Remembering the Barrow and District Horticultural Society show of 1993

The event was sponsored by the Evening Mail and held at Forum 28.

SHOW: Brian and Sue Roberts with the Evening Mail Challenge Trophy at the Barrow and District Horticultural Society’s Annual Show in 1993

Bryan and Sue were delighted to win the trophy, especially after Mrs Roberts had been up until midnight the day before scrubbing them clean.

“The biggest job is making sure they are nice and clean for display,” said Mrs Roberts, of Barrow.

It was the second year the Mr and Mrs Roberts had won the trophy.

The newspaper reported that a blaze of colour hit visitors as they came in the door and the strong smell of sweet peas filled the hall.

But the show was not just about flowers. There were categories for vegetables, home-made wine, baking and knitting - as well as lots of opportunities for youngsters to have a go.

BARROW: The show, held at Forum 28 in 1993

Entries were up on the previous year. Show manager Roy Spittle said: “There had been a very good standard of entries, especially considering the weather we have had.

“The dahlias are outstanding.”

It was George Macfarlan from Barrow who swept the board with his blooms, winning first and second prize for the best dahlias as well as the Blue Riband Award for the most outstanding exhibit in the show.

To encourage new people to take part the show was divided into two categories. Section B was for those people who had not really showed before.

MAYOR: The Mayor of Barrow Cllr Hazel Edwards is shown around the show by Ian Quirk

First-time entrant Dennis Matthews was over the moon at winning first, second and third by knowing his onions, and first and second prize for his beetroot.

"I have never entered anything before," he said. "But my mate said it was a good idea. I am really pleased to have won."

Beryl Rawlinson, secretary of the show, said: "It is hard work, but it is well worth it."