60 years of passion for API Show
Sheep steward thanked with engraved cup
Gilbert Timms has clocked up 60 years of stewardship of the sheep section at the Horowhenua AP&I Show, inspiring many sheep breeders and getting many more, including members of his family, to muck in at the show.
“After his family, the show has been his life,” said Warren D’Ath, who initiated the purchase and engraving of a cup to celebrate Timms’ passion for his trade.
“I had the cup made 10 years ago when he reached 50 years of being the show’s sheep steward. I thought he should get something to commemorate the half century, so I bought a cup.
“At the time I got the cup we didn’t get around to engraving it, so this time, at 60 years, we managed to take the cup and get it engraved, without his knowledge.”
D’Ath, who has known Timms since 1970, was the man who had the honour of handing Timms the cup at this year’s show, interrupting doing what Timms does best: handle sheep.
In the presence of show president Hugh Bentall, Royal AP Society president Brent Smellex, and with a speech by former show president Bev Poulton, the cup was returned to Timms. The cup is now engraved with the words: 60 Years Service to the Sheep Section of The Horowhenua Show Donated by Sheep Section Exhibitors.
D’Ath said people had travelled from as far as Whanga¯rei to be at this show to honour Timms for his efforts and passion for the show.
“He has been a great example to many and was an achiever too. He has travelled around the country over the years to many other shows, so many other breeders know him well.
“He was involved with everything to do with the show, including taking the initiative to get things done and enlisting others to do it, like carting sand or building materials, hanging gates or fixing a roof. If he thought we could do it ourselves he’d go for it en enlist everyone else to help.
“Gilbert has lots of passion for everything to do with farming and does not let any setbacks hold him back. He doesn’t moan about setbacks either, whatever they are. He just gets on with the job.”
Beverley Poulton said there was no stopping Gilbert, at any age.
“Not only did he always keep us all in line and bossed us around, when it was time to retire, he did the
opposite: he bought more land. In Gilbert’s own words, he said: ‘I was freehold at 40, then I was going to be freehold at 60. Then at 65 we bought the Albert Rd hill block and I was going to be freehold at 80. Now after buying the neighbour’s there, I’ll
be freehold at 96.
“So I’m going to have a party at 96 and you all are invited!’
“I remember you as a young fellow coming to my Dad’s woolshed with your Dad and we couldn’t stop you working then either!”
She said Diana, Gilbert’s wife, enjoyed the stock work as much as he did.
She handed him a parcel with sheep mementoes, including some sheep skin covers made in Shannon. She said Gilbert and Diana had
inspired many, including their own children and grandchildren, to take up farming and support the AP&I Show wherever possible.
“We are grateful for what he and his family has done and wish him all the best for the next 60 years.”