A Preston family business that has been exhibiting at the Southport Flower Show for over 100 years is preparing for its special anniversary event in just under two weeks time. W. Robinson & Son (Seeds & Plants) Ltd, also known as 'Home of The Mammoth Onion,' is a 161-year-old family business, now run by sisters Susan and Margaret Robinson.
The seed and plant nursery, based on Sunny Bank just outside Forton, was founded in 1860 by William Robinson. He had a passion for growing unique crops at that time such as apples, plums, and onions. The next generation, also called William Robinson, then started to improve the size of onions and leeks which the 'Home of The Mammoth Onion' was established.
In 1924 the family attended the first-ever Southport Flower Show, where they exhibited onions and vegetables. Now Susan and Margaret are carrying on the legacy and will be celebrating the 100th show with old prize cards and memorabilia.
"We have an old diary of my grandfather's which we are going to bring along. There's a diary entry from when he attended the first show. We'll also bring some old photos and we have kept all the prose cards since 1924, there's hundreds!"
Read more at blogpreston.co.uk