Membership of the Gloucester Federation of Garden Societies is open to any gardening club or society in Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas. In addition to offering Public Liability Insurance, the federation offers:

• a forum for the exchange of ideas between gardening clubs
• lists of speakers on various gardening related topics
• judges for shows, competitions and exhibitions

ANNUAL GENRAL MEETING
All members are entitled to be represented and have up to four votes per member club. It is held within ten months of the end of the financial year at Hartpury College at a date set by the Executive Committee. At this meeting the business of the Federation is conducted, officers elected, and the Executive Committee is formed with representatives from the affiliated clubs and societies. There is usually an opportunity to look around the College grounds and see the work of Horticultural and Ground Staff departments.

NEWSLETTER
This is issued in January, April, September, and contain details of horticultural interest and news from our member clubs and societies. Information should be in the hands of the General Secretary by the first week of the month preceding publication.

GFGS HANDBOOK
This includes all the information about the Federation, and is published in parts such as the Lists of Speakers and Judges, Insurance, Constitution, History, and current activities. The lists should be passed to the appropriate club officers. Amendments are issued as necessary, either as information in the newsletter, or by a new issue as deemed necessary. Please advise the General Secretary of any changes to clubs/societies officers. We are always on the look out for new speakers.

INTERNET WEBSITE
This is a comparatively new venture for us and gives information from the members and from the Federation. Members are encouraged to contribute to the website by sending in information on their activities or establishing their own link to the gfgs site. It also has links to other sites of mutual interest.

GUILD OF JUDGES
The Federation has formed a Guild of Judges which offers ongoing knowledge to existing judges and a training scheme for those wishing to become judges. Please apply to the Guild Secretary for further information.