BLISWORTH HORSE SHOW circa 1955

The horse show was typically held in Feast week* on a grass field, Hill Farm or on Park Fields,
which were located on the other side of the Towcester Road.  These photographs  were taken by
J Payler at an event at Hill Farm, then in the occupation of the Osbornes.  In the
background to the right can be seen the farm house on the other side
of the Gayton Road.  Note the splendid elm tree by the farm yard.

In this shot below can be seen, clearly in the original, the Baptist Chapel, the Coronation Cottages
and a fair slice of Blisworth.  Coronation Cottages is the white building over the horse's tail.

Below, Mr P. W. Thompson, butcher at Broughton, one of many who enjoyed maintaining
these veteran rally carts** which were amiably raced.  Note the acetylene lamps.

Below, another example of a well presented rally cart.

The 'impressario' for the whole event was Ernie Griffiths below, stock dealer whose family now live
in Milton Malsor.  He is preparing to present an award. 

                  Some events re-enacted chases over and  around obstacles with a small pack of hounds.

Quite a few fairly famous eventers were frequenting this meeting in its heyday - above is a
picture of Allan Oliver.  Below is a picture of Mrs Digby-Whitehead who evidently helped with
the organisation of the shows (as indicated in the dedication included in the picture.  Opinions
differ as to why it was stopped but a prominent point related to an overly large local committee
to organise it each year and a disagreement developed within that committee.  You may
download a copy in PDF format (1.8MB) of what is probably the first event held, in 1945.

It seems odd to have a reference to L.M.S. Main Line on its front page but, of course, there
would be many people who would take the train and walk into the village from Blisworth station.

*  June 24th approximately
**  I am hoping someone will quickly give me the correct name for these vehicles!