On Wednesday 15 June, Bicton Park Botanical Gardens in Devon once again kindly hosted our annual West Country Gathering. Although the June weather gave us a dry morning it wasn’t long before the heavens opened and the rain pelted down over the beautiful gardens. Although the rain continued into the afternoon it failed to dampen the RGS spirit and a great time was had by all.

Champagne was served on the terrace which looked down over the gardens and fountain and a buffet lunch was then served in the Orangery. Following lunch, guests enjoyed a leisurely trip on the Bicton Park railway. The train is an 18-inch gauge railway which wound its way through the Pinetum, home to many of Bicton’s champion trees. It then returned back along the banks of the Great Lake to complete its journey.

Special thanks must go to Fred Lister (OR, 1946) and his daughter-in-law Valerie (owner of Bicton Park) for their hospitality and making the 2016 West Country Gathering a wonderful day.

Click here to see images from the day