Bitton and Oldland Horticultural Society
First Meeting of the Bitton and Oldland Horticultural Society 1891; photo courtesy Bath In Time/Bath Central Library http://www.bathintime.co.uk/image/1098414/first-meeting-of-bitton-and-oldland-horticultural-society-1891-1891
The Bitton and Oldland Horticultural Society held their first meeting on September 5th, 1891 and on that day held the first Bitton and Oldland Flower Show. The Western Daily Press of September 7th, 1891 reported the following:
The Bitton and Oldland Horticultural Society held their first show at Westover, Bitton on Saturday on ground kindly lent by Mrs Williams. The show consisted of exhibits of flowers, fruit, vegetables, pultry, rabbits, industrial exhibits, working models, paintings, fretwork, carving, butter and honey. The show was very creditable and was excellently managed by Messrs. J.F. Sommerville Jun. and G.P. Fraser. By permission of Capt. Ollis, the band of the Keynsham E Company 1st V.B.P.A.S.L.I. played selections and music during the day. The weather was favourable and a large number of persons were present. The show was so successful that it is intended to make it an annual event.