Fuchsia Research International which has Arthur Tickner, well know to many of us having been our guest speaker on a number of occasions, as its chief executive officer, is presently involved in a wonderful project.
At Margam Park, Port Talbot in South Wales they are setting up the world's most extensive collection of fuchsia species. The Orangery Gardens in the park have been given a facelift and the Citrus House has been to replicate a cloud forest in the Andes, the original habitat of fuchsias. At present the collection already comprises 85 of the known 111 species. What a wonderful sight that must be. A trip to Margam Park will become the closest thing to a fuchsia hunting expedition that you can undertake without leaving Britain! In this truly unique collection the plants are grown organically, not treated with insecticides or herbicides, but kept in check with natural predators such as nematodes, slugs, frogs and lizzards. Next year the project also hopes to be able to introduce avian pollinators such as hummingbirds.
The species collection is on show to the public but, in collaboration with the University of Bristol, Fuchsia Research International is also studying them.  Part of the aim is to establish a gene pool, as species are being wiped out in many areas because of the increased deforestation in their natural habitat of South America.
Fuchsia Research International was launched in 1998, the BFS Diamond Jubilee year, with the stated purpose "to study the genus fuchsia". Founder members were Les Blaber, Dave Green, Brian Morrison, Paul Parker and Arthur Tickner. Advisors to FRI are Paul Berry, Peter Baye and Michaela Matthes.
As well as the species collection the creation of a comprehensive collection of pre-1914 cultivars is planned. The establishment of such a historical collection will prove immensely valuable as not only will scores of threatened cultivars be saved from oblivion, but also "lost" varieties may well re-surface as the collection is assembled.  Study facilities will be available at Margam Park, enabling a proper scientific exploration of our favourite plant to be undertaken for the first time. In years to come, ordinary growers may well be able to enjoy new fuchsia cultivars with greater disease and pest resistance thanks to the work of FRI.  The world's largest fuchsia archive is another of the attractions that will be on offer at Margam Park, giving members access to a wealth of literature on the cultivation, history and science of the fuchsia. 
Anyone with an interest in the scientific aspects of the genus Fuchsia is invited to become a member of Fuchsia Research International. You will receive a membership card that will act as admission to the National Collection and Fuchsia Research International facilities at Margam Park. Also a copy of the Constitution, the Bulletin, the Journal of Fuchsia Research, and have access to all information concerning projects carried out by FRI, and free advice and information on the scientific and technical aspects of the species Fuchsia. In addition, members will be invited to attend all seminars, conventions & displays arranged by FRI.  Membership is currently £ 15.  More detailed information can be found on the web site http://www.users.dialstart.net/~fri/Contents.htm

* Fuchsia Research International is not set up in opposition to the BFS, but in order to offer enthusiasts an insight into fuchsia culture, science and history that the BFS cannot supply. By joining you will be helping to establish the roots of the fuchsia's growing popularity into the next millennium.

** Margam Country Park consists of almost 900 acres of heavily wooded parkland where herds of deer graze freely around the lakes and wildlife sanctuaries. Dominating the scene is the Castle and within its grounds and gardens a diverse collection of splendid trees from across the world can be found.

You can obtain an useful advance ticket reduction for the Harrogate Autumn Flowers Show?
Telephone the Ticket Hotline on 0870 7583333 or write to Autumn Flower Show, 4a South Park Road Harrogate, HG1 5QU for a brochure and advance tickets order form. Reduced  price tickets will be £7 each.
At the time of going to press the show, due to take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground on 14-16 September, was scheduled to go ahead as planned, however we advice you keep an eye on the local press, etc. and check before setting of.  It has been rather unfortunate that so many events have had to be cancelled this summer due to the foot and mouth outbreak restrictions, including the agricultural based Great Yorkshire Show which was to be visited by the Queen.