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British Cactus and Succulent Society
Cambridge & District Branch
2024 Programme

Some pictures from our shows

2024 Summer Show: View or download the schedule and entry form

The British Cactus & Succulent Society (BCSS) has around 100 branches throughout the country. The Cambridge & District Branch meets on the second Wednesday of each month (except February) in the Memorial Hall, Woollards Lane, Great Shelford, Cambridge, CB22 5LZ.

Here is a map which should open in a new window. Use the controls on the map if you want more of an overview of how to get there.

The Cambridge Branch was formed in 1947, and usually attracts up to 40 people to its monthly meetings. It is one of the branches grouped together in Zone 6 of the BCSS.

The meetings start at 7pm, but the first half-hour is just an opportunity to talk to others, stage show plants, and search the sales table for bargains, so you needn't arrive until 7.30pm. As a guide, the meetings sometimes go on until 10pm, but might finish earlier.

Everyone is welcome at the meetings (including non-members). Most meetings have a visiting speaker, often illustrated with a digital presentation (or rarely slides these days), or sometimes with plants. Also there are:

Do come to one of our meetings. Just come along, or if you want further information then email our Secretary on secretary@cambridge.bcss.org.uk. You can find information and, if you want, join the National Society here. Note that, like other branches, the Cambridge Branch has to be self-financing, and does not receive any money from your subscription to the British Cactus & Succulent Society. Entrance to our meetings costs £2.00 (first meeting free for new members), and tae/coffee/biscuits are £1.00. You can also contribute to our fund-raising by buying a raffle ticket.


2024 Meetings

View or download the programme booklet for 2024.

The programme booklet is only available online. If you want to print the PDF, then most programs have a print option called 'booklet' or 'brochure' which will arrange the pages so you can fold into a booklet and staple.

  • Wednesday 13th March
Martin Edwards - Texas 2019
  • Wednesday 10th April
David Minnion - The cacti and other attractions of Colorado
Thanks to David for stepping in at the last minute to replace our planned speaker.
  • Wednesday 8th May
Members' Evening
A selection of short presentations from members on a subject of their choice such as cultivation techniques, favourite plants, greenhouse tours (volunteers welcome).
Summer Cactus Show held at our usual meeting venue, Memorial Hall, Woollards Lane, Great Shelford, Cambridge, CB22 5LZ.
All BCSS members are encouraged to enter, and for visitors it's an opportunity to see well-grown plants.
A picture of one of the exhibits at a previous show - click for more pictures.
View or download the schedule and entry form.

Our shows are judged according to the National Society's "Handbook of Shows, 11th edition, 2021". You can order a printed copy here (copies might also be available at the branch). You need this if you are thinking of entering!

  • Wednesday 10th July
To be confirmed...
  • Wednesday 14th August
Alan Brown - Madagascar
Autumn Succulent Plant Show held at our usual meeting venue, Memorial Hall, Woollards Lane, Great Shelford, Cambridge, CB22 5LZ.
The Autumn Show is a chance to exhibit and admire those plants with a later growing season, which aren't at their best in summer, and as in recent years, the classes are just for the 'other succulents' (i.e. not cacti). All BCSS members are encouraged to enter.
A picture of one of the trophies - click for more pictures.
The schedule and entry form will be available for download here when ready.

Our shows are judged according to the National Society's "Handbook of Shows, 11th edition, 2021". You can order a printed copy here (copies might also be available at the branch). You need this if you are thinking of entering!

  • Wednesday 9th October
Ian Woolnough - Czech Collections
  • Wednesday 13th November
To be confirmed...
  • Wednesday 11th December
Christmas Members' Evening & AGM

2025 Meetings


Other Cactus & Succulent Resources


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Author: Clarke Brunt (clarke.brunt@viridis.net)
Last modified: 8th May 2024