Its main objectives, which have remained the same since it was founded, are: To encourage the cultivation and love of roses in Bermuda; To conserve the old fashioned roses which have stood the test of time here, and to import other roses in classes which have proved suitable to the Island's climate and soil conditions; and To investigate suitable understocks for budding and/or grafting roses, and other future developments in rose growing that may arise from time to time.

Thirty rose lovers attended the Society's first meeting, which was conducted by Sir Jeffrey Astwood. Laura Patterson was the first president.

A highlight of the Society's early days was the positive identification in 1956 by Richard Thompson of R. chinensis semperflorens or `Slater's Crimson China', better known to Bermudians as the `Belfield' rose. Mr. Thompson, then-chairman of the Old Rose committee of the American Rose Society, was astonished to find this all-important stud rose, long considered lost to cultivation, growing at `Belfield' in Somerset, and its rediscovery generated great excitement in rose publications overseas.

The famous rose was reintroduced into England, and was shown at the Chelsea Flower Show the following year.

Early on, the BRS became an Associate of the Royal National Rose Society, an affiliate member of the American Rose Society, and also the Heritage Roses Group.

From the initial meetings in members' homes, BRS meetings, competitions and community activities gradually became more structured. Members gave instructional talks to schools and on radio, and assisted with judging at the Agricultural Exhibition. A rose display and competition bench also became part of the Show, and then, as now, members went on to become qualified rose judges.

Over time the BRS has donated rooted roses to public gardens, and the grounds of churches, museums and Government House. Today it has its own misting sheds for large scale propagation -- a major project which generates approximately 500 plants for its popular annual sale of rooted roses to the public.

Rose Society In 1987 the BRS hosted the World Federation of Rose Societies' regional conference, and also became a founding member of the Heritage Rose Foundation.

Through its association with international rose societies, it has been able to form invaluable links with and benefit from the knowledge of many of the world's leading rose authorities.

The current president is Jean Watson.