A ONCE-THRIVING society of dedicated gardeners have made the tough decision to shut down their operations after 80 years.

In their pomp, Elsecar Chrysanthemum and Gardening Society, had 50 or 60 members but that has dwindled to around half a dozen.

Jeff Sharman, 76, has been the president for the last two decades.

He said: “It’s a sad time really but we have got to a point where a lot of our members have retired or passed away and younger members have not joined.

“It is an intensive hobby and due to that it’s not everybody’s cup of tea.”

The highlight of the society’s year was at their three shows.

The first, in April, was for daffodils.

The chrysanthemum and vegetable show was in September and late chrysanthemums, grown in greenhouses, were shown off in early November alongside floral art, crafts and baking.

Jeff joined way back in 1973.

He added: “Our heyday was probably from the 70s to the 90s.

“A lot of miners were members.

“There was quite a social side to the group and we used to go to flower shows and have dinners and dances.

“We had some good times and it was a major interest once upon a time.

“But over the last 12 or 18 months our members have dropped down to seven or eight and with the staging of shows being quite intensive, it’s too difficult.”

The society has a number of tropies left over which they would like to return to those who donated.