Keeping a tradition alive for a century is certainly an accomplishment, but the founders of the Warkworth Rose and Flower Show were responsible for several other projects with a lasting legacy. History columnist Lyn Wade researched the show’s history from an account written by her mother and found it was responsible for shaping the town of Warkworth as we know it today…
The Warkworth Beautification Society came into being in 1921, thanks to a newly arrived principal of Warkworth School, Mr Shepherd. He had previously been an active member of the Hamilton Society and could see potential in his adopted town. By 1924, records show that a November Rose Show was well established.
The competition has seen several changes in 100 years, but the coveted Rose Bowl trophy has been in circulation since 1928. The show was held in a number of venues including the Town Hall, the Oddfellows Hall, the ex-servicemen’s Hall and the Kevin Noyers Reception Venue. During the early years of World War II, the flowers entered into the show were sold afterwards to raise funds for the Patriotic Fund and the Red Cross.
The Beautification Society and the flower show hit their peak in the 1960s with over 200 members. For several years the show was a two-day event. In addition to the show we see today, it appears to have also featured musical entertainment, games and afternoon tea. Local florists Mrs Rees and Mrs Reilly would add to the show with their beautiful floral displays. Mrs Hamilton and Mrs Cruickshank later did displays of plants and roses from around the world. In 1984, as part of the Warkworth 130th anniversary celebrations, a non-competitive display of spring flowers was held at the men’s bowling club. It was so popular that it carried on for a number of years.
The society can be thanked for many amenities and plantings still visible in the district. One of its earliest projects was the tidying of the grassy area opposite the Bridgehouse to make it easier for swimmers to enjoy the weir. In 1929, it played a part in the acquisition of Kowhai Park and the formation of a campground there. The society also tidied and planted the river bank with a vision of seeing it marking the edge of the town boundary. The project was carried on by Forest and Bird.
Later years saw the enhancement of the area around the water treatment station and what is now known as Lucy Moore Park. Dr Moore was a distinguished botanist and a Warkworth local who retired in 1980. She used to conduct a “botanical walk” around Warkworth on behalf of the society. The society also worked with the Kauri Bushmen to enhance Parry Kauri Park.
The Beautification Society was also responsible for another iconic plant. In the 1960s, it oversaw the provision of kowhai trees for planting around the district. It was then suggested that Warkworth be declared the kowhai town, and in 1969 the Kowhai Festival was born. In 1976, 100 acorns were also transported from Warkworth in Northumberland, England, and planted around the district.
The society generally played a watch-dog role, putting submissions to Council to ensure the town was kept neat and tidy. It came to a close in 1999. Fortunately, the Warkworth Garden Club took over the running of the Rose and Flower show that we still enjoy today – keeping the history alive for another generation.
