St. Mellons Show started on a crisp day in October 1871. It was the 22nd - St. Melo's day, but not one of the hundreds of villagers who flocked to Llanrumney field realised that this 'new' event was the latest link in a chain of festivals that stretched back more than 400 years, to the time of Henry the VIII and beyond.
It began with monks from the nearby LLanrumney Hall. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the annual St. Mellons Fair came into being. It was not a fair as we know it. It was a hiring fair, when the men of the village and district stood in groups to be hired for the year by local farmers.
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There would be fiddlers, a small drum or two and perhaps a harp. Wandering pedlars would sell ribbons and trinkets to the young women of the village and bring gossip from the far corners of England and Wales. Always, the fair would take place on St. Melo's day - the 22nd of October. The fair may well have been held at Llanrumney, but it is believed that the most probably site was the Ton, beneath the parish church of St. Mellons. |
| Unlike today, it was a very simple occasion - just a ploughing match between local farmers. There were no tents or pens of livestock, only a bare field awaiting the bite of the plough. But reputations were at stake and the men of the district threw themselves heart and soul into this annual test of skill. About eight teams of horses would usually be entered. A crowd of 500 people was not uncommon and everyone had a favourite to cheer on. Each team would plough something under half an acre within a fixed time limit under the gaze of two judges, who would be brought in from another area to ensure fairness. |
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In the night, the men would repair to the White Hart Inn for dinner. Up to seventy men would crowd into the upstairs room for soup, beef, cheese and biscuits; and of course, much good ale.
At this time, there were no extra events. There was not even a tea stall. The only attraction for women and children were the gingerbread sellers with their baskets of crisp, curly brandy snaps.
(Taken from an extracted written for the Show Centenary - Wednesday 11th August 1971 by the late Christopher Potter of St. Mellons).
Over the Show's long history, apart from it's original site at the Ton, St. Mellons, it has in the past been held at Home Farm, Llanrumney; Llanrumney Hall (1923-1952); Quarry Hill, Rumney; The Vaendre, St. Mellons and in 1962 the show was held at Duffryn Farm, Coedkernew, Newport. In 1980, the show was moved back to the district of St. Mellons and was held at Cefn Mably Park, where it remained for twenty years.
In 1999, owing to housing development at the former Cefn Mably Hospital, the show was forced to find another site. Fortunately, the committee were able to persuade, the then, Newport Borough Council to rent the grounds of Tredegar House in order to hold the show.
During the life of the show, the presidency has been shared by the Tredegar family; Mr C. C. Llewellyn, squire of Llanrumney (1947-1951); the late Mr. W. T. Woodley (1952-2001) and Mr. Dilwyn Prosser, who became president in 2002. Mr Prosser was no mere figurehead, but an active member of the committee, taking a keen interest in all aspects of the association and organisation of the show.
Over the years, the show has added new classes, some of these include the judging of crops, prior to the show, where judges visit farms at appropriate time in order to judge crops. The show has classes for dairy and beef cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep. In 1970, a canine section, under kennel club rules, was introduced and has continued to grow ever since and is now a popular premier qualifying show.
Unlike in 1871, the show now has something to interest all, including a craft stalls, Trade Stands, children's rides, and amusements and, or course, plenty of refreshment stands! There are main ring attractions throughout the day and these include the veteran horse and pony classes, the coloured horse and pony classes and a vintage display. The St. Mellons Agricultural Show now boasts over 350 classes and is now one of Wales' top premier one day shows. With the location at Tredegar House, it now means that there is easier access to the M4 motorway.
Tredegar House was home to one of the greatest of Welsh families, the Morgans, later Lord Tredegar, for over five centuries, but for years their house has remained relatively unknown. Today it stands out as one of the most magnificent 17th Century houses in Britain. A tour of the interior vividly illustrates what life was like for the Morgans and their servants, giving visitors a fascinating insight into life 'above' and 'below' stairs.
The house and gardens are set within a 90-acre landscaped park. Carriage rides, formal gardens. self-guided trails, craft workshops, boating, and an exciting adventure playfarm provide a wide variety of things to do and see.
St. Melo's day is now largerly forgotten; the show taking place in August. However, the historical Tredegar House is a magnificent setting for the continuance of this historical show.
The show is organised and run by hard-working committee, whose members not only include farmers and landowners, but people from all walks of life. They are an enthusiastic group who have the daunting task of bringing together thousands of people, for what is still one of the most enjoyable days of the year!
The show committee are always eager to encourage new members and would warmly welcome anyone who is interested.
Laraine Richards,
St. Mellons Show - Official Website
http://www.stmellonsshow.org.uk/cms/staticpages/index.php?page=showhistory
