Mexborough and Swinton Times, September 3.
Conisborough Floral and Horticultural Show.
The good folks of Conisborough are to be congratulated on the success of their first floral and horticultural show.
When intimation was made to the public that an exhibition of this kind was to be held in our neighbouring village, many people laughed at the idea as being absurb, “because,” said they, “there are not more than a handful of cottages in the place (metaphorically speaking); and how is it possible that they can produce a show of this kind?”
However, such insinuations as these were needed, for it was intended that Conisborough should have a show, and a good one too. The prime mover in the concern was Mr E Greaves of Conisborough.
As Kilnhurst and even smaller villages managed to have their annual shows, he did not see why they who were living around the ruins of the famous old Castle, should not try their hands at establishing one.
Accordingly he called a meeting together at the Red Lion, about six weeks ago, and the most influential gentlemen in the village were present.
Opinions pro and con were expressed, and after the subject had been fully ventilated, it was unanimously decided to form a society, to be called “The Conisborough Horticultural and Cottage Gardeners Society;” and amongst the resolution was one stating that a show should be held on 30 August; and that every person becoming a member of the society should pay a subscription of 2s 6d; to be paid in a fortnight prior to the show day.
The society is patronised by Earl Fitzwilliam, the Hon. H.W. Fitzwilliam, Lady Milton, W.H.Letham, Esq., M.P., Walter Spencer Stanhope, Esq and F.J. Fullerton, Esq.
It was considered that the cricket ground would be a suitable a spot as any in the village for the holding of the show, and the late Mr W.H.Simpson readily gave his consent for the field to be used for that purpose. It certainly is a good situation, but we think that if the showground is a little nearer the village another year, it will be preferable.
Fortunately, although there was a severe thunderstorm in the neighbourhood early in the morning, the day turned out a most beautiful one, and the proceedings were not marred by a single drop of rain.
The competition for prizes – this year, confined to cottage gardeners of Conisborough, only – were large, the villages heartily taking up the movement when first set on foot.
The exhibits were placed under a large marquee, put up by Mr Oliver, of Doncaster. On entering the enclosure, the visitor was struck with the fragrance of the fine hothouse plants, which were arranged along the centre of the marquee, and which added in no small degree to the appearance of the show. These were kindly lent by Mrs Simpson, Mr Arthur Simpson, Mr Twibey and Mr T Colley. The plants, flowers, and vegetables were arranged in a circle round the side of the marquee. An inspection of the various exhibits soon made it manifest that the show was of some significance, and taking into consideration that this was the first held, Conisborough must be congratulated on the result of its efforts in this direction.
Amongst the flowers, there were some fine gladiolas shown by Mr J Watkin, and some dahlias in good condition. Mr E Street was well deserving of the special price for roses. In the food division were some magnificent plums and apples, while some of the vegetables were exhibited some well grown potatoes, marrows, and cabbage.
The result of the judging – which was very satisfactorily done by Mr Percy, of Ravenfield, and Mr Tindall of Sprotborough was as follows:
Flowers
Geraniums – W.Anderton.
Best collection of Window Plants – G.Twibey
Pansies – C.Street.
Marigolds – G.Watkin.
Snapdragons – G.Watkin.
Gladiola – G.Watkin.
Bouquet – T.Preston.
German asters – G.Twigg.
Roses – E.Street
Fruits
Gooseberries G.Blyth.
Raspberries – G.Twibey
Plums – W.Anderton.
Apples – T.Colley
Vegetables.
Parsley – R Fearn
Radishes – J.R.Fearn.
Celery – J. Anderton.
Vegetable marrows – J Hudson.
Potatoes – C Ferdinand and J.R.Fearn.
Onions – J.R.Fearn and T.Hunt.
And many more….