The Lakeland Rose Show was held at Holker Hall in 1985.

Show opener Lord Aberconway of Bodnant said the show’s national reputation proceeded his visit.

The splendid traditional show was comparable to provincial flower shows in Harrogate, Shrewsbury and Southport, he said.

“Shows like this do a tremendous amount for horticulture, giving visitors the desire to grow more and better plants and encouraging British communities to hold smaller shows,” he said.

Hugh Cavendish described the family gardening links with Lord Aberconway’s ancestors and said his grandmother’s diaries recorded rare and precious plants in Holker from the Aberconway gardens at Bodnant.

This, he said, ‘showed gardeners generosity of spirit’.

Lady Ann Aberconway saw her own apricot bush rose everywhere she want on the showground. The secretary’s marquee was decorated with it, the official party received button holes of the rose and she met the man who grew it.

Little Aaron Postlethwaite from Urswick presented the official party with button-holes.

He was the grandson of show catering manager and a well-known flower arranger Pop Postlethwaite, from Holme Bank Farm, Urswick.

In the great marquee Lord and Lady Aberconway met their personal friend John Mattock, a rose grower from Oxford, who introduced the Lady Ann Rose 15 years ago.

He said the rose, which had a heady scent, was popular and sold well.

Nurseryman Peter Wilson, from Kendal, marked 20 years at the show by winning a gold medal for his display.

“Three weeks ago I thought we weren’t going to have anything suitable to bring, but the weather improved,” said Mr Wilson.

In the floral art marquee Lakes Flower Club won the John Nicholson Trophy for an interpretation of Let’s Get On With The Show.

John and Dorothy Morgan, of Lindal Garden Centre, won the Hornyold Strickland Trophy for an exhibit on the Grand Stand theme.

Fred Barnes, of Ulverston, won several prizes including becoming Lakeland Champion for his rose-growing skills.