One of the joys of history is its intriguing connections. What, for instance, do you imagine links the Redcliffe Show Society and the Redcliffe Congregational Ladies Guild? Let’s wind back to the 1920s to find out.
Prior to 1924, there was no such thing as a Redcliffe Show but there was the annual fundraising ‘show’ organised by the ladies guild of the Congregational Church. Held in the Redcliffe picture theatre, this was a cross between an agricultural show, as we know it, and a church fete. As well as the usual fete attractions of gift and refreshment stalls, there were exhibits of, and competitions in farm produce, cookery, horticulture and fancy work. Extremely popular and profitable, these ‘shows’ provided the church building fund with a valuable financial boost.
This success was not lost on a group of “progressive” Redcliffe citizens who, eager to showcase the peninsula’s bounty, held a meeting in August 1923 at which the Humpybong Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Association was formed. According to the Daily Mail, those at the meeting were at pains to emphasise that there was “no desire to conflict” with the guild’s event; the intention was, rather, to “enlarge upon that laudable effort”.
The Birth and Evolution of the Humpybong Show
The initial Humpybong show took place on 17 March 1924 and was judged by the Daily Mail to be, “as a first effort … a decided success”. The showgrounds, previously “a dense scrub”, had been cleared and improved by the concerted efforts of eager volunteers. As well as horticultural exhibits and displays of jams, preserves “and other home products”, there were ring events including log chopping (very popular), equestrian events and “a motor driving competition”.
The following year, the show was bigger and better, partly because the exhibits were now housed in a grand new pavilion instead of the “bush-covered structure” that had served the first exhibitors. Improvements had also been made to the ring, the seating and other amenities.
Over the next few years, new show attractions were added including a “Queen” competition (the “queens” to represent Redcliffe, Woody Point and Scarborough) and a baby show, “which drew a large number of entries”. In 1929, the committee, at considerable expense, laid down a “dirt motor-cycle racing track”.
The Humpybong show’s fortunes waxed and waned and its suspension for the duration of World War II spelt the demise of the agricultural show on the peninsula until the concept was resurrected with the Redcliffe Show in 1950. I wonder if the 1950 committee acknowledged its debt to the Redcliffe Congregational Ladies Guild?
Read more stories from our Redcliffe Guide print magazine here:
- Reddy Roundup: Updates from the Community
- The Power of Connection: Building Healthy Relationships
- Brad’s Business Tips
- Redcliffe Youth Benefit from Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative
- Make Your Travel Dreams a Reality with the Moreton Bay Expo
- The Truth About “Toning” Your Muscles
- We Travel the World but Redcliffe is Home
- Peninsula Pimpernel: Is Vinyl Better Than CDs?
- When Art and Unicorns Collide
- Chamber Chat – February 2025
- Rotary Gives To Solomon Islands
- Vavachi’s Songs & Soiree: A Night of Musical Magic
- Top 5 Picks for Best Picture Oscar
- Ear Hustle Podcast Review
- Top Tips for Downsizing Your Property
With thanks to MBRC. Featured image courtesy of Moreton Bay Regional Council, reference number RLPC-001\001093.
