History of Ruthin Flower & Country Show

North Wales Times August 8th 1899

An Annual Sheepdog Trails in Ruthin Castle Park on Friday in beautiful weather.

North Wales Times September 3rd 1904

[ first show in 1904 after a lapse of some years]

After a lapse of many years it was decided by a strong influential committee to organise a flower show with sheepdog trails and attractions. Col. Cornwallis West to act as President, show in the Castle Park.

‘party had travelled from Rhyl in a special saloon attached to the train, arriving at Ruthin at 2.25pm- met at the station by Col. C.W.’

‘visited marquee by venerable Lady Olivia Fitzpatrick’

‘left grounds to catch 4.25 train.’

Free Press Sat. September 3rd 1904

Ruthin Flower Show Sheepdog trails and Cycle Carnival

‘the Ruthin Show Society, under the Presidency of Col. C. West. Lord Lieuteneant of Denbighshire held their first Flower Show yesterday, [Thursday] in conjunction with which there were sheepdog trails, a cycle carnival, together with Fire Brigade demonstrations, in the beautiful and picturesque grounds of Ruthin Castle which had been kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by Col. And Mrs Cornwallis West. Fine weather favoured the event and a large number of visitors were present.’

‘a large marquee in front of the castle’

”During the afternoon H.R.H. Princess Louise of Schleswig- Holstein arrived at the Castle accompanied by Mr H. R. Hughes of Kinmel [Lord Lieutenant of Flintshire]. Later she presented prizes . Col. C. W. said “we cannot forget that she is grand-daughter of the greatest Queen that ever lived and a niece of our splendid sovereign, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.”

Free Press Sat September 9th 1904

[showing show “started” in 1904]

The second annual exhibition in conjunction with the Ruthin Show Society ‘was held in the beautiful and picturesque grounds of Ruthin Castle by kind permission of Col. C. W. Last years event was a successful one but this year was a record.’

‘The show was only two years old nevertheless the entries this year were 400 more than the preceeding year.’

North Wales Times August 31st 1907

‘refers to the 4th annual show.’

‘held their fourth annual exhibition, comprising of flower show, sheepdog trails, cycle carnival and garden fete in the beautiful grounds of Ruthin Castle.’

Free Press August 22nd 1908

,refers to the 5th annual show.

Free Press 1909

Reports on September 4th that gate receipts were £114. In 1910 £70. Prizes presented by The Countess of Dundonald.

Free Press September 2nd 1911

Full list of prize winners.

North Wales Times August 27th 1917

‘show held last Thursday [25th Aug.] Lord Kenyon should have opened the show but was delayed in Scotland. W.G. Lecomber-President said that the Society was formed 30 years ago.’

[which confirms date on show logo as being in existence since 1887] and went on to say ,in future in the grounds of Ruthin Castle[ does this mean the present Cae Ddol?]

An advert for the show in the grounds of Ruthin Castle[by kind permission of the Director. Signed by John J. Butler- Bryn Siriol near Ruthin]