Stanford Rivers Show – an Alarming Incident

The twenty-fifth annual exhibition of the Stanford Rivers Cottage Garden Flower Show Society was held on Wednesday, field in Chapel-lane. The entries numbered 800, an increase on last year, and the quality of the exhibits earned the warm commendation of the judges. Exhibits not for competition included a giant gourd weighing 88lb, grown at the Stanford Rivers Rectory garden; hothouse plants, fruit, etc., sent by Lady Cunliffe Smith and Mr. H. J. J. Price, J.P.; also a collection of vegetables grown at the Stanford Rivers Workhouse. Col. Lockwood and a party from Bishops Hall, and the President, Sir Drummond Smith, visited the show.

The judges were: Mr. V. Rolph, gardener to Mr. Tyndale White, J.P.; Mr. W. Merson, gardener to Col. C. Christie, J.P.; Mrs. Barron, Bowes, Ongar; Miss Gibson, Elms, Ongar; and Mr. Goodwin, Navestock. The secretarial duties were ably performed Mr. Geo. Howgate. Mr. F. Murton was the treasurer. The Roding Valley Brass Band, under Mr. F. Page, contributed music. There were also sports, under the supervision of Messrs. Johnston, G. Sawkins, R. Colwill, W. W. Payne. F. Murton and H. Milbank.

An unfortunate accident occurred during the morning. Mrs. Thomas, wife of the Rector, was sitting in a trap in the show field, when her pony took fright and ran away. Mrs. Thomas was thrown out of the trap and fell heavily, striking her face against a tent peg cutting it. The injured lady was removed to her home, where it was found that her injuries, though painful, were not so serious as first they appeared. Mrs. Thomas was unable to come back to the show, much to her disappointment.