Ripon Gazette 18th August 1881

"The origin of the Society arose from the taste for horticulture exhibited by the inhabitants of the district. From the gallant owner of Mowbray House and the vicar of the parish down to the humblest rustic, garden culture and the production of rare plants are much favoured"

While today's aims might be phrased a little differently, the Horticultural Society remains a focal point for village people to

• Share their interest in gardening
• Display their flowers/produce in the Annual Show
• Support the village entry in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition

The Society holds two main events each year

• A Plant and Cake Stall at the Market Cross on May Day
• An Annual Show on the first Saturday in September in the Mechanics' Institute Village Hall

Full details of both events are advertised on the calendar .

The annual show is held at the Mechanics Institute, and exhibits are invited from everyone who lives within a three mile radius of the village. Classes children can enter usually include paintings, lego models, pre-historic monsters made from fruit and vegetables and miniature gardens. Adults compete in many classes for flower varieties and arrangements, fruit, vegetables, baking, handicrafts, china painting, photography, woodwork and metalwork. Prizes of cups and trophies are awarded.

There is also a hanging basket, tub and container gardening competition, which is judged in the last week of July.

Help is given for the entry by the Parish Council for the Yorkshire in Bloom competition. Having been Highly Commended in 2007 there is a high standard to uphold.

If you wish to help the Horticultural Society in any way please contact (01765) 658796