In August each year as well as the village sports, as reported last time, the local flower and produce shows began in earnest. Some of these also included sports.

Under this banner the results of the 52nd Bampton Show took up 5 columns of print. There were 700 entrants to the many and varied classes ranging from fruit and vegetables to diary, poultry, needlework and knitting.

On the same page were reports of the shows held at Bishops Nympton, Bow and Culmstock. Having filled the page, the paper was a broadsheet, the results were continued on p6. where there were results from Holcombe Rogus, Kentisbeare with Blackborough and Witheridge.

At the larger Tiverton Agricultural Show, the latest developments in radio and public address systems were being demonstrated by Marconiphone. The thousands of visitors were able to hear a selection of the day’s radio broadcasts. The equipment was said to be the same as that installed at the ‘vast Wembley Stadium’ where a spoken message can be heard clearly by 90,000 people when all seats are full. The receiver was identical to those being sold by Harold Webber although the loudspeaker was, of course, quite different from the household version!

Marconiphone was a spin off from Marconi, the parent company. It was formed in 1923 to design, manufacture and sell domestic receiving equipment. The Museum has three Marconiphones in the collection including this two valve model complete with headphones.

We also have an instruction book for a superior 5 valve set.

Written by Museum Volunteer, Sue B

References

Graces Guide to British Industrial History    https://www.gracesguide.co.uktps://www.gracesguide.co.uk