BAWDRIPs show on Saturday, organised by the local Allotment Holders and Gardeners Association, broke a pre-war record with 536 entries. 20 more than in 1938!
A 15-year.-olcl Horsey competitor, Master A. E. Adams who was showing for the first time, won the shield for most points, two cups, a gold medal, and shared in another cup defeating a number of competitors who have won trophies for many years in the past.
One of the best organised events of its kind in the Bridgwater district, the show was staged in a large marquee at Knowle Park by kind permission of Mr B. P. W. Greenhill and Mr R. Heywood the former having journeyed from his home at Chichester to perform the opening ceremony.
Mr Greenhill a cousin of Mr C. B. Greenhill of Puriton was introduced by the chairman of the Association, Mr A.E. Porter, and was accorded an enthusiastic reception He was thanked by the vice chairman. Mr J. Rogerson and before leaving informed the Association that the ground would be at their disposal again next year.
Delightful setting
The beautiful park was a delightful setting for the show, sports and other outdoor events which were held there during the afternoon. Threatening skies and the subsequent rain which fell in the evening probably kept some of the supporters away who would have otherwise attended, but the weather had no bad effect on the fancy dress parade which assembled in the village and processed to the ground where the competitors were judged by Mrs Akerman and Mr and Mrs Greenhill. As for the show it was indeed a credit to both organisers and the gardeners who had entered produce of the highest standard. The exhibits arrayed to best advantage were a source of much admiration by those who visited the show.
Praised by judges
The judges spoke highly of the vegetable collections in the open classes and also praised the onions. Gladioli and table decorations were outstanding among the flowers while the fruit particularly plums were pleasing features of the exhibits. All the children‘s classes were well sustained.
During the afternoon there was a first-class display of physical training given by the 3rd Bridgwater Company of the Boys‘ Brigade, whose band headed the fancy dress parade by permission at Capt. F. Betty.
Mr A. E. Body was in charge of the sports and the committee organised skittles and the refreshments.
Judges of the show were:
Messrs. T. R. Maitland (Cannington). F. Betty (Bridgwater), C. W. Dain (Cossington), E. Parkhouse (Cannington) and Miss Hooper (Bicknoller). Mr W. Walker was Show secretary. Mr C. L. Durston. hon. treasurer. And the committee comprised Mrs Body , the Misses Wakefield, Legg, Smith, Body, the Rev W T E Morris and Messrs A Gilbert, S Emery, R March, D A Miles, W R Walker, G T Body, W Bown, J Pay, S Canlett and D Heal.
