President's
Message
Aire-La-Ville, Switzerland
July. 2008
Dear Rosarian Friends,
My message this month takes on a particular character, since we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of Rose Societies in July 2008. It is with much gratitude that I would like to thank most sincerely my predecessors, along with those who have worked continuously for the good of our Federation for almost half a century. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Lady Lily de Gerlache de Gomery, founder president and honorary president of the WFRS and Mr Richard (Dick) C. Balfour, honorary president, both longstanding friends and kingpins of the first days, who have contributed widely to the development of our Federation as it stands today.
The WFRS is made up of 40 national societies, 12 associate members and 12 rose breeders, who are members of the Breeders' Club. The latest member, the Rose Society of Mongolia, has just been accepted by members of Council, on recommendation of the majority of EC members, along with La Tacita Rose Garden (Italy) as an associate member. What wonderful progress - 40 national societies in 40 years of existence! The founders of the WFRS can indeed be proud of their initiative to create our Federation in July 1968 in England, and thus gather together so many people, both amateurs and professionals, all animated with the same passion for the rose.
It is now up to us all to continue this work in the same spirit. The rose, this symbolic flower, whether botanical or modern, can be found in every continent of the world. It is cultivated and planted in many magnificent gardens, is a subject for first rate scientific and technical research and is used in floral decorations to celebrate the first moments of our lives, with the arrival of a new born baby, then throughout the years until we pass away from this world. The rose "our flower" is photographed, sketched, painted, celebrated in song and acknowledged in poetry everywhere in the world. The rose unites us, beyond our differences, colour of our skin, opinions and feelings. How happy we should be thus united together in the name of and for the rose. I can only hope it will continue like this in the future. Now we look forward way to celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2018! However, before then, I hope to meet many of you at our next two important conventions - Adelaide in October and Vancouver in June 2009.
With my very best wishes,
Dr Gérald Meylan