History of the African Violet Society of Western Australia

 In 1954 Mr. Frank Rudeforth noticed an article on growing African Violets in 'Your Garden' magazine. It was written by the late Dr. Sydney Crawcour of Melbourne. As Mr. Rudeforth intended visiting Melbourne in the near future, he wrote to Dr. Crawcour to see if he could visit him and see his African Violets.
This was arranged and Dr. Crawcour was pleased to show his violets. He had them growing in a glasshouse and Mr. Rudeforth thought they were very beautiful.

Interest in growing African Violets developed in Melbourne and the Australian African Violet Society was formed in 1958.

Sometime after the inaugural meeting, Dr. Crawcour wrote to Mr. Rudeforth asking him to try and form a branch of the African Violet Society in WA. Mr. Rudeforth talked to people whom he thought would be interested and asked them to publicise the possibility as widely as possible. At a later date, he placed a notice in the newspaper asking other interested people to get in touch with him, with a view to forming a society. It was not until 13th August 1965 that a meeting was called.

FORMATION AND NAMING 
The first meeting was held at Mr. Rudeforth's home, 111 Circe Circle, Dalkeith. There were thirteen people present and apologies were received from six more, two of them from country towns and the others from the metropolitan area. Telegrams of best wishes were received from Dr. Crawcour, President of the African Violet Society of Australia and from Mr. W.G. Hastie, Secretary.
Those present voted unanimously to form a Society.
Using the constitution of the African Violet Society of Australia as a guide.
Office bearers elected were ​:
President                       Mr. F. Rudeforth              
Vice Presidents              Mr. Hammond and Mrs. E. Daw
Secretary                       Mrs. J. Sutherland

It was decided that until the Society really began functioning, the Secretary would also act as Treasurer.

After a lengthy discussion on a suitable name for the Society, it was decided to call it "The Western Australian Branch of the African Violet Society of the African Violet Society of Australia" and the Secretary was instructed to affiliate with the African Violet Society of Australia.
However, when the constitution was drawn up the name used was "The African Violet Society of Western Australia"

Fees were set at 10 shillings - single, 15 shillings - double, 5 shillings - junior. 
Where and when to meet was discussed and it was decided to have afternoon meetings at members' homes once a month. 
After a few meetings, the third Saturday of the month was set as the meeting day and has remained ever since.

A committee of five was set up to draw up a constitution to be presented for discussion at the next meeting. It was also decided to affiliate with the Horticultural Council of W.A. A bank account was opened and the society was set to go. 
At the next meeting the proposed Constitution was presented and after discussion and minor alterations, it was accepted.

The first twelve months evidently proved difficult. On several occasions there were not enough members present to hold a meeting. Efforts had been made to publicise the society and on a number of occasions a speaker had been supplied to other gardening societies.
In December 1966, to help promote wider interest it was decided to add 'General Pot Plants', the group to be known now as 'The African Violet and Pot Plant Society of WA'. It continued under this name for some years until it was deemed interest in growing African Violets was sufficient to sustain a society without other plants. The name change back to the African Violet Society of WA (Inc.) was made when the society was later incorporated.

The dedication and enthusiasm of the members during the early years kept the flag flying until the society flourished.

Mr. Frank Rudeforth later accepted the role of Patron of the Society, a position which he held until his passing in 1990.

Meetings for the first ten years or so were held in various members' homes but with numbers now increasing saw the need for a more central place for the monthly meetings. In March 1976 the meetings started at Church of Christ Church Hall, Rivervale.
he first newsletter also started as a quarterly publication.
Membership fee was $2.00 single and $3.00 double.