This year, it is wonderful to think we can again say that the Monks Risborough Horticultural Society’s Summer Show will be taking place after a two year absence due to the pandemic. The origins of the Society and the Show is an interesting read, and it may never have happened but for the work of one lady.
It was Monday February 25th, when a public meeting was held in the village School of Monks Risborough to discuss the wish for a local Horticultural Society. Between 30 and 40 people attended the meeting, and a committee was formed with duly elected officers. The driving force behind the idea was a lady called Miss Eden, who resided at the time at Askett Lodge, renting the house. Sadly, not much is known about Miss Eden, not even her first name, but her enthusiasm, determination and organisational spirit was the inspiration for the Society’s beginnings.
Miss Eden was unanimously elected as both secretary and treasurer, and she then began to rally the ‘troops’. It was agreed that any member of the parish could become a member of the society as long as they paid their annual membership fee of ‘one shilling’. It is worth noting that the very first Honorary President was the 7th Earl of Buckinghamshire, who had the glorious name of Sydney Hobart Hampden Mercer Henderson!
On a lovely summer’s evening, July the 8th 1895, Miss Eden arranged a musical concert in the grounds of Askett Lodge to raise much needed funds to allow the society to develop. A temporary raised platform was set up as the stage and that was festooned by lots of foliage and fairy lights to give it all a magical look. It was well attended by the people of Monks and Princes Risborough and according to a report in the local paper at the time, featured a cavalcade of acts, singing and dancing in an event that went on all evening. The highlight was a sword dance by Mr Lang, who was Lord Lathom’s piper, and he received a rapturous call for an encore after his dance was over. Alas, the July heat had taken its toll on Mr Lang and he had to have a sit down and a rest before performing his encore! Another highlight was when Miss Eden gave a solo performance on her concertina. Other performers included a Mr Baldwin, Mr Plumridge, Mr Butler, Mr Johnson and Timothy East. Miss Brown of Aylesbury sang for the audience and was in ‘good voice’, and then a Mrs Harris sang, what was an appropriate song, called “An Old Garden!”
So all was set for the very first show, that would be held on the August Bank Holiday, Monday August 5th 1895. It was referred to as a Flower Show and held in Mr E.R. Bishop’s field, adjacent to Askett Lodge. Mr Bishop, who also owned The Three Crowns at Askett, had kindly loaned the field to the Society for the occasion. As it turned out, it was far more than just a flower show. In a report of the event it says, “the exhibits were a fine range of flowers, vegetables and crafts, with the vegetables grown seeing the quality rather than the size most noteworthy. Around 230 entries made for a good display and there was one lovely entry by Mr F.Messenger of lots of honey! Mr Albert Pauling showed everyone a massive wasp’s nest and there were also interesting exhibits of straw plaiting, lace, and needlework, those articles being for sale. Meanwhile Miss Eden provided provisions in a tea tent, ably assisted by Mrs Martin and the Misses Martin.”
People came from all around Askett, from both the Risboroughs, and surrounding villages of Whiteleaf, Kimble, Meadle and Longwick. The only thing that prevented it being the perfect day was the weather. As befits many an August Bank Holiday since, a steady persistent drizzle that fell most of the day dampened proceedings, but it did not diminish the obvious enjoyment of all those who attended.
There was another show in 1896, but for some reason, not in 1897. Strangely, and no amount of research has found out why, Miss Eden disappeared from the scene. She may have married and left the area or even died. For whatever reason the show did not happen that year but did reappear in 1898 and apart from wars, and pandemics, has been going strong ever since. And long may it continue.
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