Country Women’s Work At Malvern Show

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29177, 11 April 1960, Page 2

Country Women’s Work At Malvern Show

What do country women do with their time? Every year, at agiicultural and pastoral association shows, tlie answer is clearly seen.

Cakes, biscuits, preserves, fine needlework, knitting and floral exhibits filled the homecraft tent at the Malvern Agricultural and Pastoral Show at Sheffield on Saturday.

Meticulous attention to finish made the handwork section particularly attractive.

The glowing colours of preserved fruit, carefully placed in their jars, and the rich red colours of jams and jellies made a bright display.

The cooking table was enough to make any mouth water. Rich fruit cakes and sponges, scones and pikelets, were a tribute to traditional country hospitality. Of particular interest was the large number of entries by young people. Those under 16 years had a section to themselves, and some very creditable cakes and scones were turned out.

Even in the open sections, there was a large number of youthful entries. A 17-year-old girl took most of the prizes in the jam and preserves section. Two sisters, aged 19 and 20 years, won several prizes in the handwork section.

The exhibition of schoolwork showed that interest in the arts began at a very early age. There were paintings in vivid colours from the primers, water safety

posters from older children, peggy squares and knitted toys. Wooden hem rulers, towel racks, and a fine stool with a lift-up lid were shown in the junior woodwork class.

It was clear from the standard of work in these junior sections that the children of the Malvern district are being well trained in the household arts.