Ealing, Acton and Hanwell Horticultural Society

1886 Look back at setting up of the Horticultural society:

The Ealing, Acton and Hanwell Horticultural Society was established in 1865. The initiative in the formation of the society was taken by the rev. J S Hilliard, who convened by circular a meeting of the inhabitants of Ealing at the Grove school room on the 10th of June 1865. At this meeting it was resolved to hold an annual exhibition; a committee was formed, with Mr E weatherly as the honourable secretary, and the first exhibition took place on the 30th of August 1865, in the grounds of Elm Grove, Ealing , then occupied by the rev. doctor S West. The schedule of prizes for 1866 does not give the locale of the exhibition for that year, nor the date upon which it was held ; but it is believed that it also took place in the grounds of Elm Grove. Unfortunately all the early records of the Society, in the shape of minutes, are wanting, owing to some dispute between the committee and the secretary. The earliest record commences with October the 30th 1867. In 1867 and 1868 the exhibition took place in the grounds of the “Elms Acton”, and the weather was very wet, there was a serious loss on each year. In 1869 the exhibition took place for the first time in the grounds of Ealing park, then the residents of J S Budgett, esq. and a large sum of money was gained, owing to the number of visitors, who were attracted as much perhaps by the beauty of the grounds as by the Flower Show. This serves to popularise the Society, and from that time forward it has gone on increasing in extent and importance until it has attained to the dimensions witness on the grounds of hanger Hill house on the 7th inst. About 1873 a chrysanthemum SoC for healing was formed, on an altogether independent basis, and this continued a separate institution until 1878, when it was merged into the parent Society, and from that time forward two exhibitions have been held annually, instead of only one, as heretofore. The growth of the exhibition from its earliest stages until the present time has been decidedly satisfactory. The subjects contributed to the first few exhibitions were accommodated in one tent; then for a few years 2 tents sufficed, down to about 1877. Since then four, and even 5, have been necessary. From the first the Society did its best to encourage cottage and allotment gardening, And in this respect it has accomplished an excellent work; the excellence of the produce from the allotments especially always calls for high praise from the judges at the show. What is greatly needed is more allotment gardens on the South and East sides of Ealing. When these are obtained, the number of exhibitors at the summer and autumn shows will be largely increased. The first secretary of the society was Mr E weatherley; he was succeeded in 1867 by Mr RJ Newman, and held the office for two years; he was succeeded by Mr Alexander Jones, who discharged the duties for five years in succession; he was succeeded in 1874 by the late Mr C B folkcard, and in 1876 by Mr Richard Dean, who has held that office ever since. Up to 1885 the SoC was content to hold a one day show. In that year the Society having attained to its majority, I2 day exhibition took place in gunnersbury park, which proved a great success. The money taken at the gates on the 7th inst. Fell somewhat short of the average amount during the past three years; and the sale of tickets- owing, no doubt, to the heat of the weather, the distance of the show from the centre of Ealing, and other causes-what's smaller than usual.

1865 first show,  Amount given in prizes £47
West Side
No.9 Daniel Weedon, No.10 James Gough, No. 55 David Luck, No. 62 Thomas Soley, No.77 Benjamin Waklin, No.78 William Weal
North side
No. 3 John Gough
East Side
No. 30 Charles Atlee

1867-05-25
(Note £1 in 1860 is approximately £100 in 2020)
Our readers will doubtless remember that on the occasion of the last exhibition of this Society, the Baroness de Rothschild with her usual Liberty, kindly promised that on the occasion of the next exhibition, she would give £5 for the special prizes.
We are now enabled to state that that amount will be given and portioned as follows: for the best kept cottage garden or allotment in either of the parishes of Ealing, Acton, or Hanwell. First prize, £1; second prize, 15 shillings; Third prize , 10 shillings; fourth prize five shillings.
For the best collection of wildflowers, exhibited by cottagers children under 14 years of age. First prize, 10 shillings; Second prize, 7 shillings 6 Pence; third prize 5 shillings; Fourth prize , two shillings 6 Pence .
For the best bouquet exhibited by cottages children under 14 years of age, first prize, 10 shilling’s; Second prize, seven shillings 6 Pence; third prize , 5 shillings; Fourth prize, two shillings sixpence.
Cottagers wishing to compete for the prices for the best kept cottage garden or allotment, must give notice thereof to the honourable secretary of the society, Mr E. Weatherly, on or before the 15th of August next.

1867-08-31
Third Annual Competition
Define crowns define grounds of HP woman’s Lee Esquire I known as the Elms, Acton, presented on Thursday they seen of no little gayety and animation . Large numbers assembled, especially in the evening, to keep holiday and due honour to the annual floral festival; and for every variety of taste there was abundant provision. Those fond of the sweet and pleasing had only to turn their attention to the natural features over the place itself to find suitable gratification.

The Elms is a neat family mansion, taking its name from the fine clumps of widespreading Elm trees that here and there adorn its grounds. It is surrounded by well-kept flower gardens and numerous conservators, containing many choice exotics the whole being under the care of Mr Halliday, the head gardener. Seen through the branching Elms, the family residence looks exceedingly picturesque, presenting to view no shall Judy archetype of the picture drawn by Mrs Hemmings

The stately homes of England how beautiful they stand amid their tall ancestral trees our only pleasant land.
Add to these and other attractions the impulse given to the social element by a large concourse of people, among whom the fairer sex, as is right on an occasion when beauty is in the ascendant, pre dominated, and we have, although, an ensemble public, which it's many sided features, of no ordinary description.
Turning to the floral pavilions which were placed in a good position near the extremity of the park, it must have appeared as if the old mythological Storey of zifa and flora were being re-enacted, as in a drama. Edit
If to anyone calls, in particular, may be attributed the marvellous progress that has of late years being made in gardening, it is to the formation of horticultural societies - institutions of comparatively modern origin.
Competition
Under this head we might mention a variety of excellent productions. The fruit generally was good, but the grapes and Peaches were especially excellent. The awards-
Cottagers
Pears, 1st disqualified H Abbott, Hanwell ; 2nd Mr Daniel Weedon, Ealing ; Third Thomas Wilson , Ealing
Plums, first David luck, ealing park; 2nd D Weedon, Ealing; 3rd J Ball, Ealing (equal); in Martin, Acton green, (equal)
Table apples, first Stewart ball, ealing ; Second D Weedon, Ealing; T Steptoe, Hanwell
Kitchen apples, first C Atlee , Ealing Lane; second J bowl, ealing; Third T Steptoe, Hanwell
Currents, red, first Stewart ball, ealing; Second J Wilson, healing; Third T Wilson, healing.
Gooseberries, First Stewart ball, Ealing
Dishes of fruit, extra prize, D luck, ealing park.
Vegetables and Roots
In the vegetable department there was a general uniformity of excellence, and it would therefore be invidious to make selections. The collection was large, and, although not so attractive as Flowers and fruit, was inspected by a good proportion of visitors. The awards-
Cottagers
Cauliflower, first H Gauge, Acton green.
French beans, first W Evans, Hanwell; second H Gage, Acton green; Third T Wilson, ealing; extra prize, D Weedon.
Scarlet runners, first W crowdy, Ealing; Second W Evans, Hanwell; Third J Furnell , Acton.
Carrots, first H gage, Acton green; Second Stewart ball, Ealing; Third J. Lovell, Acton; 4th T Wilson, ealing
Parsnips, first Stewart ball, ealing; Second H Rook, Hanwell; Third J Hobbs, Hanwell; 4th J Gough, ealing.
Cabbage, white, first J Furnell, Acton; Second Stewart ball, ealing; Third J Wilson, ealing; 4th T Wilson, Ealing; Extra prizes D. Weedon, ealing
Cabbage red first J Shepherd, Acton green; Second J Wilson, ealing.
Onions, first W Evans, Hanwell; Second Stewart ball, Ealing; Third J Hobbs, Hanwell; 4th W Brookes, ealing; extra prize, C. Atlee, Acton.
Turnips, first Stewart ball, ealing; Second J Gough, ealing.
Kidney potatoes, first S Gillingham, ealing; A second J Wilson, ealing, third H. Crisp, ealing; 4th W Crowdy, ailing; Extra prize, Edwin Cain, ealing.
Round potatoes, first J. Wilson, ealing; Second T Wilson, Ealing; Third J Lovell, Acton ; 4th Ch Haisman, Boston Lane; Extra prize, W Brookes, ealing.
Tray of vegetables, first H gage, Acton green; Second J furnell, Acton; Third W crowdy, ealing; 4th J Wilson, ealing; Extra prize, T Wilson ealing,
Celery, extra prize, D Weedon, Ealing.
Herbs, four kinds, first H Rook, Hanwell; Second S Gillingham, ealing.
Herbs, four pots, varieties, first H crisp, Ealing; Second JD McCarr , Acton; Third W crowdy, ealing. Specimen plant in flower, grown in a pot , first J Shepherd, Acton green; Second J Lovell, Acton; Extra prize JD McCarr, Acton.
Baroness the Rothschilds prizes
With her well-known generosity the Baroness de Rothschild - whose great interest in the labouring classes of this neighbourhood is well known- offered prizes for the best kept cottage garden or allotment. The awards were the following -
First prize, - Bevan, Brook cottage, Brook Lane Brentford
Second prize, Daniel Weedon, No.9, West allotment, ealing.
Third prize, John Lovell, Gunnersbury Lane, Acton.
Fourth prize, William Crowdy, no.38, East allotment, ealing.
Special prize, wt Robinson, gas works, clicker Lane, Hanwell.
Wildflowers, first Emma Mary Marchman, Hanwell; Second Harry gauge, Acton green; Third George Neil, hand will; 4th William crisp, ealing.
Bouquets, first Rosa Jarvis ; The second Anne ball, healing; Third Louisa gauge, Acton green; 4th Elizabeth ball , Ealing.
The judges, Mr R Marcham, Gardner to Edward Oates Esquire Bydurp house, hanwell , and Mr R Holliday, Gardner to HB Walmisley Esquire the Elms, with the honourable secretary inspected the gardens and allotments, and, after consideration, were of the opinion that Robinson's garden was far superior to anything they had seen; But taking into consideration that he grew very few vegetables and no fruit , and also the great appliances he had from his position at the gas works, they thought it would not be right to class his garden with that of the competitors, especially as it is one of an ornamental character, containing fountains and waterfalls, which however, ought to be visited by all who take an interest in gardening. Upon the honourable secretary stating that the above to the Baroness she directed that he should have a special prize of £1.
The interest manifested by the baroness's de Rothschild in the competition in the condition of the people coupled with the numerous liberal gifts, is calculated to affect a great amount of good; And it proves her to be a Noble labourer, with other philanthropic h's and in the great work of human progress- the elevation of humanity.
The ladies and gentlemen who discharged the duties of judges with universal satisfaction were the following, the right honourable Mrs Walpole, and Mrs budgett- table decorations, bouquets, wild Flowers,. Messers , Constantine, Forsyth, and page- gentleman's gardeners and the open class . Mrs Oates, Jarvis and still - amateurs and cottages.
Exhibition was visited by a large number of people, including the elite of the neighbourhood. But the frequent showers that fell in the afternoon and evening caused no little discomfort, and lessen the number of visitors

1868-07-11
From the statement made, it appeared that Stewart ball had one prices to the amount of £3 5 shillings and sixpence. Mr Brown, of Hanwell, £1 and one shilling . The Baroness de Rothschild had given three prizes to cottages, who kept their cottages and allotments in the best order , and a prize was also given by Mr Aeworth of the Middlesex County times, to the person who should take the largest number of cottagers prizes. He had not seen the judges had been informed that the cottagers had to work early and late and often after the hours of the daily work Had been completed before they could have got the ground into the state that they had (hear hear).
Cottagers Prizes -
The first prize was awarded to William crowdy of 4 haven terrace, Ealing, for allotment no.38.
The second prize was of 15 shillings, to David Luck, the park, ealing, no.55 allotment. The third prize of 10 shillings to Stewart Ball , Dean place, ealing, allotment 54 . Fourth prize five shillings to William Crisp, Church Lane, Ealing, for allotment 47.

The judge also highly commended James Wilson, #38, John Lovell, Dan. Weedon, and T. Steptoe, of hanwell. The judge was satisfied that the competitors could not have attained the results but after hard work, and that after a hard day's work, Thomas Wilson, of Acton , was disqualified, as his was building land and did not come under the class, and W. T. Robinson of hanwell for a similar reason . They were, however, highly recommended. Secretary expressed the obligation of the Society to Mr wood who addressed them in the room of Mr Walpole , who had written a letter stating that he was unable to attend. They had also to return a vote of thanks to Mr warming's Lee who had kindly granted them the use of his grounds.  



1871

Cottagers class
Judges – Messers. Jarvis, Steele, and Meyers
Class 1- Strawberries , one dish, 30 fruits . First prize, W Wilson , second, J King . 3, T Crisp. 4,D. Weeden.
Class 2- gooseberries, one dish dot 30 fruits.  first prize W Street. Second, W Wilson. 3rd, D Weedon . 4, G Howard.
Class 3 - redcurrants, one ditto, 30 bunches . First prize J T Brown , Hanwell 2 W Harris. 3, E Cane , 4 , G Howard.
Class 4- black current, one ditto, 30 ditto . First prize G White . Second, W Wilson. Third, JT Brown, Hanwell 4, T Crisp.
Class 5- white current, one ditto,  30 ditto,  first prize W Wilson . 2, B Wakelin . 3, T crisp . 4 W Street .
Class 6 - 12 kidney potatoes, white . First prize G white. 2, B Wakelin . 3, W Wilson . 4 W weal. 5, G Howard. 6, J Bassson, Thomas and James Steptoe also showed, and were awarded a sixth prize, being equal.
Class 7.- 12 Ditto, Ditto red .- first prize J Basson. Second, G white . 3 T Soley. 4th, W Wilson. 5th H Matthews. 6 W Harris.
Class 8 .- 12 round Ditto, white. First prize G white. 2nd t crisp . Third JT Brown. 4th, T Steptoe . 5th, W claridge, 6th WH furnell.
class 9,- 12 Ditto, Ditto red - first prize JT Brown . 2nd J Lovell 3rd, J Wilson. 4th, G white . 5th , E Cane. 6, no specimen worthy.
Class 10- 12 onions, autumn sown . First prize T Steptoe, 2nd , W Street . Third, H rook, 4th T crisp .
Class 11.- 12 Onions , spring sown . First prize D green, 2, T crisp. 3, H rook and W Street, (equal). 4,B Wakelin. In this class the produce was so good that the judges considered there ought to have been six prizes.
Class 12 , - Cauliflowers, Three heads. There were three exhibiters in this class but no prizes were awarded.
Class 13 .- 3 cabbages. First prize, J King. 2, J Spearman. 3, G white. 4, D  green     5, JT Brown.
class 14.- broad beans, 24 pods, fit for table . First prize, E Cane  (long pods). second, B Wakelin Ditto . Third, J King Ditto. 1st. D Weeden (Broad pods). 2, T crisp Ditto. 3, J Wilson Ditto. The judges recommended that for the future the long and the broad pod classes be divided.
Class 15 .- peas, 50 pods, fit for table. First prize J Wilson. Second, t solely. 3rd W Street. 4, W weal. 5, W Harris. 6, E Cane.
class 16 - Dwarf French beans, 36 pods fit for table , first prize, J. Lovell, Acton.
Class 17 ,- runner beans, 36 pods fit for table, three exhibitors but no prizes but no prizes awarded.
Special prizes
For the best kept cottage garden or allotment. By the Baroness de Rothschild , supplemented by Mrs Walpole, with 3 pounds and three Pence. Open to cottagers only. First prize J Wilson. Second, H crisp. Third S ball. 4th , E cane . 5th, b Wakelin. 6, W Weal. 7 , J Furnell . 8 W Farnell 9, G white. 10, T Steptoe . 11, J Norcott, 12, T solely, 13, W Claridge. 14, J Bassoon. 15, J Shepherd.
One glass, jar, or box of honey, in unbroken comb, as deposited by the bees in the receptacle in which it is exhibited. By Mrs Scott Turner. (Open to cottages only). Only one exhibitor, T Crisp.
Collection of six kinds of potatoes, eight tubers of each kind to be exhibited. By Jay S budget, Esquire. Open to poor men who really cultivate their own gardens. Gentlemen's gardeners and amateurs excluded. First prize T crisp. Second, J Wilson. Third, G white. 4th, J Lovell.
Collection of six bedding plants, grown in pots- variegated or other plant grown for foliage not excluded; Distinct. By JS Budgett, Esquire . First price J Wilson. 2 second, T crisp. 3, D Green.
Six varieties of Hardy annuals, sown and grown in the open ground, distinct and named; to be shown in bunches of not more than six, nor less than three flower stems; Each variety to be in a vessel containing water. The judges will be instructed to have a due regard to the tasteful arrangement and correct naming. By Admiral Collinson. Open to cottages only. First prize D Weedon. Second, J Wilson . 3, T crisp.
Miscellaneous prizes
Plate of underground onions, E cave (note 2020 variation of a spring onion or shallot)
3 bunches black hambro’ grapes (certificate of meri)t William Ellis , Gardner to our Louis Esquire two basket flowering plants, and one foliage Ditto certificate of merit, J Weeden, Mattock Lane.