One of the flower arrangements in the Decorative Class. A previously unpublished image.

Burnley Horticultural Society's spring show - one of the earliest in the north of England - brought a breath of warmer days to come and a wealth of floral beauty to those who braved the biting winds and the occasional flurry of snow to see it over the weekend. Held, for the first time, in the refectory at Burnley Municipal College on Saturday and Sunday, 6th and 7th March 1971, the show was a triumph for the enthusiasm of young people. They submitted over 1,200 entries for the junior classes, which ranged from floral arrangements to potted plants and hand-made toys to art compositions on the theme of "Spring in the Park."

Many local growers submitted entries along with a sprinkling of competitors from surrounding areas and even further afield. A "foreigner" carried off the major awards, the Major Baron trophy to the entrant registering most points in the floral arrangement, potted plants and collection of flowers classes going to Mrs J. Ainsworth of Bank Head Lane, Hoghton, near Preston. But local growers had their success too - Mr F. Waddington of Furness Street, Burnley, winning the Hartley Cup for the best exhibit in classes covering potted plants, collection of blooms and bulbs and foliage plants. Two schoolgirls made an impact on the junior classes, one from Walshaw School winning two trophies. Julie Hayhurst won both the Clampett Cup for a competition covering five classes and the Potting Shed Cup with her spring flowers. Karen Waterworth (Ightenhill) won the Grove Cup with her entry in the pot or bowl of spring flowers class. Miniature trophies were won by Mrs D. Pitts of River Drive, Padiham; Mrs J. Stott of Lower Cote Cottage, Worsthorne, and Mrs Ainsworth.

Commenting on the show, the society's chairman, Mr A. Hartley, told the Burnley Express that the new venue was "admirable" and said: "The number of entries are well up on last year's figures." Biggest increase in support had been for the children's painting classes. The report contains a full list of results.