Our local horticultural shows have colourful histories
Chorleywood Horticultural Society Autumn Show
Sat 10 September, Chorleywood Memorial Hall, 2.30pm
The tri-annual show has a reputation for its high standard of entries and has five divisions including a children’s section.
The Society has a rich history dating from 1918 when the proceeds went to the Grand Fleet Fund for sailors’ comforts. The next decade featured grand open-air shows with marquees, seed-stalls and Rickmansworth Town brass band held at first at Stag Lane School
(now CW Primary) followed by the garden of Blacketts and then the Cedars with marquees, seed-stalls and Rickmansworth Town brass band. In 1928, for the first time, the show made a loss but in 1930 a grand firework finale was added!
No shows were held in ’32, ’33 and ’34 and indoor shows in the Memorial Hall began in 1935 and continued to 1940 then were revived in 1948 and have been run ever since.
Chenies and Latimer Produce Show
Saturday 17 September, Chenies School, 2pm
Competitors must live in Chenies or Latimer or be linked to Chenies school but the show is worth a visit for the variety of inspired entries plus a tombola and bookstall.
“ The oldest Produce Show schedule we have is dated 1953” says Ana Jennings, “At that time it was run by the Chenies WI and we still present the WI Cookery Cup. Many of the classes have stayed the same over the years – Veg, Jams, Victoria sandwich although we now have dips and cookies. Men’s Fruit Crumble and Click! mobile phone photography. In 1953 Handicrafts listed a pair of hand sewn gloves and under garments(plain sewing). We donate all the produce to the Baptist Church after the show and money raised go to a local charity and Chenies School.”
For this year’s show details contact Ana Jennings on 01923 283551
Main pic: Catherine Harer