16th November 1978- The inaugural meeting. The name of the association and the annual subscription of 50p, with 25p for OAPs was agreed. The Secretary of the Reading Horticultural Federation, Mr. Bowcher, had assisted Mr Beckingham in drawing up a draft constitution.
It was agreed by those present that Bill Beckinham would be Chairman and Chris Young Acting Secretary. The Treasurer and Buying Officer was Jeff Wallace and Local Officers were G Draper, A Holloway, F Harvell and E Stokes.
8th February 1979 - The first public meeting was held with 70 members present. They agreed to affiliation with Reading Horticultural Federation and to the Shinfield Association.
11th February 1979 - Jeff Wallace (Treasurer and Central Buying Officer) circulated a paper with information on seed potatoes obtainable via the Reading Horticultural Federation. 12 varieties were on offer (Arran Pilot, Ulster Chieftain, Home Guard, Catriona, Pentland Javelin, Foremost, Irish Peace, Desiree, Majestic, Pentland Dell, Pentland Crown, King Edward) in bags of 6, 12.5 and 25 kilogrammes, with 6 kg bags varying between £0.99 and £1.81 (average £1.33 for 6 kg - £4.67 average for 25 kg).