The Horticultural Society 1901 – 1973

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It would appear that prior to the founding of the Toot Hill Horticultural Society – a similar society was formed in Stanford Rivers as early as 1885.

The Epping Gazette, dated 14/9/1901, stated:

"The Stanford Rivers Flower Show was held in a field lent by Mr. David Christy, J.P. Mr. and Mrs. Christy very kindly entertained a large number of friends to tea at Stanford Rivers Hall during the afternoon. The Treasurer is Mr. G. R. Etherton."

The same newspaper, dated 24/9/1904, reported on the 19th Annual Show –

"The society was entertained by Mrs. Adcock of Traceys. There were many amusements including Davies Steam Circus, The Epping Town Band, etc. There were Sports and I really believe I saw some young folk playing a game which they tell me is as old as the hills and goes by the name of "Kiss-in-the-ring". The Committee included Messrs N. Wilson, J. F. Mugleston, G. H. Lockyer, Pledge, Wm. Millbank, H. W. Millbank, E. Symes, A. and F. King and Syson."

The same newspaper reported:-

9/9/1905: "The Stanford Rivers Cottage Garden Show was held in a field lent by Messrs. Bingley. The successful show had 500 entries."

24/3/1906: "The Stanford Rivers Cottage Garden Show (of which Mr. George A. Howgate is the Hon. Secretary and Mr. R. Waltham is the Hon. Treasurer) began the season with 6/- and ended it with £8 in their favour."

As a result of a decision made in 1953 by Messrs. W. R. Holt, G. Wood and R. Murray, the society was founded. The first officers were: President – Mr. A. Licence, Chairman – Mr. W. R. Holt, Hon. Secretary – Mr. E. W. Banks, Hon. Treasurer – Mr. G. Wood. The first show was held on Saturday, 31st July, 1954 with money prizes for successful exhibitors, but no cups. The show was a great success with 330 exhibits. The show failed to pay for itself but with income from vice-presidents and other supporting activities, the committee was left with a credit balance of £72.

The second show was held on July 30th, 1955 on the Football Ground and attracted over 550 people. Cups and Medals were awarded – The Banksian Medal of the Royal Horticultural Society; The Green Cup – for the highest number of points (Cottage Class); The Hinman Cup – for the most attractive cottage garden; The Millbank Cup – for the highest number of points (Domestic Class); The Chandler Rose Bowl – for Needlework and Knitting.

The financial result for the day showed a small loss of £4 but the closing balance rose to £120.

That a show could be so successful in its formative years was due to an enthusiastic committee and the generous support of the parishioners who gave generously of their services, loan of equipment and transport. The success was also due, in no small measure, in having on its committee Mr. "Bill" Green. His counsel and guidance was invaluable.

In 1955, the show's Vice-Presidents included:- R. Armitage, Esq., Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Auchinvole, S. Grant, Esq., W. Green, Esq., W. F. Hinman, Esq., A. Ireland, Esq., J. Kerr, Esq., Col. G. R. V. Kinsman, C.M.G., D.S.O., W. Macaulay, Esq., Mrs. E. Millbank, J. Millbank, Esq., W. Pearl, Esq., J. Pledge, Esq., Lt. Col. Sir D. Spencer Smith, Bart, O.B.E., etc. The Hon. Secretary was E. W. Banks, Esq.

The 17th show was held on Saturday, August 1st, 1970, and included a Dog Show with a record of 65 dogs! Naturally, by this year many of the society's officers had changed – The President being Dr. A. M. Beck, Vice-Presidents and Committee members included Lady Caroline Armitage, Miss Lucy Millbank, Rev. J. Sykes, Mr. R. Witham, Mr. P. J. S. Griggs, Mrs. R. C. Chitson, Mr. D. Styman, Mrs. E. I. Withers. The Chairman was Major R. S. Whalley and the Hon. Secretary – Miss J. J. Withers.

The 18th Annual Toot Hill Show, Saturday, July 31st, 1971.

Essex Weekly News 5/8/71.

TOOT HILL

Horticultural Show.- A thousand people flocked to Home Field, Toot Hill, on Saturday for the eighteenth annual show held by the Toot Hill and District Horticultural Society.

In the show's horticultural section, there were 800 entries; the number of entries in the domestic and children's classes were up, while those in the flower, fruit and vegetable sections were lower than last year. For the second time in the show's history, the Woodman Cup was not awarded. This cup is for the highest total of cash prizes won by novices and in the ten classes concerned, there was only one entry. Chairman Major R. S. Whalley said afterwards the committee were disappointed at this result. "Not enough of the younger householders are willing to have a go," he said.

Two cups, for the best-kept cottage garden (the Hinman Cup) and for the best front garden (Armitage Cup) were judged in advance. They were won by C. W. Lake and A. F. Roberts, respectively, both of whom live in Toot Hill.

Other events included a fancy dress competition, a dog show, children's sports and many stalls and sideshows. An innovation this year was the Women's Institute section. In all five local W.I.s entered and the prize, a silver rose bowl, was donated by Mr. Harold M. Scott, and named after a local resident for many years, Miss Lucy Millbank, who always took great interest in the work of the W.I. and who died early this year. The bowl was won by Fyfield. Other W.I.s taking part were, from Toot Hill, Castle, North Weald and Ongar.

Tug-o-war teams from two local public houses, the Green Man (Toot Hill) and the Cock (Ongar) competed for a firkin of beer, which was won by the Ongar side. There were also rides on a miniature traction engine and on a pony owned and led by Jane Taylor, of Doe's Farm, Stanford Rivers.

Results: Fancy dress – prettiest entry, Jacqueline Reynolds; most original, Rona Reimann; judge's discretion, Roderick Norton. Sports – first prize winners, Graham Smith, Richard Manning, Angela Watten, Alan White, Elsa Frazer, Kevin Warren, Trevor Monk, Clive Warren, Timothy Kyndt, Paul Smiles; mothers' race was won by Mrs. Martin, and the fathers' race by Mr. Richard Warren.

Horticultural cup winners – Banksian Medal, W. Jarvis; Green Cup, W. Jarvis; Hinman Cup, C. W. Lake; Front garden competition cup, A. F. Roberts; Armitage Cup, A. Clifton; Millbank Cup, Mrs. N. Wood; Chandler Rose Bowl, B. Sharp; Society Cup, A. Clifton; Tugendhat Cup, Mrs. R. Chitson and Mrs. G. Wood; Conway Cup, Karen Wood; Dobriach Cup (for the best dog in show), Mr. Wilmot's Alsatian "Starlight"; Crescot Tankard, Margaret Lambert; Garden News Perpetual Shield, Mrs. Chitson; Society award for best vegetable exhibit, W. Fincham.

The trophies were presented to the winners by the Lord of the Manor – who was present throughout the afternoon, together with his wife, daughter and son-in-law and grandson. At the end of the prize-giving, Mrs. Scott was presented with a magnificent bouquet of flowers.

The Women's Institute ran the Tea Tent in a most efficient manner.

The society showed a gratifying profit of approx. £60 for the afternoon and this was donated towards the Old People's Christmas Dinner Fund.

In 1971 – Mr. and Mrs. Harold M. Scott were elected Life Members of the Society and Mr. Scott elected a Vice-President.

The 19th Toot Hill Horticultural was held on August 5th, 1972. About 1,000 attended, paying a total of £64 for admission to the field. The success of the show was, in part, due to the work of the new Secretary – Mrs. Pat Sayer. The Lucy Millbank Cup for the W.I. co-operative class was retained by Fyfield. The Dog Show was again a popular feature and the entries totalled 131.

At the 1972 Annual Meeting, the Treasurer – Mr. T. W. Withers stated that the year showed a profit of £76.88. The new Secretary, Mrs. Pat Sayer attended for the first time in her official capacity. Major Whalley's resignation as Chairman was regretted by all those present. Mrs. Jane S. Roberts was elected as the Chairman.

The 20th Annual Show was held on Home Field (by kind permission of Mr. Philip Millbank) on August 11th, 1973. There were over 750 entries and over 1,000 visitors attended. The Lucy Millbank Cup was won by the Ongar W.I. The afternoon, as usual, was a great success.

In December 1973, it was announced that the Secretary (Mrs. Sayer) had resigned and Miss Judith Staines had consented to fill the position.

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