Nostalgia: Missing memories of ICI flower show - Do you know these people?

IT was once one of the biggest employers in Huddersfield.

So it was no surprise that the annual ICI Huddersfield flower and vegetable show was a hit with many.

One of the main organisers was the late Joss Longbottom who was involved in its early years from the late 1940s and helped it flourish into a much loved event.

Mr Longbottom worked at ICI and then served in the Second World War.

He was sergeant major in the Royal Artillery who was evacuated from Dunkirk and then served in Burma.

He returned to ICI after the war and his service to his country was counted in his company service. He was widowed before the war and married his second wife, Gladys, in 1948.

Mr Longbottom worked for the company for more than 40 years, but his passion was always gardening. His granddaughter Michelle Williams, 46, of Aspley, said: "My grandfather was very proud of the show. He was still involved with it even when he retired.

"He loved gardening. He won second prize one year for his high-bred roses.

"We used to go every year. I was only little but I still remember it.

"I remember the miniature gardens but my mum, Avril, told me there was lots of fruit and veg stalls and they used to raffle off the items after the show.

"My mum also worked for ICI in the accounts department.

"The show was a community event. They had other ones such as dinners and long service awards but this one was the one for the whole family."

Mr Longbottom lived on Balmoral Avenue in Crosland Moor.

He retired in 1971 and died in 1984.

Michelle’s mother, Avril – who lives at Hambleton near Blackpool – said: "We have one photograph of my son, Tony, who was due to present a lady with a bunch of flowers.

We gave him a lecture about what to say and to thank her for coming but he went up to her and simply said: ‘Here you are.’’’

Tony is now 52.

Michelle and her mother Avril would be delighted if Examiner readers could identify the people in the pictures and share their memories of the show.

Michelle added: "I just think there will be other people who will remember going and they could even be in the pictures. It would be nice to share the memories and fill in the gaps of the festival’s history.

"At the time ICI employed thousands of Huddersfield people at its Leeds Road chemical works but we don’t know who is presenting the awards."

Can you identify people in the pictures? Contact the Examiner on 01484 437761.