As Told by Len Johnson ARA

The Queensland Rose Society was formed in 1930 under the guidance of the (later Colonel) L J 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 in the immediate pre-war years shows were in the Miniature Rifle Range Hall in Boundary Street. Major Kimber steered the destiny of the Society as President up to 1940; he again took the Chair for the period 1945 – 50.

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 during this period was to ensure that members received the 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 and despite the frantic efforts of the Executive, the Society was forced to make this unsuitable location home until 1947.

The year 1948 found the N.R.S.Q. again trying to progress at the Miniature Rifle Range Hall. Two further moves to the Oddfellows Hall, Charlotte St. and the Royal Geographical Rooms, Ann St. Within the next three years saw the Society grow 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 and 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 Street became a permanent abode for the Society. Spring Shows usually started on Thursday night for members of the committee and any other members that the committee could manage to talk into lending some help.

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 previously – different roses – different people, different venue. Our first spring show was held in the City Hall Supper Rooms in 1960. The champion rose for the first three Spring Shows was Chrysler Imperial. In 1963-1964 the champion roses were Christian Dior staged by Stan Cottrell and Silver Lining staged by Col Bleck. In 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 our Spring Show 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. Our former President Doug Matthews instigated the design and manufacture of our excellent show equipment during this period. Our displays are second to none!

Now into the 21st Century, we find the Queensland Rose Society still pursuing the love of the rose 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 are wanted to see us through to our 100th anniversary!