Long may they say West is Best
WHEN Mr Abraham J Simon got together a ‘steering group’ between Christmas and New Year 2012 to discuss the feasibility of establishing a cottage garden society in the western parishes, things started to happen very quickly.
Inspired by the good idea, there was no holding back for an assortment of gentlemen, all with good Guernsey names, from St Saviour’s, St Peter’s and Torteval. Less than a fortnight later the foundation meeting of the West United Agricultural and Horticultural Society had been staged and they had joined the committee.
Its first show took place in September 1913. It was described as ‘a huge success’ – blessed by good weather, large crowds, big entries and with financial results ‘beyond our most sanguine expectations’.
110 years later, that same society is staging and celebrating its 100th show. Times and tastes may have changed, but the show, popular monster trucks aside, remains much the same as it was 50 years ago and, probably, 100 years ago too.
Those founding fathers deserve some of the thanks still, but credit today must go to those volunteers who give up much of their time to ensure that, for two days every year, islanders have the chance to enjoy themselves, whether they be entering or simply attending.
It is remarkable to think just how this event has become a island tradition – and how many years willing volunteers will continue to keep it going. Long may they be able to claim ‘West is Best’.