They distinguished
themselves in the local League matches, and on one occasion, something
like two thousand spectators assembled to witness a final which Badsey
won, in the meadow I lent them; and I had the honour of presiding at a
grand dinner to celebrate the event. I notice in the local papers that
in spite of the interruption of the war they are now again thriving
and earning new laurels.
Our most important fete day was that upon which the Badsey, Aldington,
and Wickhamford Flower Show was held. The credit, for the original
inception and organization of this popular festival, is almost
entirely due, I think, to the public spirit and determination of my
old friend and co-churchwarden, Mr. Julius Sladden, of Badsey, and it
gives me much pleasure to record the debt of gratitude which the three
villages still owe him.
The Show is held as nearly as possible on the day of the ancient
Badsey wake, in most parishes still celebrated on the day of the
patron saint. In the case of Badsey the anniversary of the wake is the
25th of July (St. James's day). As a wake Badsey's observance is a
thing of the past; it was formerly a time of much cider-drinking, a
meeting-day for friends and relations, and for various trials of
strength and skill, though I believe the carousals outlasted the
sports by many years.
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