Many English traditions have faded in popularity in recent decades. Donkey rides at the seaside, pennies for the Guy, and Friday nights at the pub are, for better or worse, largely in the rearview mirror of history.

But one tradition still going strong after a thousand years is the humble village fete – and one village has a rather special celebration planned this year.

Bentley Fete and Flower Show has been running for well over 100 years, and on July 20, it will be celebrating by mounting a display of some of the show’s vintage schedules from the early 1900s.

It promises to be a nostalgic treat and tells us a bit about life in Bentley – and rural England – over the past hundred years, all through the lens of the unchanging flower show.

Ahead of the show, it’s organisers have kindly given Peeps into the Past a sneak peek at some of the historic schedules featured.

1900

The ‘Cottage garden show’ in 1900 was Bentley’s 16th during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was ‘open to inhabitants of Bentley, Islington, Coldrey and Station’ and the president was Mrs Rowcliffe. The show opened at 3.30pm on July 25 ‘in a meadow’. Entry cost 6d dropping to 3d after 4.30pm, and children could get in for just 1d. There were sports from 6.30pm, and tea was provided for 3d. Prizes were awarded for the best fruit, vegetables and flowers.

1901

One year later, a new needlework division saw the finest gents’ knickerbocker stockings and flannel petticoats displayed alongside the sweet peas and roses. Cash prizes were offered, with a shilling and sixpence paid for the best selection of 30 best gooseberries, and three shillings for the best arrangement of wild flowers by children at Bentley School.

1913

A decade later, in 1913, the 29th annual Bentley Cottage Garden Show was held on Bentley Green, “opposite the old institute” on Friday, July 25, opening at the even later time of 4pm. Entry cost 6d, or 3d for children under 13, and was half price after 6pm. The Wrecclesham Band entertained the crowds, as did John Gale’s steam merry-go-round, swing boats and shooting gallery. Tea was provided for 6d.

1914

The Bentley Cottage Garden Show in 1914 was memorable - not only because it marked the show’s 30th anniversary but also because it took place on July 31, just a few days before Britain entered the First World War. The president this year was Mrs Sanderson, and it again took place “in a private part of” Bentley Green. It seems there were some late changes to the schedule with war looming as listings of the day’s entertainment are scribbled out, with an adjoining note offering “moderate prices” in return.

1939

Fast-forward to 1939, and the redubbed Bentley Flower Show and Fete returned on Bank Holiday Monday, August 7, just three weeks before Britain declared war against Nazi Germany to enter the Second World War. This year’s show took place in the new location of South Green Meadow and starred the band of the 2nd Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment. The gates opened at 2.15pm, admission still cost just 6d with children going free, and Commander Stephen King-Hall addressed the show at 3.30pm after the prize-giving.

All proceeds went to the church and village funds.

Vanessa Remington, an organiser of this year’s Bentley Fete and Flower Show, said: “On 20 July 2024, villagers will still be able to enter their prize sweet peas or roses at this very traditional show, and we're proud that the Flower Show remains a hugely popular village event.

“We hope as many people as possible will support it by entering flowers, vegetables, homemade produce, and baking. There are also lots of children's classes. Entries are free, and you don't have to be an expert to participate. We welcome exhibits from all ages and skill levels. Further details are available from bentleyfete.co.uk.”