The Village Show

A very successful Village Show took place in the Parish Hall on Saturday 8th July 2023, a revival of the traditional show led by a new young committee, with new ideas and enthusiasm, on the theme The Four Seasons. There were the usual categories of Flowers, Floral art, Art, Textile Crafts, Other Crafts, Photography, Produce and Fruit and Vegetables. The pictures below show the wealth of talent in the village, in both adult and children’s sections. The committee were delighted by the large number of entries and visitors, and I think everyone present agreed that the show was a great success, and augurs well for the future of the event.

The first village show was held on “The Park”, the fields of the old Rectory in 1871, now the site of Christleton High School. This was due to the enthusiasm of the Rector of Christleton at the time, Rev, Canon Lionel Garnett. He had the vision to improve the life of his parishioners, not only by creating new buildings, but also to engage the parishioners in village life, for their health and wellbeing. He was an original member of the Paxton Society, a rose grower, and all round horticulturalist, He was also a judge at many of the shows in the Chester District, and in the neighbourhood for miles around, especially at chrysanthemum, rose or fruit shows, and was regarded as being an expert on all matters touching the art of flower or fruit growing.

We’re not sure what event constituted the first show in 1871, but in 1872, it was primarily a Fruit and Flower Show. In 1876 it was a Rose Show held to provide funds for the new Church Building, as well as a Village Fete that year with similar aims. The Show took place on Sunday afternoon July 25th following a St James’ Day Festival service, and it was said “ to have been attended by a very large aristocratic congregation” “The show was deemed to have been a great success, indeed the judges were perfectly astonished with the symmetry and general healthiness of the exhibits.” The competition was open to all, and cash prizes awarded. The winner for the best bouquet was won by Mrs Lucy Ann Ince, who also won the prize for a display for the centre of a dining table. The Band of the Cheshire Militia, whose Commanding Officer was her husband, Colonel Townsend Ince, played for dancing until dusk.

The Shows for 1881 and 1882 for which we have programmes, were Rose Shows and Sales of work, again towards the church re- building fund. Entrance to the shows was a shilling, a considerable amount of money in those days, and tea and refreshments available at a further cost of a shilling. The Show was once again followed by dancing on The Village Green. It seems extraordinary now that transport to the show was laid on from Chester, by a Mrs Barnes, who ran the Favourite Omnibus and Brakes, from The Bars in Chester to Christleton, every hour beginning at 2.00pm. The fare was 4d each way.

Although the Show has changed its basic form over the years, the new style of Show that we have today was re-introduced by the Parish Council in 1992. The Organising Committee still has some of the original members, but an input of several younger members of the community has proved that a show of this style has an important part to play in the development of the creative arts, of baking and making produce, growing fruit and vegetables, growing and displaying flowers, photography etc within the community. In all there were twenty six trophies to be won this year, and the standard of entry was as good if not better than usual. The new team deserve great credit for their endeavours. The future of the Village Show is in good hands.