History of the Winslow Show

Some older residents of the locality will have fond memories of the Winslow Flower Show of pre-war days, but newcomers will know nothing of the origins of today's Show. What follows is a resume of how the Flower Show of the 1930's became the Winslow Show 1987, as recalled by Mr. Fred Kerrison and the late Fred Bennett.

The 1987 Winslow Show

The Flower Show was held on land, part of which is now Elmfields Estate. Although it was entitled The Flower Show, it was far more than that. Athletics played a great part. There were pillow fights on a pole suspended over water and, would you believe, races involving surf boards towed behind motor cycles!

Sadly, with the outbreak of war, The Flower Show, like many other traditions of country life, had to be abandoned. However, in the late 1950's, a group of Winslow men, who belonged to The Loyal Western Lodge of Oddfellows, thought about reviving some of the community activities they had enjoyed in their youth. The result was The Winslow Gymkhana and Horticultural Show, to provide a day's entertainment for the people of Winslow.

In spite of generous financial backing, those involved made their own Side Show equipment, including trestle tables, at Gibbard and Ingrams, builders in Horn Street. There were Carnival Floats then, often led by The Great Horwood Silver Band and once, by the Daggenham Girl Pipers. Attendance in those days was in the order of 2,000 and the entrance fee was one shilling (5p) with children free.

In 1981, the title was changed to The Winslow Show, but the Gymkhana and the Horticultural Show continued as important attractions.

Lack of enough volunteers to organise and run the Show has been a perennial problem. However, earlier this year [1987] local organisations such as the Garden Society, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club and the Young Farmers Club, appointed representatives to the Show Committee. This, plus some other talented new Committee Members, hopefully means that the future of the Show is assured.

Throughout the history of the Show -whatever the name -the aim of providing an enjoyable day out for the local people has not changed. But, over the years, the Show has become profitable and the beneficiaries have been various local worthy causes.

So, "Have a Good Day" and help make this year's donations a record!

We've changed a bit since 1987 >>