Have you been to the Sturton and Stow Annual Show yet? If you haven’t, you have missed a treat. This year’s Show takes place on Saturday 1st October.
The first Show was held in 1887 and it is still going strong. Most classes are open to everyone, not just local residents, and whether you are a gardener, baker, wine maker, painter, jam maker, good at sewing or craftwork and making things or an aspiring photographer, there will be a class for you to enter. In addition, there will be a classic car display, tractors, engines and local stalls and displays. The Youth Club provides refreshments on the day including their very popular bacon rolls!
If you have not entered before and wondering what you need to do, a guide is available at www.sturtonandstowshow.com. Schedules detailing all the classes are are now available in Sturton Village Stores and on the website. You can also support the Show by becoming a Vice President on an annual basis or for life; you will find details in the Schedule.
In 2017, to commemorate the 130th Show, a book was written by Sturton resident, Sharron Banham, called ‘Pumpkins, Pies, Ploughs and produce’ celebrating the history of the Show. This book is available from Sturton and Stow History Society.
So how did the Show come into being? Bill Gibson, son of local wheelwright Robert Gibson, lived in a house on Fleets Lane in Sturton by Stow, and in 1887 he and his good friend George Charity came up with the idea of holding a competition for the children of Sturton and Stow. This competition was to be for the best fruit and flowers of the autumn. The Show was held in the middle of the village on the banks of the village pond, which has long since been filled in. Mr Auckland, a Stow farmer, became the Treasurer of the Show and the Sturton and Stow Agricultural and Horticultural Association was born. The Show became a popular annual event.
If you are entering, see the website for the entry form or pick up a copy of the schedule. Entry Night is 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday 28th September in Sturton Village Hall, or you can do it online or by post.
Go along on 1st October – only 50p (or more if you are feeling generous) for a really great afternoon.
The Show is held, courtesy of the school, at Sturton by Stow Primary School and Youth Wing, School Lane, Sturton by Stow LN1 2BY.
For more information please contact Secretary Rebecca Andrews on 07960 101199 or rebeccaandrews60@gmail.com, or Chairman Michael Moore on 01427 788681 or 07984 440522 or mm28a@hotmail.com.