Ancient Society of York Florists autumn show

The Ancient Society of York Florists holds its autumn show at Wigginton Recreation Hall on Saturday 12 September, from 11am to 3pm. It's the society's main gathering of the year, and the classes run from roses and fuchsias through to fruit, vegetables, baking, handicrafts and photography. There are a few specific awards to look out for too, like the Daffodil Society Bronze Medal and the Leo Dixon Trophy for Auriculas.

If the name sounds familiar, it's because the society is the oldest horticultural society in the world. It was formed in 1768 and held its first show in Colliergate, where the efforts of six florists were accepted; there's still a plaque above Barnitts home essentials store in Colliergate marking the spot. The society's documents still bear the royal coat of arms from the Queen Anne period, and King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra were patrons. It's affiliated with the Royal Horticultural Society, and it keeps alive the memory of 'The Chrysanthemum Era', when most growers worked allotments in the Bootham Stray area and greenhouse and potting-shed materials were said to come courtesy of North Eastern Railway or Rowntree scrap.

It's a proper York institution, and the autumn show is when it all comes together. The classes cover a lot of ground, so there's plenty to see whether you're into the flowers, the veg, the baking, or the crafts. Entry is £1, and parking is free.