- For the Accounts of the 1951 Clutton Flower Show. Click here
- For a diary of the Clutton Flower Show (1914 to 1940). Click here
Tuesday 18 August 1894, Somerset Standard
CLUTTON FLOWER SHOW [The First Clutton Flower Show]
At a time when so much is done to encourage the cultivation of vegetable produce, it is satisfactory to able to chronicle the formation of a society extending over so important a district as Clutton, Cameley, Farrington Gurney, High Littleton, Farmborough, and Chelwood. Under the patronage of the Earl of Warwick and the elite of the neighborhood, the society has been launched upon its career with exceptional advantages. The inaugural exhibition held at on Wednesday, in the presence of a large assemblage of spectators. No doubt the attendance would have been materially increased had the weather been more favourable, for many must have altered their intentions at the last moment in deference to the ominous clouds that at one time looked like spoiling the day's proceedings. Fortunately towards evening the elements improved, much to the benefit of the local exchequer. At one o'clock the Countess of Warwick had announced to open the show but owing to the Earl of Warwick being detained in the House of Lords on the previous evening her presence was somewhat delayed, and in her absence the ceremony was appropriately Performed by Mrs. Scobell, of Kingswell Hall. The entries, which numbered nearly 300, extended over 119 classes. and were of quality quite unanticipated. In the cottagers’ class potatoes were largely staged and represented a great variety. Apples were somewhat scarce, but the gooseberries and plums more than compensated for the sparsity in that direction. The cut flowers were especially good, and some difficulty was experienced by the Judges in singling out for award. In the not for competition classes, C. Weaver, of Farmborough, exhibited some miniature chairs; Miss C. Savory, a choice bouquet of carnations ; Miss A. Rees-Mogg flowers and apples; brace of cucumbers, Mr. G. Flower Farmborough Rectory; asters. Mr. W. Bowditch, Timsbury crazy silk patchwork quilt, made by F. Coles, Chelwood ; pillow shams, made L. K. Forge, Chelwood, pansies, Mrs. Martin. The judges were Mr. Nash (Bath) and Mr. Scott (Warminster), flowers, fruit and vegetables; needlework, Mrs. Boyle (Timsbury) and Mrs. Kettlewell ; handiwork and varieties, Messrs T. Morgan, F. C. Taylor. and G. Gibbons. The officers were :—Mr. C. C. Spackman chairman; Mr. E. Spear treasurer; Mr. M. Watson, hon. sec. ; and C. Ashman and G. F. Maggs assistant secs.
The prize list was as follows : - [long list of prize winners]
24 August 1895, Somerset Standard [The Second Clutton Flower Show]
THE EARL AND COUNTESS OF WARWICK AT CLUTTON. FLOWER SHOW AND INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.
The flower show and industrial exhibition inaugurated at Clutton a year ago has altogether exceeded the anticipations of its promoters, and the second show held on Wednesday lacked no element of success. Gratifying support from the residents of the surrounding district headed by the Lord of the Manor, the Earl of Warwick, had enabled the committee to increase the list of classes, and materially add to the value of the awards, with the result that the entries numbered nearly 800, or about double that secured for the first show. Not only was the fixture attractive in the eyes of exhibitors, but the general public flocked to the grounds in thousands, and in the afternoon there was a rush at the gates, which at one time threatened to carry away the barriers. With admirable tact, however, the officials regulated the admissions, and the scene was particularly animated as the day wore on. The society comprises the villages of Clutton, Cameley, Farrington Gurney, High Littleton Farmborough and Chelwood. The show was held in a field about five minutes' walk from the railway station, kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by Mr. Henry Gibbons. The fact that the Countess of Warwick had consented to perform the opening ceremony attracted a large assembly at an early hour. The weather delightfully fine, and the village presented quite a gay appearance.
In the main streets triumphal arches were erected in competition for series of prizes offered by the society, and the result was extremely pleasing. The show itself was of all round excellence, the great advance numerically being accompanied by a higher standard of quality. Cottagers' vegetables were a capital lot, no fewer than 230 specimens being staged. A large marquee was devoted to the industrial exhibits, which formed an unique and interesting collection. It is satisfactory to note that the windows, gardens, and allotments were most favourably commented upon by those who inspected them.
The arrival of the Earl and Countess of Warwick was awaited by a large numbers of visitors, who watched with interest from the show ground the progress of an engine conveying the party from Grayfield, where his lordship owns extensive collieries, and has also a shooting box. The party could be seen riding on the tender of the engine, which was decorated with bunting. The Earl and Countess, who were accompanied by their son, Lord Brooke, drove to the ground shortly after one O'clock. They were received by Mr. George Gibbons, the chairman of the Parish Council. who extended the distinguished party a hearty welcome. A little later the opening ceremony took place near the entrance to the principal tent. The Countess of Warwick, who was heartily cheered, said : It gives me great pleasure to open this show, as it is very satisfactory to note the interest taken in the cultivation of flowers and vegetables in this district. I understand the number of entries to be double those of last year. Competition in all things is good. We cannot all take the first prizes in life, but it is open to all to try for them, and to the disappointed competitors to-day we can only wish better luck next year. As we all are anxious to view the exhibits without further delay, I will not detain you, but declare this show open (applause). In reply to a request for a speech, the Her ladyship had said all I can possibly have to say. She has expressed the feeling of most of us admirably on this occasion, and I can only add—and I should be sorry not to have the opportunity of doing so—the very great pleasure which it gives me to come here again this year, and to bring with me my boy, who I hope will always be as much interested in Clutton and matters affecting the parish I have for all my life (applause). I cannot forget the fact that for some considerable time I was not only the son of your landlord here but that I represented this portion of the county in Parliament. Mr. Gibbons has in very kindly terms expressed the hope that Lord Brooke may occupy that position (applause). What may happen between now and then it is impossible for us to say. If he should some day be fortunate enough to represent this constituency he would be an extremely happy man. I regret that it is not possible for Lady Warwick and myself to be oftener among you. We look forward with great pleasure to this annual visit. The duties of a landlord become every year more and more serious, the obligations greater, though those obligations are becoming more recognised perhaps than they used to be, I can assure you if it be possible by the presence of myself and my wife to encourage in any way such deserving objects as that we are met to celebrate to-day, it will be our greatest pleasure and satisfaction to do so (applause). I have
to offer the best thanks of the committee to all who have been kind enough to support the show by their presence and contributions (applause).
Mr. Spear, hon, treasurer then introduced Miss Ethel Watson, a daughter of the hon. sec., who presented her ladyship with a handsome bouquet of choice roses.
Shortly after the opening of the show the Earl and Countess of Warwick and Lord Brooke were invited into the committee tent, where the members of the Parish Council had arranged to present them with an address to welcome. Mr. Gibbons, the Chairman of the council, read the document.
The Earl of Warwick in acknowledging the address, said : — Mr. Gibbons and gentlemen.—
This kindly action on your part as representing the Parish Council is one which, although not anticipated by her ladyship or myself in any way, is perhaps for that reason all the more welcome. It places me under the necessity of having to say a few words on this occasion upon a subject not only of local but possibly of national importance,
and that is the question of the Parish Councils. It must be a matter of very great interest to all in this locality to what the future of the Parish Council to be. At the present time you are more or less feeling your way, and all I can say to you is we wish you well (applause). We think it is quite right that the people themselves should control, more or less, their own affairs ; but at the same time you will, of coarse, recognise, without my telling you, that there are great responsibilities thrown upon you— responsibilities which require tact and judgment. All I can say is we hope, in wishing you well, that you will progress slowly but surely towards that success which we trust may attend you (applause). It is, of course, very pleasant to us to feel, connected as we are with Clutton, that you should give to her ladyship a hearty welcome on an of this kind. You are probably aware that from the position of landlord in this place there are responsibilities which attach to me equally as there are responsibilities belonging to you. responsibilities which it will always be our endeavour to fulfil. Of course the demands upon one are numerous, and we must ask your indulgence if, to some, it may appear that all is not being done that might be done. Now at the same time, let me say a few words with regard to that large industry which has been growing here and which is more less inseparable from Clutton. I allude to the coal industry. I sincerely trust better times are coming for the coal industry equally with the agricultural industry. The coal industry is one which has in this district to meet with very serious competition ; and I have looked forward to the possibility of bad times as well as of good times. Unfortunately the good times have not prevailed, and it can only be by being united. and cordial efforts on the part of owners and workmen, that we can ensure success. So far as I am concerned, I shall do the very utmost to keep the colliery one of the best in the district by putting in the very machinery and by employing those who have my confidence as managers, and who, I believe, will do what they can to promote the success of the colliery (hear. hear). It there are here any connected with the coal industry, let me say word as regards the matter of strikes. In the past we have had a strike which was greatly to be deplored; of course it brought misfortune, not only to the strikers, but to the owners as well. I should like to see these matters settled by arbitration, which might be very much more usefully employed than it is at present or has been in the past (hear, hear). I will say no word further about the strike, because I think a man ought to be allowed to take his own course in the same way as the owners, but a matter of policy it is questionable very often whether a strike leads to any good. I may point out that trade is lost which very often does not come back again. There are customers whom we used to have before the strike that we have not been able to secure again, and although we may have the best machinery, and goodwill on the part of the men, and everything to put the colliery in successful condition, if the customers are not there to the extent we could wish to buy our products it in a serious consideration. On the part of Lady Warwick and myself, and speaking for the future, I may say on the part of my son, I can assure you we shall always take the deepest interest in everything connected with Clutton, and to the members of the Parish Council we offer our best thanks for their good wishes. We hope the institution of the Council may be followed by a large measure of success (applause).
Mr. Gibbons thanked the Earl and Countess for having so kindly received the address, and mentioned in the Parish Council all interests were represented without reference to politics (hear, hear).
In connection with the show, there was an interesting competition for miners, prizes being offered for the best dressing and fixing of one set of timber, by Mr. L Morgan, the engineer to Lord Warwick's Collieries. The judges were Mr. J. W. Simpkin, instructor in mining under the Somerset County Council and R. Hope, engineer at Malago Vale Colliery, Bristol.
Their awards were as follows : 1. T. Walters; 2, J. Clarke; 3, Jas. Howe; 4, C. Palmer; 5, Joseph Howe ; 6, George Howe.
During the afternoon there was a capital sports programme, which attracted a large number of entries. A mile bicycle handicap for local riders Claude L. Watson. The prizes were distributed by the Countess of Warwick, for whom hearty cheers were given. The Earl of Warwick acknowledged a vote of thanks (proposed by Mr. Spackman, seconded by Mr. M. Watson), and referred in high terms to the creditable garden cultivation to met with in cottages of the neighbourhood.
There were selections of music during the day by the Bristol City Band and the Bristol Volunteer Royal Engineers' Band. In the evening the tents were lighted with electricity.
About 4,000 people paid for admission to the show.
Mrs. L. Withey Collection
When the first World War broke out in 1914, it happened on a day all Clutton had looked forward to for a year. The day of Clutton Flower Show. It was to be the biggest show ever. Trains were booked from Bristol and Frome, and the Somerset Yeomanry were going to put on a display, but at the last minute they were called up and nobody could think much about the show after that.
Friday 17 July 1987 – from Newspaper clipping
Fifty shows, but 93 years of history.
Saturday, August 8th is the date of the 50th annual flower show of the Clutton Horticultural Society. But the golden celebration is something of an historical anomaly, for in seven years time there is the 100th anniversary of the flower show’s beginnings.
A report in the Guardian dated August 18, 1894, reads:
Clutton Show
It is certainly indicative of progression in horticulture, when new societies are constantly growing out of the increasing interest which is being taken in the art of garden horticulture.
On Wednesday, Clutton and the neighbouring villages joined in this general scheme for advancement, by inaugurating their first exhibition of flowers and industrial work, the organisation should prove a strong and lasting one, for under the patronage of the Earl of Warwick and the elite of the neighbourhood, it has been launched upon its career with exceptional advantages.
Clutton show was in its zenith during the next 20 years, and although it started up again after the Great War, it never returned to its former glory.
It floundered during the days of the depression, and there was show after 1924. The society was finally wound up in 1929.
In the meantime, the Clutton Brass Band had been formed. It began organising an annual fete and sports day and in 1927 introduced some exhibition classes of
flowers and garden produce.
It seemed a natural progression then, to restart the annual flower show, 1928 is recorded as the first.
A grant of was mode to the new Clutton and District Horticultural Society by the old one. The £16 remaining from those old days was divided between Paulton Hospital and the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
The flower which followed went from strength to strength, with of course, break during and after the Second World War.
A silver sweet pea cup won by Mr E. Jones Midsomer Norton in the three years of show, was awarded to him outright in 1930.
This trophy came to light just recently, and was handed back the society. It has been re-slivered and newly engraved, and is now the Family Cup.
In 1931, show was described as a splendid exhibition. There were 500 entries.
The following year it was reported that it was developing into quite an attractive event. On that occasion the brass band “discoursed” a programme of music under its leader, Mr. Arthur Hillman,
The society continued to enjoy the patronage of Warwick family. In 1985. Sir William Rees-Mogg, then described as "'little Billie" presented the bouquet to the
Countess.
These pre-war shows and the ones which immediately followed, were held in in Stowey Road, by kind permission of Mr. Cecil Tucker.
In the early 1950s a gymkhana was introduced into the days events and this pattern continued for some years.
The Show, in the meantime, had moved to Church Farm, closer to the centre of the village.
In 1960 over £200 in prize money was offered, and the event received a double page coverage in newspaper.
During the next decade, a great rivalry was established. Mr. Jesse Light became “king” of the runner beans. Mr Aubrey Willcox regularly curried off trophies for dahlias and gladioli, and Mr Albert Selway was the pom-pom dahlia specialist. Other constant winners were, Mr. S. Parfitt., Mr. Joe Box and Mr. George Wyatt.
Different fringe events were brought in to draw the public. There were dog trials and motor cycle club displays.
On two occasions Dale Martin Promotions brought big-time wrestling to the marquee, both times a sell-out.
A weekend caravan rally was organised to coincide with the 1973 show, which was held in Rudges field.
A few years In 1977 it was a much modest event held the village-hall playing field. But it still entries from as far away as Clevedon and Glastonbury.
Now the 1980s the show is once more held in Rudges, by permission of Mr. Keith Withers.
Perhaps it does not have the magnitude those exciting shows of 1960s, but it continues to attract high standard of exhibit, with some new and interesting classes
being introduced. These include bonsai and alpines.
Clutton Flower Show Committee and Helpers 1900
Clutton Flower Show Advertisement 1907