Link to original article. Words by Thomas Chapman, Pictures by Halesworth In Bloom

A series of events to celebrate 200 years since the birth of Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker took place at the weekend.

The famous 19th century botanist and explorer was born in Halesworth on June 30, 1817, and the town played host to exhibitions, presentations, walks and talks to honour his work and influence.
Hooker is regarded by many as one of the most important British men of science, and was the director of Kew Gardens as well as a keen supporter and friend of Charles Darwin.
Proceedings got under way on Friday night with a an exhibit showcasing botanical art inspired by Hooker at Halesworth Gallery.
On Saturday there were two guided walks around the Hooker Trail, which has been going for the last three years. The walk began on Quay Street at Hooker House which, on Sunday, played host to the unveiling of a newly-designed coloured montage on its window recess.

Following that came one of the weekend’s highlights, an exhibition and presentation at The Cut arts centre on Sunday afternoon. Visitors were able to view exhibitions, books and special commemorative items, whilst Hooker-inspired artwork by Edgar Sewter pupils was also on show. The afternoon’s talks included a Kew presentation with Victoria Mills talking about what Hooker’s letters reveal about the man and his discoveries, whilst Professor John Parker, director of Cambridge Botanical Gardens, gave audience members fascinating insights about what Hooker was really like as a person.
The weekend of events was organised by Halesworth in Bloom, and leader of the group Tamsyn Imison expressed her delight at how successful things went.
“The pictures exhibited on Friday evening were absolutely stunning and on Saturday we had superb weather for our two guided walks,” said Mrs Imison.
“Over 200 people came to the talks on Sunday afternoon to hear our superb speakers, who told some very interesting stories about Hooker.

“Everything we wanted to do went well.”
Guided walks along the Hooker Trail will again be available to the public during the bi-annual heritage open days in September, when a number of heritage buildings will also be open.

Ity was sunny and warm and a good sized group walked the trail from the United Reformed Church, Hooker House, Town Park, Thoroughfare, Memorial Garden and Church to see the lovely Memorial carved by Alfred Horace Gerrard RBS an English Modernist sculptor and Head of Sculpture of the Slade School of Art  and put up in 1931.
​We were so impressed by the lovely flowers in the church - see next blog.

Last night on Joseph Hooker's actual Birthday the 30th June, there was a very successful preview of stunning art works of great quality, well attended by visitors and stalwart locals.
Huge thanks to all who arranged it . A fantastic start to our Bicentenasry Weekend.

I was bowled over by our Children's Gardening Club and their allotment today when Karen Austin and I came for a preview of what our Judges will see.. It is quite stunning and a fitting legacy for Katie Burge the most amazingly inspirational Children's Gardener. And Gillian Coulson has picked up the torch and brought Katies's wonderful work to a new level again. Despite hugely unpleasant challenges the work with children ensuring they love gardening and eating fresh produce and continuously learn is happening here in Halesworth. While you can get your children or grandchildren involved. It was an intensely vital learning experience and true GOLD STAR. Bravo to all and special thanks too to Vic Coulson and Gaby Rolfe who also support this wonderful venture.