NOSTALGIA
As the nights draw in and a strange lockdown summer fades from view, we continue our pictorial look back at the months of autumn, a time for bringing in the harvest
1: This fascinating view shows how many people were once needed to perform an agricultural task that can now be carried out by one man and a machine. The scene, on an unknown Leicestershire farm, shows a steam engine-powered threshing machine and the men needed to keep it operating. Nowadays the task is carried out by a combine harvester that also cuts the crop. It is interesting to note that in 1907, a very wet year, much of the harvest was delayed until December.
2: Hoby and District Horticultural Society Open Produce Show secretary Angus Walker with a vegetable monster produced by a young showgoer in 2003.
3: A scale model of Nelson’s flagship, Victory, was presented to the managing director of British Steam Specialities, of Leicester, Mr JW Waudy, to mark the company’s flower and produce show in 1958. Ron Austin is nearest to the model on the right. The other members of the group were Mr T Clements (on the left of the model), Mr B Lee, Mr R Marsh and Mr A Brookhouse. It was presented by Margaret Lee.
4: A selection of the entries in the first produce show in 17 years held by the County Federation Produce Guild at Edward Wood Hall in September 1972. From left, produce guild chairman Betty Sanderson, of Cranoe, June Taylor, of Loughborough, and Mrs J Weatherstone, of Willoughby Waterleys.
5: Terrence Leach with his awardwinning leeks at the 2009 Ibstock Allotment Society produce show.
6: A harvest scene in the mid-1930s, taken at Butts Farm, Misterton. Photo from David Hiorns, of Lutterworth.