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Inaugurated in 1904 by the Mutual Improvement Society, the Evercreech Horticultural Society has passed through many vicissitudes, and it is exceedingly doubtful if any other Society could have so successfully weathered the storms.  Good times, almost gorgeous times, admittedly there have been, but in recent years it must have been increasingly difficult to “keep smiling”. Not only does the weather play an all-important part in the success or failure of a horticultural show and attendant sports, but the passing of the older generation, and the ever-increasing demand by the young folks of to-day for speed and excitement is such as not to exalt popularity of the old order of things.  Evercreech, however, is particularly blessed in being well led; indeed, there are few parishes of its size that will in any way offer comparison.  There is no unemployment there, the Church life is excellent, and there is a common spirit of comradeship and goodwill.  Thus, it is that the time-honoured Society has not only survived, but to date has kept its head well above water.  For this year’s show a splendid schedule of prizes had been compiled in the horticultural section, and though it had been deemed advisable to “let rest” the handicraft section, in the realm of sport, a programme, the attractiveness of which had never been bettered had been arranged.  Entries in nearly all departments had romped in, and the grand total in the horticultural section was only a few short of 600 – well above last year.  All then that was required to ensure success on Wednesday, was a fine day. The field had been most methodically laid out, the exhibits were well displayed, and in point of side shows and “vanity fair”, there was little left to be desired.  From shortly after 2 p.m., however, all seemed to go wrong. First of all, the cross pole of the big marquee snapped, necessitating the clearing of the general public, and though this was quickly and efficiently rectified, reflecting credit on all concerned, it was a hindrance.  Later it was exceedingly boisterous, and then heavy clouds assembled until tea-time, when they broke with terrible vengeance, almost completely wiping out the marvellous gymkhana and hors jumping.  The effect on the gate must have been disastrous. The good people of Evercreech, however, are made of the right stuff, and nothing daunted they “carried on”.  Visitors flocked in to see the wonderful exhibits of flowers, vegetables and table decorations.  Of the former, sweet peas and gladioli were particularly fine; also, for the season, tubers were a remarkably strong lot, as were the beans and lettuce.  Fruit, as was to be expected, was sparce, and there was no honey at all.  In the adjacent tent there was a display of some of the best Cheddar Cheese, which won high praise of the judges.