Minstead Flower Show Society

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VERY MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME TO THE SPECIAL MEETING ON 17TH JANUARY. 

Those who expressed an interest in helping to put on a show this year will be invited to a meeting on 4th February 2025.

Following a special meeting on 17th January a meeting of those who have said they are willing to help put on a show this year (2025) will be held at 7.30pm in the Social Club. It is hoped it will be possible to select a Chairman and set up a new Committee to take this task on. 

HISTORY 

The Minstead Flower Show Society was formed in 1951 in aid of the Minstead Hut Fund (now the Village Hall) following a proposal by the late Dr Danby. 

The first meeting was held at Perrys Farm on 5th May 1951 and the first Show was held on 22nd September 1951 with 40 classes and 210 entries.  It managed to raise £78 16s 7d which was mostly from donations by the Vice Presidents and various local dignitaries.  Edith, Lady Congleton opened the Show and gave financial support and donated a cup.  There were various sideshows loaned from the local Fire Service and these helped to raise additional funds and the Hut was used free of charge.  Many from the local community took part and there was sponsorship from magazines such as The Smallholder, Woman’s Own and Amateur Gardening. 

Since then, the Society became an affiliated member of the RHS and the Show went from strength to strength over the years.  At its peak there were 645 entries many of which came from the local children of Junior Minstead.  At one Show there were four generations from one family exhibiting! 

THE SHOW TODAY 

Like so many events the Show was adversely affected by Covid but thanks to herculean efforts by the Committee a most successful Show was staged in 2021 when there were 450+ entries but sadly the number dropped to 295 entries in 2024.