Four Colnes Horticultural Society

Celebrating more than 140 years of the
Four Colnes Horticultural Society

WELCOME TO THE FOUR COLNES HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The Four Colnes Horticultural Society

The Four Colnes Horticultural Society has been part of the Colne Valley community since 1880.
The Society meet once a quarter to discuss up and coming events, trips and visiting speakers.
The committee run the annual Four Colnes Show which takes place at The Earls Colne Recreation Club; a wonderful event that draws people from all the surrounding villages with many stalls, competitions and fun to be had.

Email us - info@fourcolneshorticulturalsociety.com

ANDREW CRANE
LIFE LONG MEMBER OF THE FOUR COLNES HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
WHO PASSED AWAY 26 OCTOBER 2022
Andrew lived his whole life in Earls Colne living in the house where he was born. He has been a life long member of the Society following in the footsteps of his father W. G. Crane after whom one of the cups is dedicated. He has been a prolific and regular entrant in the Four Colnes Show. Starting by picking wild flowers to put in a jam jar as a boy graduating to multiple class entries in the fruit and vegetable and flower sections of the show. His efforts paid off and he often left the show with an armful of cups and other awards. He liked to win the Top Vase because this award included a free year’s membership! Not only did he enter the show but he was also on hand to help with the set-up before the show and the clear up after the show whilst he was still physically able to do so.
For a number of years, he sat on the committee and was chairman for part of that time. He dwelled on the past and disliked change. It could be said that he was born after his time with his love of steam trains and traction engines.
More recently he took over responsibility for organising the Society’s day trips; affectionately known as Crane’s tours. He had a knack for picking dates that turned out to have good weather, although a few were a washout! He would arrange up to six trips a year and most sold out. On some occasions a second coach was laid on to allow more members to come along. There would always be a visit to a county show and the ever-popular trip to the Thursford Christmas Extravaganza. All trips were organised with military precision. The names and number to be picked up at each and every pick-up point and the time down to the minute. He kept all his ledgers detailing the trips. Nothing was thrown away.
It seems appropriate that his last day out was to the Four Colnes Show in August.
He will be greatly missed.
Ian Allman,
past Chairman of FCHS