History

The first show was held in the meadows behind the Capel churchyard on August 16th 1893. Following the creation of the Horticultural Society for the Parishes of Ockley, Capel and Newdigate. Prizes were awarded for Garden Produce; Best Kept and Cropped Garden; Honey; Collections and arrangements of wildflowers. There were categories for amateurs, cottages and for those working as gardeners. 

In 1899 Janet and Eva Lee-Steere started the Okewood Hill show on the recreation field opposite the Punchbowl Inn and later, Ockley and Forest Green joined the Okewood Hill show. The Flower show became an annual event on the third Saturday (and later the second Saturday) in August in Okewood Hill, although no shows were held between 1940 to 1946 due to the Second World War. 

It has become a big day in the local calendar and is run by a hard-working committee and around 100 volunteers on the day. The show’s centre is still around the traditional exhibition marquee housing over 200 classes from fruit and veg to arts and crafts. It is affiliated to the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) which maintains high standards. There is also an arena with music and children’s sports events; a display of vintage agricultural machines and classic cars; numerous stalls selling local produce and crafts; local food and beverage stalls; and various children’s entertainment including Punch & Judy and a fun dog show. Around 1500 adults and children visit the show each year. 

(Taken from Okewood Hill – A Short History of a Hamlet by Martin Smith and Gary Crouch).