Fond memories of early ag shows
The Weekly Advertiser, in partnership with Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society, is presenting a series of stories that explore some of the history of Natimuk Show and its volunteers. The 130th Natimuk Show will be part of combined 150th Back to Natimuk celebrations on March 26. This week Natimuk Show secretary Judith Bysouth reflects on her lifetime involvement with agricultural shows.
My grandfather would always turn up at show time with a suitcase full of goodies for his grandchildren.
It was like Christmas at show time with boxes of White Knight and Redskin lollies. I remember getting a beautiful porcelain doll one year.
On reflection his visit was possibly his annual holidays from working in the Port Kembla steel works were he worked when returning from the Second World War.
This was where his family had settled while he was away at war and I understood his ancestors arrived in Australia via New Zealand by a boat that transported circus people.
So, there was a strong connection with circus showmen.
We always got new clothes for show day. This was special because mum made most of our clothes.
There was one particular dress I just loved. It was a pale blue with lace top with a sunray pleated hipster skirt.
I remember my mum giving it away when I had outgrown it, something I was not happy about.
Show day was always special as it often fell on mum’s birthday.
Dad was born in Hay and returned to work on a sheep station.
He was a renown horseman and always assisted in the arena on show day at Hay. He was awarded a life-membership for his contribution.
Mum taught us all to cook and sew and of course we had pet dogs to show off.
I won a scone-baking competition in an electric oven at the show and my little brother got his photo in the local paper removing his batch from the electric display oven.
This was an achievement because we had a wood stove at home. A far cry from the microwave and induction stove I have today.
Another memory was winning first prize in the art section with my drawing of a platypus.
I was asked if I would be secretary of Natimuk Show by Keith Mackley.
Coming from a devoted show family from Hay in NSW of course I did not say no.
My father’s advice was it would take three years to fully understand all facets of showing.
Twenty years on I am still learning. The Natimuk Show office was in the Arapiles Shire Office leading up to show day and people placed their entries and paid their membership.
We would pack up the office and move to the showground the night before the show.
A khaki tent borrowed from Horsham
City Rowing Club was used as the office before Marlene Mccredden suggested to the committee that we needed a permanent show office.
Many options were explored before settling on a two-room self-contained portable container from the then Wimmera Container Line at a cost of $45,000.
The much-needed funds were raised from selling an 18-month nude calendar depicting each section of the show from 2009-2010
The Natimuk calendar as a fund-raising project always put a smile on the face of Max Laurie’s past president of the Victorian Showman’s Guild.
He would mention it whenever we met at the annual Victorian Agricultural Show Convention.
A proud and humble moment was being awarded a Life Membership of Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society.
I encourage anyone interested in assisting with the Natimuk Show Society to do so because it is rewarding.
The Natimuk society is always looking for interested and committed helpers.
We need additional volunteers, particularly this year as there are many tasks to do. If you are available to help, call 0429 328 600.
Anyone planning to attend the 130th show and combined 150th Back to Natimuk celebrations on March 26 can contact the show office and get their gate ticket early.
There will be an early-bird ticket prize draw for people who buy a ticket before the show.
The prize is valued between $600 and $900. The Natimuk Show office will open on March 1.