was formed in 1971 and despite initial antagonism from the Royal National Rose Society in the UK, who claimed we were not a national body, our persistence prevailed and we were admitted as members in 1981. Almost immediately we started planning a bid to hold the World Convention of the WFRS in Belfast. A successful bid was made at the 7th WFRS Convention in Toronto that the 9th WFRS Convention would be held in July 1991 in Belfast despite strong competition from Italy and India.
Coming of Age (1990 – 2019)
The 1991 WFRS Convention “Rose Emerald” was one of the most successful World Rose Conventions. Despite the “troubles” 475 delegates attend the programme of lectures events and tours. The Rose Society provided a typical Northern Ireland blend of efficiency hospitality and Irish Good Craic. Handsome profits were made and the Society’s Finances are still benefiting.
The Society continued developing it’s links with Belfast City Council. A varied programme of lectures, shows and outings with emphasis on social interaction attracted new and active members.
A full colour Newsletter was produced on a regular basis. A Website and Facebook pages were also established.
Covid and Beyond
Covid impacted on the social nature of our Society, but it did have a silver lining and numerous enjoyable lectures were held via Zoom. Virtual Rose Shows were also held and enjoyed. Executive Committee Meetings were conducted electronically. The success of Zoom and the technical ability of some members made Hybrid Zoom Meetings of the Executive possible. The decision has been made to have Lectures in January February and March by Zoom. This is a greener and cheaper and safer option. The idea of a lecturer from USA or Australia is possible. It is hoped that Zoom Pods will be formed where members will meet with others locally and watch the lecture on a TV screen and avoid traveling on winter evenings.
The Objects of the Society
The objects of the Society are the advancement of the education of the public in the conservation and cultivation of Roses. These objects are achieved by means of Rose Trials, Lectures, Publications, Rose Shows and Exhibitions, Outreach to like minded individuals, International Co-operation and Conventions.
The Rose Society of Northern Ireland 