The Committee.
President
Allan Burdis
My first orchids came from the famous Burnham Nurseries in 1968, with the warning orchids were ‘far too difficult to grow and should be left to the experts’. As I was only 16 I didn’t take any notice and duly purchased my first orchids. From that moment I was well and truly hooked.
I have been an active member of the Bournemouth Orchid Society since 1974 - Chairman 1993-2003, Vice-President 2003-2019, President from 2019.
Chairman
Ken Griffiths
Ken is a keen orchid enthusiast having been a member of the Society for over 40 years. Vice Chairman and Secretary for the last 12 he has recently become Chairman and also appointed Society representative on the British Orchid Council.
He has a mixed collection of mostly warm growing orchids.
Hon. Secretary
Marian Grimes
My interest in orchids started through my partners enthusiasm and as a member of Bournemouth Orchid Society encouraged me to join.
I have a collection of cool growing orchids and my current roles in the society are within the show committee, librarian and most recently Hon Secretary.
Hon. Treasurer
Karen Senior
I have always loved everything to do with gardens and growing things, even from an early age. Orchids became part of that since receiving one as a present 15 years ago. My modest collection is now proudly housed in my conservatory, and their beauty never ceases to amaze me.
Show Secretary
Chris Broomfield
I have been a member of the orchid society for about twelve years and my main passion is growing cool to intermediate growing orchids like Pleurothallis & Restrepia. I have been the show manager for just over nine years and have seen quite a few changes in the orchid world.
Publicity Officer
Nick Fry
My interest in orchids started as early as 6 years old when I found a Bee orchid, and started growing when my neighbour gifted me a Cymbidium.
My main growing interest are Mesoamerican orchids, plus recently cold and cool growing terrestrials.
As well as the Publicity Officer, I’m a BOC judge and am the lead for Parent & Kid’s activities within the society.
Speakers Secretary
Mary Pharaoh
I first started growing orchids as a GP in my consulting room and transferred my caring tendencies from patients to orchids on retirement!
Having gained experience from the friendly Bournemouth Orchid Society members I now act as the committee Programme Secretary and I am undergoing British Orchid Council judge training.
Committee
Glen Jamieson
I have an eclectic mix of species and hybrids; mostly Australian with a selection of plants from Asia and the America’s.
I’m a BOC judge, serve as registrar at our shows as well as also running the monthly points competition.
Show Committee
Mike Powell
I have been growing orchids for about 25 years. For twenty of those I have been a member of Bournemouth Orchid Society, serving on the Show Committee and The General Committee, and I am also a BOC judge.
I specialise in growing Terrestrial Orchids, both tropical and cold growing (“hardy”).
Website Manager
Marius Grzelik
My passion for orchids started in my late 30’s but my love of plants started when I was a boy, spending all my free time working on the family farm, exploring the wilderness or climbing high mountains.
Later in life, when I was doing a horticultural degree in my native Poland, I worked in many European nurseries.