Published to mark CUBGA’s 70th anniversary, ‘Through the Prism of CUBGA’ is the story and celebration of the seventy years of the Association, based upon memories and recollections of its members of their time spent working in the Garden. ‘In compiling this book, it quickly became obvious that not only did it illuminate the time of people working in the Garden but also illustrated the attitudes of wider society and how these changed over the course of 70 years,’ said Dr Tim Upson co-author.

CUBGA membership was open to anyone who had worked at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, an experience that led to a wide range of successful careers across horticulture. In 2022, after 70 years, CUBGA decided to close. Advances in technology and social media had transformed how people connect in ways unimaginable when the Association was founded in 1952.

‘We are appealing to anyone who knows of someone who worked at the Botanic Garden between 1952 and 2022, so that we can offer them a free copy of the book and, where possible, copies will also be offered to the families of members who have passed away’, said Stephen Ralph, one of the co-authors.

Do please, contact Stephen Ralph 07590 303730 for further information.

I absolutely love this book. I haven’t quite finished it, as I pick it up, and am then recalled to something I should be doing, and down it goes again. It is comfort reading, and totally absorbing, not a bit dry and I agree entirely with Dr Tim Upson: ‘…not only did it illuminate the time of people working in the Garden but also illustrated the attitudes of wider society and how these changed over the course of 70 years’ . For instance: There was a CUBGA tie for the members, but as they became no longer de rigueur in society, and, goodness gracious, women joined, the all encompassing scarf was preferable.

I found the details of the setting up, and running of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden Association provided excellent balance to the evocation of ‘life’ in the Association – for instance, the support of ‘the ladies’, the camaraderie of the members at the AGMs. The slotting in of the history, the wit, too. Look at the LUNCH WITH THE FOUR GRACES (2018) by Michael Rowan (the 2002 President):

Once upon a time a long time ago, when you would be more likely to pour olive oil in your ear, rather than drizzle it on your salad, life was much simpler …

There are many such wonderfully amusing, and gentle moments and so I continue turning the pages whenever I can, becoming effortlessly cloaked in times gone by, and botanical details that are frequently fascinating even to the layperson, as I am, and which reach out and touch memories of one’s own: the illustration of Liquidamber styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ for instance, a glorious tree, which reminded me of my years as a child living in Worplesdon. I must find out more about this particular tree.

I loved the members walks around the Garden, noticing the new developments on display – causing some to suck in their cheeks whilst others applaud the change. Change? Is it a generational thing? There are personal remembrance juxtaposed with factual notes. It’s all there, a gentle account of a period lasting from the 1950s to 2022. Bravo to the co-authors of the book: Sally Petitt, Stephen Ralph, Michael Rowan and Tim Upson.

Source material was gathered from CUBGA annual journals and newsletters, including CUBGA members’ recorded memories and recollections from 1952 until the Association’s dissolution in May 2022. Trust me, Through the Prism of the CUBGA will not just fascinate anyone with an interest in or a connection with Cambridge University Botanic Garden, but will resonate with those who enjoy other lives, other interests, and our recent past.

If you worked at the Botanic Garden between 1952 and 2022 and would like a copy, do contact Stephen Ralph on 07590 303730.

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