Fermanagh Farming Society marks 175 years at County Show

Editorial Department • Published 29 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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This year's Fermanagh County Show will mark the 175th anniversary of Fermanagh Farming Society.

It is 25 years ago that the Society marked its historic 150th anniversary with a reception at Belle Isle, then home of its Chairman, Miss Lavinia Baird.

The show was born out of a need to establish a farming society for the county, to bring country people together.

Extracts from The Impartial Reporter in 1835 about a "Great Farming Meeting" that took place in the Townhall, Enniskillen read as follows;

"So many resident noblemen and gentlemen in this highly favoured county lays claim to co-operate heart and soul to the laudable purpose of benefiting their respective tenantry.

"In the chair of this inaugural meeting of Fermanagh Farming Society was John Crichton, later Earl of Erne."

The Impartial Reporter in 1985, looking back to that historic event said that Mr. Crichton was known as the "Father of the Fermanagh Show," his direct descendants to-day include the present Earl of Erne, the Duke of Westminster, Lord Anthony Hamilton, Lt. John Hamilton Stubber and Commander Michael Crichton.

The 150th anniversary Show included a cavalcade of floats and 25 years before that in 1960, it was the first year that the Show opened on Tuesday afternoon as there had been complaints of congestion later on that night.

Looking back to the centenary year, the show dance was a memorable event as recorded by The Impartial Reporter; "Finishing off the day those who were not too tired repaired to the County Hall. This was the opportunity for all those workers in shops and offices to join in the Show celebrations. About 250 people were present. Under the able bow of Mr. Scott, the dance gained momentum and a good event resulted. Good work had given a pleasant fresh floor and atmosphere. It was a come-as-you-please dance but the feminine portion of the company pleased to come very smartly and prettily attired. Why do not the male part be eager and glad to avail themselves of the permission to wear flannels, blazers and an open neck band? Dancing lasted till 3am.

The 150th anniversary of Fermanagh Farming Society was marked with a reception and buffet supper at Belle Isle, home of Miss Lavinia Baird, Chairman of Fermanagh Farming Society to show appreciation to sponsors, chief stewards, Press and others who had contributed to the Show over the years.

Among those present included Lord Lyell, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State with responsibility for agriculture, the Earl of Erne and Viscount Brookeborough.. The former Minister of Agriculture, Harry West and the President of the Ulster Farmers' Union, Billy Martin also attended.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 29 Jul 10

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