A COMMUNITY event that had not been held for 59 years was revived by two women who realised that this year is the 100th anniversary of Gorsley Show.

When walking club members Jill Parker-Mowbray and Catherine Riley returned to Gorsley Village Hall last year, the date on the trophies in the cabinet jumped out at them with Jill saying that wouldn’t it be a good idea if Gorsley Show could be revived for its 100th anniversary.

She added: “We decided to give it a go. Gorsley Show had its heyday in the post war years. However, its last outing was held in 1966.

“We didn’t know if a revived show would be supported today, but under the egis of Gorsley and District Gardening Club, we’ve attracted 208 exhibits from 54 exhibitors.

“The original show trophies that have survived have been polished and will be re-presented this year, supplemented by new cups, courtesy of the event’s sponsors.”

Catherine added: “We have a good team of helpers behind us along with a thriving garden club who have supported us in reviving the event.

“We wanted an event to bring the village community together, and we’ve achieved this. Any proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the village hall.”

The first Gorsley Horticultural Society was held in August 1925 -on a Wednesday afternoon to tie in with the area’s half-day closing – and it was not confined to exhibits of flowers, fruit and vegetables and homemade produce but had sports competitions, including chasing a pig and climbing a greasy pole.

In April 1967 Gorsley Horticultural Society stated that there was a lack of enthusiasm to hold another show as it had difficulty of finding a replacement secretary and treasurer.

The 1966 show had good weather, but the attendance had been poor, resulting in the proceeds amounting to just 11 shillings and six pence (57½p).