MORE than 75 people visited the British Cactus and Succulent Society’s Wiltshire Branch annual show in Melksham on Saturday.

Seventeen exhibitors from branches in Wiltshire, Bristol, Oxfordshire and South Wales displayed 340 plants, including some that are difficult to grow.

Organiser Derek May, from Durrington, said: “This year’s show was the sixth that we have held at Melksham Assembly Hall.

“It was the biggest and best that we have held in Melksham so far. We had 78 visitors and 340 plants on display in 66 classes, 31 of them cacti and the rest succulent.

“There was lots of positive feedback and the public reaction to the show was pretty good. A lot of people ask questions about how to identify the cacti plants they have just bought.

“Many people were seeking advice on cacti and succulent diseases and pests and on how to grow them.”

With more than 80 branches throughout the country, the BCSS gives cacti and succulent plant lovers the opportunity to meet other enthusiasts.

They have the chance to learn how to grow the plants and find out more about new species and cultivation techniques, as well as the insects and diseases that affect them.

The society publishes an illustrated quarterly magazine called Cactus World which contains information about the plants, branch meetings and events.

Over the past 26 years, the BCSS has supported projects designed to help the conservation of cacti and succulents around the world. It also awards grants to support research into the plants.

The Wiltshire Branch has more than 40 members, who meet on the first Thursday of each month at the Riverside Club in Melksham, from 7.30pm to 10pm. For more information, contact Mr May on 01980 655572, email wiltscacti@gmail.com, or visit the BCSS website at www.bcss.org.uk