The Show took place for 68 years until the final Show in August 1995. Over that time it had developed and expanded into a very successful and interesting occasion which attracted many exhibitors young and old. The exhibits were divided into approximately 100 different classes and subjects, such as garden produce in the main, followed by flowers, baking, preserves, art and craft and photography.
The children had a section to enter their exhibits, which helped to encourage their interest as they grew up. Woodnewton had a village school during most of that time and the pupils were encouraged to enter pieces of art they had made during school time.
The Show was open to everyone and was one of the highlights of the village calendar and was very well supported with a great deal of good natured rivalry between the villagers. This meant a lot of intense work to grow the best produce and to make sure that it was at just the right size etc., on one particular day of the year, no mean feat with a typical English summer. There was also a prize for the best Vegetable Garden or Allotment.
The reward was a small monetary prize or one of sixteen Silver Cups, which were highly valued by the winner.
The Show was held for many years in the School, and the playground was transformed into a type of fun fair with tables for Tombola, Cake Sales, Ground Skittles, Hoopla, Catch the Rat, Plant Sales and many others. During the afternoon, tea and cakes were provided and people were entertained by the Yarwell and Nassington Britannia Band.
For a good many years the Cups were presented to the winners by Lord and Lady Brassey at the end of the afternoon, followed by an auction of the produce donated by the exhibitors.
An extract taken from the Peterborough Advertiser, dated 9th August 1955.
Woodnewton man took 27 awards
HE WON FIRST CUP IN SHOW LAST YEAR
A Woodnewton man – Mr G Moisey – swept the board at Woodnewton’s annual flower show, taking 27 awards. Mr Moisey, who is employed as a bulldozer driver by the Nassington-Barrowden Minining Company, carried away five special awards, 13 first, five second and four third prizes.
Last year was the first time he won a cup and he only exhibits his flowers in the local show.
Special awards won by him were: Silver Challenge Cup (given by Lt-Col B Brassey) for the most points in local classes. H also won a 10s., prize given by Messrs W J Unwin Ltd., Histon, for the best collection of vegetables, and 5s., given by Mr R Pike for the best exhibit in seven classes.
He also took third place in the competition for the best allotment or garden.
Organizers
The show was held in the village school and officers of the organizing committee were: President Lt-Col Bernard Brassey M.C.,: vice-presidents, Mrs R G Pike, Mrs S Spademan, Col G T H Capron, Mr R G Pike, Mr R C Ashby, Messrs Mowbray & Co, the Northampton Brewery Co, Mrs K Lock, Messrs W J Unwin Ltd., Mr G Spademan and Messrs Hayward and Towell. The secretary was Mr C Brothers, Mr A Watkins was assistant secretary and Mr W Gynn, treasurer.
Sideshows in the school yard were supervised by: Skittling for a pig, Mrs A Watkins: Spinning Jenny, Mr G Moisey, Bean bags, Miss Tenny, Darts, Mrs W Knight, Bowling, Mr G Pridmore, Treasure Hunt, Miss D Collins. The gate stewards were Mr A Ramsey and Mr A Allen and the Nassington Britannia Prize Band played selections.
The trophies were presented by Lieut-Col., B T Brassey and Mrs W A Heighton of Longthorpe, and winners of sideshows were: Ladies’ Skittles, Mrs J Mears, Ladies Darts, Mrs R G Pike, Bean Board, Mrs L Pridmore, Men’s Darts, Mr J Blackett of Southwick, Bowls, Mr J Scotney, and Mr J Toon, Skittling for pig, Mr F Burton of Southwick, Treasure Hunt, Mr G T Pridmore.
A dance followed with Mr A Allen at the door. Refreshments were served by Mrs C Brothers, Mrs A Watkins and Mrs J Mears.