Founded in December 1986, the East Lancashire Local Group has developed into one of the foremost alpine groups in the country, holding regular monthly meetings in Ramsbottom (usually on a Monday evening at 7.45pm). The group plays host to the nation's leading growers, nurserymen and exhibitors and meetings, which attract enthusiasts from all over the north-west of England, feature illustrated lectures; plant, seed and book sales; refreshments, a raffle and free parking.

We welcome newcomers to this wonderful form of gardening and this very friendly group is a happy mix of experts, less experienced growers and absolute beginners. 

Although meetings start at 7.45pm the doors are open from 7pm onwards for plants sales and a good old chitchat - the social side of alpine gardening is just as important to our members as the horticultural attractions.

With this in mind the group organise garden open days, practical workshops and wonderful summer trips to nurseries, private gardens and centres of alpine excellence.

Meetings are held each month from September through to May and include non-lecture events such as a digital photography competition, a group mini-show and a social evening with refreshments and bar.Details of all our meetings for the 2009 - 2010 season are listed below and further information can be obtained from Group Secretary; Shelagh Smethurst on :- 0161 761 7891 or by e-mail at :- s_smethurst@o2.co.uk    

EVENTS

• 14th September 2009  Ramsbottom Civic Hall 7.45pm Doors open 7pm
  Malcolm Edmunds from Preston
  'Wildflowers of the French Pyrenees'

• 12th October 2009  Ramsbottom Civic Hall 7.45pm Doors open 7pm
  Tony Willis from Chorley
  'Two weeks in Chile'

• 9th November 2009  Ramsbottom Civic Hall 7.45pm  Doors open 7pm
  The Jim Lever Memorial Lecture
  Peter Bland from Preston
  'Messing about with plants'

• 14th December 2009  Ramsbottom Civic Hall 7.45pm Doors open 7pm
  Annual General Meeting
  Ron Price from Eccles
  'Khazakstan'

• 11th January 2010  Ramsbottom Civic Hall 7.45pm Doors open 7pm
  Julia Corden from Pitlochry
  'The Explorers Garden'

• 8th February 2010  Ramsbottom Civic Hall 7.45pm Doors open 7pm
  Group Digital Photographic Competition - Open to East Lancs Group Members only.

• 8th March 2010  Ramsbottom Civic Hall 7.45pm Doors open 7pm
  Cliff Booker from Whitworth
  'Cream of Alpines'

• 10th March 2010 Whitworth Civic Hall, The Riverside, Market Street, Whitworth, near Rochdale From 11.30am. AGS EAST LANCASHIRE NATIONAL ALPINE FLOWER SHOW Featuring the nation's top exhibitors, growers and nurserymen.ver 130 classes. Free parking. Refreshments. Raffle. Tombola. are plants, seeds and books for sale. Visitors welcome.

• 12th April 2010  Ramsbottom Civic Hall 7.45pm Doors open 7pm
  Mini-show and Social Evening

• 10th May 2010  Ramsbottom Civic Hall 7.45pm Doors open 7pm
  Jeff Hutchins from the Wirral 'Growing Hardy Orchids'