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2025-10-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 226802

The National Sweet Pea Society Unaudited Financial Statements 31 October 2025

Independent reviewer: Lucinda De Quincey Adams MA FCA

The National Sweet Pea Society

Financial Statements

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

Pages
Trustees' annual report 1 to 4
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Statement of financial position 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 to 14

The National Sweet Pea Society

Trustees' Annual Report

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 October 2025.

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name The National Sweet Pea Society The National Sweet Pea Society
Charity registration number 226802
Principal office Challow Mead
Silver Lane
West Challow
Oxfordshire
OX12 9TN
The trustees Mr R Parsons President
Prof A Shreeve Chairman of Committee
Mr G Hollingdale Deputy Chairman of Committee
Ms C Ball Honorary Treasurer, Annual Editor
Ms C Tate Honorary Secretary
Mr L Burrell Elected Committee member (resigned 25.09.25)
Mr N Hatch Elected Committee member (appointed 25.09.25)
Mr P Johnson Elected Committee member
Mrs J Morgan Elected Committee member
Honorary secretary C Tate
22 Lime Grove
Chorley
Lancashire
PR7 3JA
Independent examiner Lucinda De Quincey Adams MA FCA
Vokins Barn
Silver Lane
West Challow
Oxfordshire
OX12 9TN

1

The National Sweet Pea Society

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

Structure, governance and management

The Society was registered as a charity on 11 March 1964 under registration number 226802. The Society is governed by rules revised and adopted on 12 March 2016.

The general management of the Society is conducted by a general committee of up to sixteen persons from the Society's members to be elected for a period of three years at the Society's annual general meeting. The general committee has power to:

There shall not be fewer than three members of the Society appointed by the general committee as trustees, in addition to the officers of the Society (President, Chairman, Deputy Chairman, General Secretary, Treasurer), in whom all property and funds of the Society shall be vested in trust for the Society, and as to real property upon trust for sale with power to postpone sale. The trustees shall not sell any land and the funds shall not be vested or realised without the authority of the general committee.

Objectives and activities

The Society consists of Members and Affiliated Societies paying an annual or life subscription to the Society. The object of the Society is to disseminate knowledge of sweet peas and other Lathyrus species for the public benefit, to encourage, improve and extend the cultivation of these species by means of scientific trials and the holding of exhibitions and displays, by publications and such other lawful activities as the Trustees shall deem necessary.

Public benefit

The Trustees consider they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

2

The National Sweet Pea Society

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

Achievements and performance

The Society celebrated 125 years of its existence in 2025 and this theme ran through many of the events throughout the year.

The Society again ran two National shows. The Early National was held by kind invitation of Webbs at Webbs Garden Centre, Millets Farm, Abingdon and the Late National took place at RHS Bridgewater by kind invitation of the RHS. Both shows were successful with 300 vases and other exhibits staged by 38 exhibitors showing blooms across all types of the genus including special classes celebrating 125 years of the Society. Both shows delighted large numbers of visitors over the weekends many of whom requested information from the special bureau and enjoyed the celebratory displays. Regional shows were held by the Chiltern Sweet Pea Society, the New Forest Sweet Pea Society, the Eckford Society of Wem, the Gloucester show, the Royal Welsh Show and the North West Region of the NSPS, each was well supported by exhibitors and visitors.

Most of the administrative meetings of the Society were held online. A lively and interesting AGM was attended by 26 members in person at the King’s Court, Alcester, Warwickshire, an in-person AGM for the first time since the disruption caused by covid.

During 2025, the Society produced five publications in total; three informative and educational journals, the Annual and two Bulletins, the comprehensive classification list of varieties and the show schedule which covered the two National shows. The publications were well received by members. 'Enjoy Sweet Peas' was provided to all new members and made available to a wider public. During 2025 a comprehensive rewrite of Enjoy Sweet Peas was completed and will be made available during 2026.

The Society website, which was relaunched in November 2023, continues to be an informative and popular way of connecting with members and the general public. The content is updated regularly with topical events and information and includes a members’ only area. Online-only membership, which was introduced in 2023 has modest but increasing uptake. A selection of videos have been created by members, hosted by YouTube, and are available to Society members via the members’ area of the Society website. Other new online initiatives include an ‘Ask the Experts’ zoom meeting answering members’ topical questions. This was followed up by sessions on How to Show Sweet Peas, a review and discussion of the rather difficult season and on using peat free compost.

The Society uses its social media presence to reach out to members and beyond via its popular Facebook pages, its topical Instagram presence and its X (formerly Twitter) pages to inform about Sweet Peas and Society activities.

Trials of novel Sweet Peas, kindly sponsored by Westland Horticulture, were held at West Dean Gardens, Chichester, and Askham Bryan College, York. In total 16 trial varieties were grown at each venue with another 12 comparison varieties also grown at West Dean. 11 varieties were given awards.

Outings to Barnsdale and the Trials at West Dean were held during 2025 as part of the 125 years celebrations and proved popular with members who attended.

A National Collection of Lathyrus , which also has Scientific National Collection status, was held by Society Trustee and President of the Society, Roger Parsons. The collection was passed to Trustee Phil Johnson at English Sweet Peas in Essex during the year. This collection covers approximately 70 species and 1,300 cultivars.

The Society staged popular displays manned by experts available to answer questions at many prestigious horticultural shows open to the general public. Major shows attended with displays and information bureau included the Royal Windsor Flower Show where the NSPS display was visited by King Charles III, the Royal Welsh Show visited by the Princess Royal, Chorley and the Southport

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flower show together with a number of plant fairs held during the spring. Three Trustees put up and manned the English Sweet Peas first display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show which was awarded a gold medal

3

The National Sweet Pea Society

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

Achievements and performance continued

and provided extensive exposure to Sweet Peas on the TV and in other media. Member Darren Everest also exhibited Sweet Peas at both RHS Chelsea, where he was visited by King Charles III, and RHS Hampton Court.

Members again took part in workshops during February – April, the ‘Let’s Get Growing’ initiative in schools and provided speakers for many horticultural Societies. A network of area representatives is maintained and work is being done to increase the level of regional activity as a way to enhance membership. Roz Warley, the district representative coordinator, has established a forum for sharing ideas on Facebook and introduced a rosette which is available to local gardening Societies to award for Sweet Pea classes. This initiative has attracted new members who grow Sweet Peas to join the Society. Overall Membership of the Society has grown by c7.5% in the last year.

Financial review

Incoming resources of £28,481 arose during the financial year whilst outgoings were £24,089. The revaluation of our investments has given the Society an unrealised loss of £1,217. The overall result for the year is net income of £3,175, with a profit of £4,392 before the unrealised loss on investments. The Society's unrestricted funds as at 31 October 2025 amounted to £136,974 (2024: £133,799) which includes Designated Funds of £30,583 (2024: £30,583).

Reserves policy

The Society's reserves consist of accumulated income and designated funds. The designated funds are identified with past members from donations received and held by the Society so as to provide income towards the cost of annual trophies given in memory of the past members and the Life membership fund contributes towards the cost of publications for life members. The funds are invested in COIF Charities Deposit Fund and COIF Charities Investment Fund income units. Reserves held as accumulated income are at a level determined by the Trustees and Management Committee to provide assurance that the Society will be financially viable for the future and able to build on the Society's one hundred and twenty six years’ of history.

The Trustees and Committee are mindful of the current cost of living crisis putting pressure on its activities and the ability of members and the general public to donate towards its charitable activities, the difficulty of securing volunteers to support its activities and to find suitable show venues at affordable prices. The financial review reports the level of reserves held at the financial year end.

Risk management

The Trustees have reviewed the risks to which the Society is exposed and consider there are no major risks facing the Society providing the Society has sufficient financial resources and volunteers to carry on its charitable activities.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 7 March 2026 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

Prof A Shreeve Trustee

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The National Sweet Pea Society

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The National Sweet Pea Society

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The National Sweet Pea Society ('the charity') for the year ended 31 October 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Lucinda De Quincey Adams MA FCA Independent Examiner

5

The National Sweet Pea Society

Statement of Financial Activities

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

2025 2024
Total funds Total funds
Note £ £
Income and endowments
Subscriptions, donations and legacies 4 22,059 16,751
Charitable activities 5 3,221 1,911
Investment income 6 3,201 3,389
──────── ────────
Total income 28,481 22,051
════════ ════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities 7,8 24,089 20,415
───────── ────────
Total expenditure 24,089 20,415
════════ ════════
Net gains/(losses) on investments 10 (1,217) 7,788
──────── ────────
Net income/(expenditure) and net movement in funds 3,175 9,424
════════ ════════
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 133,799 124,375
────────── ─────────
Total funds carried forward 136,974 133,799
══════════ ═════════

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements.

6

The National Sweet Pea Society

Statement of Financial Position

31 October 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Investments14
Website13
Current assets
Stocks
15
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
17
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets
Funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
Total charity funds
2025
2024
£
£
100,974
102,191
1,760
2
,640
102,734
104
,831
14,429
17,765
2,802
1,716
18,246
10,644
────────
────────
35,477
30,125
(1,237)
(1,157)
────────
────────
34,240
28,968
────────
─────────
136,974
133,799
──────────
─────────
136,974
133,799
══════════
═════════
136,974
133,799
──────────
─────────
136,974
133,799
══════════
═════════

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 7 March 2026, and are signed on behalf of the trustees by:

Prof A Shreeve Trustee

Ms C Ball Trustee

The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements.

7

The National Sweet Pea Society

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Challow Mead, Silver Lane, West Challow, Oxfordshire, OX12 9TN.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

The entity constitutes as a public benefit entity as defined in FRS102.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Disclosure exemptions

The entity satisfied the criteria of being a small charity as defined in Charities Act 2011 and the Charities SORP (FRS102) and has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available to it.

Accounting period

The accounting period runs to the 31 October each year.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

No significant estimates or judgements have been made by management when preparing the financial statements. The policies followed are shown below.

8

The National Sweet Pea Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Income tax

The Society is exempt from taxation on its income and gains on investments.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Incoming resources

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Income from subscriptions and donations is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. Investment income is recognised when receivable and is shown gross to include income tax recovered and recoverable. Investment income comprises the returns on investments for the year and interest on cash balances.

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Show Stands & Equipment - 33% straight line Website 20% straight line

Investments

Investments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value being recognised in profit or loss.

9

The National Sweet Pea Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Stocks

Stocks are measured at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost includes all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the stock to its present location and condition.

4. Subscriptions, donations and legacies

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted
Total Funds
Unrestricted
Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Donations
Donations 9,121 9,121 4,362 4,362
Legacy - - 2,000
2,000
Subscriptions
Members 9,481 9,481 7,554 7,554
Affiliated Societies 657 657 1,119 1,119
Gift Aid 2,800 2,800 1,716 1,716
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
22,059 22,059 16,751 16,751
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

The Trustees contributed £6,768 to the Charity in donations and sponsorship during the year (2024: £2,085).

5. Charitable activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Sale of goods as part of direct
charitable activities 957 957 412 412
Outings 800 800 - -
Trial Fees 30 30 40 40
Advertising in publications 515 515 838 838
100 club lottery 860 860 550 550
Exhibition entry fees 59 59 71 71
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
3,221 3,221 1,911 1,911
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

6. Investment income

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Interest on Bank Deposit 974 974 1,254 1,254
Repayment supplement 62 62 21 21
COIF Charities Investment Fund
Dividends 2,165 2,165 2,114 2,114
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
3,201 3,201 3,389 3,389
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

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The National Sweet Pea Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

The breakdown of expenditure on charitable activities is shown below:

Cost of merchandise
Outings
Trials
Award cards
Society medals
Seeds cost
Banners & leaflets
Display costs
Printing Annual and other publications
Exhibition prizes
Exhibition expenses
100 club prizes
Donations to promote sweet peas
Sundry expenses
Depreciation of website
Support costs (note 9)
Governance costs
2025
£
287
859
-
211
651
623
-
43
9,390
1,971
2,582
490
80
533
880
4,403
1,086
24,089
2024
£
188
173
215
208
-
1,498
127
9,143
1,468
362
640
-
895
880
3,547
1,071

20,415

8. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type

Total funds Total fund
2025 2024
£ £
Charitable activities 23,003 19,344
Governance costs 1,086 1,071
──────── ────────
24,089 20,415
════════ ════════

9. Analysis of support costs

The breakdown of support costs is shown in the table below:

Other printing and stationery
Postage and telephone
Meeting expenses
Mailchimp
2025
£
262
3,738
117
286
4,403
2024
£
81
3,162
304
-
3.547

10. Net gains/(losses) on investments

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Gains/(losses) on other investment
assets - COIF Charity Investment Fund (1,217) (1,217) 7,788 7,788
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

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,

The National Sweet Pea Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

11. Independent examination fees

2025 2024
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 1,086 1,071
══════ ══════

12. Trustee remuneration and expenses

No Trustee received any remuneration in the year (2024: £Nil). The average number of employees during the year was Nil (2024: Nil). No Trustee or any other person connected to the Society had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the Society during the year. 2 Trustees (2024: 3) were reimbursed a total of £223 (2024: £515) for travel and other costs on Society business. This sum includes £177 (2024: £362) of costs incurred directly by one Trustee (2024: 1) in their role as show managers for the National show.

13. Tangible fixed assets

The tangible assets of the Society consist of show equipment and the Society website. Show equipment costing £2,064 is still in use and is fully depreciated. The website was brought into use in November 2022.

2025
Website
Cost at 1 Nov 2023 and 1 Nov 2024
Additions
Cost at 31 Oct 2025 and 31 Oct 2024
Depreciation at 31 Oct 2025 and 31 Oct 2024
Depreciation in year
Depreciation at 31 Oct 2025 and 31 Oct 2024
Net book value at 31 Oct 2025 and 31 Oct 2024
£
4,400
-
4,400
(1,760)
(880)
_
2,640
1,760
14.
Investments
Cash or cash
equivalents
Other
investment
Cost or valuation
£
£
As at 1 November 2024
24,683
77,508
Additions
-
-
Fair value movements
-
(1,217)
As at 31 October 2025
24,683
76,291
Impairment
As at 31 October 2024 and 31 October 2025
-
Carrying amount
As at 31 October 2025
24,683
76,291
As at 31 October 2024
24,683
77,508
2025
Website
Cost at 1 Nov 2023 and 1 Nov 2024
Additions
Cost at 31 Oct 2025 and 31 Oct 2024
Depreciation at 31 Oct 2025 and 31 Oct 2024
Depreciation in year
Depreciation at 31 Oct 2025 and 31 Oct 2024
Net book value at 31 Oct 2025 and 31 Oct 2024
£
4,400
-
4,400
(1,760)
(880)
_
2,640
1,760
14.
Investments
Cash or cash
equivalents
Other
investment
Cost or valuation
£
£
As at 1 November 2024
24,683
77,508
Additions
-
-
Fair value movements
-
(1,217)
As at 31 October 2025
24,683
76,291
Impairment
As at 31 October 2024 and 31 October 2025
-
Carrying amount
As at 31 October 2025
24,683
76,291
As at 31 October 2024
24,683
77,508
2024
£
4,400
-
4,400
(880)
(880)
_

1,760
2,640
s
Total
£
102,191
-
(1,217)
100,974
-
100,974
102,191

1,760
Other
nvestment
£
77,508
-
(1,217)
76,291
-
76,291
77,508

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12

The National Sweet Pea Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025

14. Listed investments (continued)

All investments shown above are held at valuation and relate to the designated funds invested in a Charities Investment Funds (COIF).

15. Stocks

2025 2024
£ £
Finished goods and goods for resale 14,429 17,765
════════ ════════
16. Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Other debtors 2,802 1,716
═══════ ═══════
17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 1,237 1,157
═══════ ═══════

18. Analysis of charitable funds Unrestricted funds

Gains and Gains and
2024 Income Expenditure (losses) 2025
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 103,216 28,481 (24,089) (1,217) 106,391
Designated Funds 30,583 30,583
───────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ─────────
133,799 28,481 (24,089) (1,217) 136,974
═════════ ════════ ════════ ════════ ═════════
Gains and
2023 Income Expenditure (losses) 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 93,792 22,051 (20,415) 7,788 103,216
Designated Funds 30,583 30,583
───────── ──────── ──────── ──────── ─────────
124,375 22,051 (20,415) 7,788 133,799
═════════ ════════ ════════ ════════ ═════════

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The National Sweet Pea Society

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year from 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024

19. Analysis of net assets between funds

Designated Funds are made up of the following:

Unrestricted
funds
£
Designated
funds
£
Fixed assets
72,151
30,583
Current Assets
35,477
-
Current Liabilities
(1,237)
-
Net Assets
106,391
30,583
Total
funds
£
102,734
35,477
(1,237)
136,974

Designated funds are made up of the following

Life membership fund
College Prize fund
Charles Hamner Memorial Fund
JCPM Davis Memorial Fund
ER Janes Vase Account
Frances Williams Memorial Fund
FC Harriss Memorial Fund
Bolton Cup Proceeds Fund
Tom Baines Memorial Fund
BR Jones Memorial Fund
Burfoot Trophy Fund
Whittemore Fund
Tom Cordy Fund
Total
2024
£
Income
during the
year
£
Transfers
(to)/from
income and
expenditure
account
£
21,810
-
-
300
-
-
510
-
-
300
-
-
100
-
-
234
-
-
500
-
-
2,068
-
-
100
-
-
1,761
-
-
2,000
-
-
400
-
-
500
-
-
────────
30,583
-
-
2025
£
21,810
300
510
300
100
234
500
2,068
100
1,761
2,000
400
500
────────
30,583

20. Related parties

The Society requires all members of the Executive and General Committees declare and, if necessary, withdraw from the relevant part of the meeting should any conflicts of interest potentially arise. The Society also requires that all committee members, or anyone else undertaking activities on behalf of the Society, declare any material interests they or a related party may have in the activities of the Society.

During the year, Roger Parsons of Roger Parsons Sweet Peas, and Phil Johnson of Agrifusion made purchases of advertising from the Society. These transactions were completed on the same terms as other advertising sold by the Society.

The Society purchased sweet pea seed from Phil Johnson at discounted rates for sale at Society events. The Society offered to purchase sweet pea seeds from other seed merchants on the same terms. The Society purchased rosettes from Roz Warley at discounted rates for issue to affiliated societies and to commemorate 125 years of the Society. The Society benefitted fromthe donation of plants and blooms from 6 trustees at no cost to the Society.

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