Spalding Cactus Mart – Saturday 12th April 2025
Venue: Holbeach Community Centre, Fishpond Lane, Holbeach, Lincs, PE12 7DE.
Spalding branch are pleased to report another great Cactus Mart success for 2025. With collectors and hobbyists once again arriving from all parts of the UK. We are constantly humbled with the support and interest our hobby generates.
I am not going to lie, we were worried that the late announcement of a massive road works project was going to severely impact visitor numbers. The installation of a new sewer for the a housing estate being built resulted in the closure of 2 entrances to the hall and created a logistical nightmare for our visitors and sellers. Fortunately, with some luck, excellent last minute planning and organisation from the Mart organisation team and cooperation from all, disaster was averted and a grand time was had by all.
The quality of the plants on sale was extraordinary. It seems that everyone stepped up their game this year and the sales floor looked so impressive. It was almost a shame to let visitors buy the plants and spoil the display.
It was not just the displays that were impressive, there were also some very choice and rare plants up for sale this year at exceptional prices. There seemed to be something for everyone, from starter plants for as little as just £1, up to very rare and unusual Cristates selling for several hundreds with everything in between. There was something there to satisfy any budget or personal speciality.
If the number of plants I witnessed being transferred to vehicles was any guideline, sometimes requiring multiple trips, then it looks like most visitors found the plants they were looking for, and probably many impulse buys too.
We would like to thank everyone, sellers and visitors alike, for their patience and cooperation on the day, especially the local residents for putting up with the additional congestion and parking issues the mart may have caused. Without your support a show such as ours would not be possible.
A special shout out goes to the varied helpers that volunteered their personal time to the branch for the day, some at very short notice. Their help made the day less stressful and more pleasurable for all of us.
Amongst the growers, nurseries and sellers who participated, we were honoured to have what could prove to be the last ever appearance of Cactusland (Southfield Nurseries) at a major event. They have been supporting the Mart for many years and have been like extended family to the Spalding branch. We would like to thank Bryan and Linda for their support and friendship over the years and wish them the very best for their well deserved retirement.
We learned of another piece of sad news at the Mart, this being the closure of Kent Cacti. Long standing friends and supporters of Spalding branch, Doug Sizmur and Jean Dewhurst have finally decided to retire from the front line and take a more relaxed approach to retirement. I remember visiting Kent Cacti on several occasions with the Dover branch, where there was always something unusual to find. The friendly welcome and relaxed attitude made it a pleasure to visit and will be missed.
It is the public support of events such as our Cactus Mart that help keep the BCSS branches afloat and able to function effectively and we at Spalding would encourage other branches to hold events for themselves too. Events could be as simple as an open garden, mini show or workshop, and we are always happy to share our experience and help with advice and support where requested.
Thanks once again to all for making the day so special.