Ideas for branch meetings

For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation and exhibition of cacti & other succulents.
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Chris L
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Re: Ideas for branch meetings

Post by Chris L »

This is the balance of meetings for 2022. Maybe some ideas in there?

https://society.bcss.org.uk/index.php/h ... s-a-k.html
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TraceyM
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Re: Ideas for branch meetings

Post by TraceyM »

This threads seems to have become "what speakers we do or don't like."
I was hoping it would be useful for secretaries to look through for ideas for their meetings and give me ideas for our branch meetings when we are unable to get a speaker.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to let me know of ideas for branch meetings.

Another idea I have been given is a cacti or succulents which can be grown in the house. Our speaker will have lots of ideas and we will ask people to bring in plants they grow in the house.

Growing under lights is also a talk we will be having next year.
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Stuart
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Re: Ideas for branch meetings

Post by Stuart »

Whilst I don't like meetings with a subject beyond the scope of our hobby (imagine going to your first Branch meeting and finding it as a talk about irises - yes it has happened), when I was speaking at Southampton recently there was a suggestion that various branch members could do a ten minute talk entitled 'my other hobby', before the main talk. I quite like that idea as long as the 'other hobby' is legal!

Stuart
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Chris L
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Re: Ideas for branch meetings

Post by Chris L »

TraceyM wrote: Tue Aug 16, 2022 4:31 pm This threads seems to have become "what speakers we do or don't like."
I was hoping it would be useful for secretaries to look through for ideas for their meetings and give me ideas for our branch meetings when we are unable to get a speaker.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to let me know of ideas for branch meetings.

Another idea I have been given is a cacti or succulents which can be grown in the house. Our speaker will have lots of ideas and we will ask people to bring in plants they grow in the house.

Growing under lights is also a talk we will be having next year.
I've done a few quizzes. Should be able to PM them to you, though they are a little oddball.
Joined 1991
Lamb's Reference Plate Index http://www.cactus-corner.co.uk/referenc ... -guide.htm
FREE on Kindle Unlimited:
Anglesey Circular Walk https://amzn.to/34i18qF
Lytham-Arnside Walk https://amzn.to/3fpQPGf
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TraceyM
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Re: Ideas for branch meetings

Post by TraceyM »

I think a fun quiz is a great suggestion. Simon at Sheffield branch sent me the quiz their branch did last year so I have one for our branch thank you.

My local group of the Fuchsia society renamed to the houseplant and fuchsia society. They have meetings on all types of plants and topics but I agree that if members are not interested in the topic it would mean not many attendees. I once went to a talk there about orchids which was great but I am not sure I would book it for a cactus meeting.

Has any branch had talks from head gardeners of local open gardens? ie the RHS gardens or similar.

I am also considering an evening visit to a local open garden from the NGS (National Garden Scheme) to replace a monthly meeting next year.
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el48tel
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Re: Ideas for branch meetings

Post by el48tel »

York have had talks on other topics .... plant related but not C&S
Endeavouring to grow Aylostera, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Matucana, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia. Fallen out of love with Lithops and aggravated by Aeoniums.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
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juster
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Re: Ideas for branch meetings

Post by juster »

Tracey I think that something to keep in mind is the cost. We are very fortunate that most (all?) BCSS speakers give their talks free and just charge expenses, hopefully they make a profit on selling some plants. However the speakers on the RHS list all charge a fee. I used to organise the speakers for my local Fuchsia group, we did well to get a speaker for less than £50 and that was a number of years ago.
Croydon Branch member, growing mainly cacti and Echeverias
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Stuart
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Re: Ideas for branch meetings

Post by Stuart »

That's a good point, I hadn't thought about the cost but the BCSS is fairly unique in the plant world for having speakers who only charge petrol costs. I've been paid $200 for a 45 minute talk in the US even though I didn't ask for anything. I know this sounds a bit sad but I fell asleep last night working out questions for a cactus related quiz that could be just as easy to answer by an 'expert' as someone attending their first meeting. It can be done!

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TraceyM
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Re: Ideas for branch meetings

Post by TraceyM »

I had forgot that other societies' speakers charge. The Alpine Society have a list of speakers and their costs on the website and they are not cheap.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reply.
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