The Queensland Rose Society was formed in 1930: Under the guidance of the Late
Colonel L. Kimber, who was the Society's Foundation President. With an enthusiastic band of 30 rose lovers, the dark days
of the depression were weathered, but not without difficulties and two setbacks. It is related that, when the meagre
treasury swelled to a few pounds, two successive executives absconded with the kitty and records. In the immediate pre-war
years shows were held in the Miniature Rifle Range Hall in Boundary Street. Colonel Kimber steered the destiny of the Society
as President up to 1940; he again took the Chair for the period 1946-50.
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At the beginning of the war 1939-42 until the blackout was enforced in Brisbane, the Committee met at P.&
O Building, Eagle St. The society was then forced into recess & the main work of the secretary was to ensure that members
received their Rose Annuals.
The society re-mustered in 1946 with a membership of 20. Meetings were held in the foyer of the
Carlton Newsreel Theatrette - a very unsatisfactory venue which precluded any form of discussion at monthly shows. Nevertheless
space in Brisbane was at a premium & despite the frantic efforts of the Executive, the society was forced to make this
unsuitable location its "home" until 1947.
The year 1948 found the N.R.S.Q. again trying to progress at the Miniature Rifle Range Hall. Two further
to the Oddfellows Hall, Charllote St, & the Royal Geographical Rooms, Ann St, within the next three years saw the Society
growing to a membership of 147.
Slow but upward growth continued & by 1959 the Society had graduated to the stage where the first
Spring Show was planned, but a disastrous fire on July 12,1959, again brought problems. However, through the beneficence of
the Southern Electric Authority & the astute action of Mr Llew Lewis, the Queensland Branch found temporary haven in the
Recreation Rooms of this instrumentality. The Monthly Shows were held in this location until March 1961 when Willard House,
Ann St, became the permanent abode of the Society. Spring Shows usually started on Thursday night for members of the Committee
and any other members we could manage to talk into helping us.}
On Saturday & Sunday 3rd & 4th October 1999, the Queensland Rose Society staged their 40th Spring
Show. What a far cry from the first show 40 years ago - different roses, different people, different venue. Our first
Spring Show was held in the Brisbane City Hall Supper Rooms in 1960. The champion rose for our first three Spring
Shows was Chrysler Imperial. In 1963-1964 the champion roses were Christian Dior staged by Stan Cottrell &
Silver Lining by Col Bleck. In the 1965 Spring Show 11 classes of Floral Art were staged. 1967 marked the first
occasion a woman exhibitor was awarded the champion of the Spring Show, this honour going to Jean Mellor for the rose Madame
A. Meilland (Peace). Not much information on 1968- 1969 winners, but great years for the rose Peace. 1970 saw the inauguration
of the Queensland Floral Art Championship which called for two arrangements, one formal the other informal. The Tom McManus
Prestige Trophies for this event was won by Edith Wissemann with Betty Mathisen runner-up. In 1972 we became a feature of
the Sunshine State's Warana Festival, whilst remaining completely autonomous in the management and presentation of the largest
floral display held in Queensland. 1973 saw The Australian Rose Society formed.
The eighties and nineties saw many good exhibitors too numerous to mention all offering something in their
own way. Now into the 21st Century we find the Queensland Rose Society still pursuing the love of the rose and as long as
there are roses to plant there will always be Spring and Autumn Shows to come and see those beautiful blooms they call roses.
New active members wanted!
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