WHEATLEY Village Produce Association – which has just celebrated its 70th anniversary – owes its existence to the Dig for Victory campaign.

At the start of the Second World War, with food scarce and rationing in force, the Government encouraged families to grow more of their own vegetables.

Ernest Knowles, a London headmaster evacuated to Wheatley with a group of his schoolchildren, spearheaded the drive and set up the village association in 1940.

With the support of Dr GR Orchard, the local GP, who became president, and Mr W Sheldon, who later became show secretary, the association quickly established itself as a force in the village.

It ordered seeds, seed potatoes and fertiliser in bulk at reduced prices, then passed them on to gardeners and allotment holders.

At that time, Wheatley had plenty of green space where planting could take place.

The association faced a testing time in 1970 when the number of members declined and it had difficulty filling key committee roles.

But according to a 70th anniversary booklet, compiled by vice-president John Allmond, committee member Margaret Axford came to the rescue and ran it almost single-handedly until more support arrived.

The association, thought to be the oldest organisation in Wheatley, continues to flourish with more than 100 members.

It organises an annual show with many trophies as prizes, an annual dinner, day trips to gardens and horticultural shows, and holidays.

The booklet reveals that a horticultural society serving Wheatley, Holton, Forest Hill and Shotover existed from the late 1880s until well into the 20th century.

It ran an annual show, a lavish affair which included a band, bowling for a pig, sports, sideshows, roundabouts and classes for vegetables, fruit and flowers – winners in most classes earned two shillings and runners-up 1s 6d.