How can I attend a Manly Warringah Orchid Society monthly meeting?

Updated

You can attend a Manly Warringah Orchid Society (MWOS) monthly members' meeting as a member of the public — the society states that it welcomes both members and the public to its monthly meetings. Meetings are held at the Cromer Community Centre, with the hall opening at 7pm and the meeting starting at 8pm. Each meeting features a guest speaker; the next meeting listed on the site is Thursday 26 March 2026, when Matt Roberts will give a talk on Stanhopeas.

What to expect at a monthly meeting

  • Who can come: Members and the public are both welcome.
  • Venue: Cromer Community Centre.
  • Timing: Hall opens at 7pm, meeting begins at 8pm.
  • Format: A guest speaker gives a talk. The March 2026 example is Matt Roberts, described as a very experienced Stanhopea grower with a collection of species and hybrids.

The early 7pm hall opening gives you time to arrive, settle in and talk with other growers before the 8pm start.

How to check current details before you go

Meeting details can change, so confirm the date, speaker and venue before travelling:

  1. Go to the MWOS website (orchidsociety.com.au).
  2. Check the Next Meeting section for the upcoming date, time and guest speaker.
  3. Check the Members' Meetings section for the general meeting arrangements.
  4. If you want to go beyond attending, look at the Memberships section to join the society.

Other MWOS dates you may want to plan around

The site also lists larger events open to members and the public, which are separate from the monthly meetings:

Event Dates Location
MWOS April Auction 12 April 2026 Cromer Community Centre
MWOS Winter Show 19–21 June 2026 Belrose Supercenter
Orchids by the Sea 7–9 August 2026 Belrose Supercenter
St Ives Orchid Fair 14–16 August 2026 St Ives Showground
MWOS November Auction 8 November 2026 Cromer Community Centre

The auctions are described as opportunities for members and the public to pick up a wide variety of quality plants at excellent prices. The auction catalogue is expected to be available at least two weeks before the auction under the Events section.

Common questions

Do I need to be a member to attend a monthly meeting? No — the society says members of the society and the public are welcome at monthly meetings.

Where exactly is it? Cromer Community Centre. The site does not list a street address in the material available, so check the venue details on the website before your first visit.

What if I only want to attend a show or auction? Those are also open to the public, and the shows include orchid displays, plants for sale, expert advice and demonstrations.