Although KEHS has its roots in the mid 19th century as the Velvet Lawn Association, it was in 1926 that it changed its name to the Kimble Horticultural Association. Over time, with some stops and starts, it evolved into the thriving society that it is today.
A fascinating snapshot of the new Association in the year 2026 can be found in Mervyn Rees’s booklet “A History of the Kimbles and Ellesborough 1860-1996”.
- It states that in 1926 the new Association received a balance of funds of £20 9s 4d.
- The first minute book, dated 1st March 1926, showed that the committee consisted of 14 ladies & gentleman.
- The first show was held on Thursday 12th August 1926 in the village hall. The show schedule showed that as well as the usual classes for fruit, flowers and vegetables, there were classes for the best kept allotments & cottage gardens. There was a class for the lace makers of the villages, both for adults & children under 15 years of age. The Cottagers who paid less than £30 annually as rent for their cottages could only show in the Cottagers section, those who paid over £30 could only show in the Open classes. The annual subscription was 2/6d. The Honorary Members were those who paid not less than 5/- who were eligible for election as Vice president, who paid 10/- or more. The society put on the annual show in August each year together with side shows and a dance in the evening.
The First Minutes of the Kimble Horticultural Association - 1st March 2026
The First Show Schedule of the Kimble Horticultural Association - 12 August 1926
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