Established 1937

To encourage potential buyers and make the new Elm Park estate look attractive, the developers and builders sponsored a “Best Front Gardens Competition”. A Committee was formed of local residents to administer and judge the event, and out of this “The Elm Park Gardens Guild” was created.

In an effort to support a communal spirit, Flower Shows were organized and trophies donated by, amongst others, The Halifax Building Society, Messrs.Taylor Walker, and The Elm Park Residents’ Association.

Our first Show took place on 24th April 1937. There were 15 classes in which members staged 47 exhibits. Summer and Autumn Shows followed, held in school halls, (Benhurst and Ayloff), and so began the Guilds history.

The following year, Shows increased to 4, each growing in Classes and entries as new residents joined the Guild from the expanding Elm Park.

Four Shows were planned for 1939, only 3 took place. The Autumn Show was held on 2nd September, and the next day 3rd September, the Second World War was declared. Although a token show was held on 6th July 1940, the Guild went into retirement for the rest of the conflict.

It was reformed and renamed “The Elm Park Horticultural Guild” in 1948, holding its Summer Show in Benhurst school on 24th July.

During the 1950’s all our Shows were held in the Elm Park Constitutional Hall. Since 1961 all our Shows had taken place in the Elm Park Assembly Hall. 

Between 1961 and 1976 the Guild held 8 Flower Shows a year, but this has decreased to 4 due to the lack of many specialist growers and exibitors.