• Jordan Chappel-Stroud with his fox terrier Little Brit who jumped really well in the Small dog’s high jump.
Pambula Show committee members have called the show a great success and said that although numbers were a little down on last year, it was understandable given the fire situation and weather just before the show on Saturday, January 12.
President of the committee, Russell Fitzpatrick called it a “great family event” and said some of the highlights were the new oyster shucking and judging competition and the woodchop competition which drew crowds throughout the day.
A surprise success was the shearing demonstration. About 10 lambs had been organised for Bombala shearer, Shane Newton, of Brownlie Shearing but Mr Fitzpatrick said the young kids loved it so much they had to rustle up another 40 sheep from a nearby farm, especially after Shane had some of the young kids using hand pieces to try out shearing for themselves.
“The very warm weather held the numbers back but once the cooler breeze came through mid morning, it brought the crowds in,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
Secretary of the show committee, Gail Cummins said: “Everyone enjoyed themselves and a lot of people came up to thank us.”
The horse events proved popular starting at 8.30am and taking over the new area of the sports ground at the back and allowing parking on the AFL area of the ground.
Mr Fitzpatrick said that it moved parking off Pambula Beach Road and into the complex although at one stage it did reach capacity.
He praised the work of all the volunteers and particularly those involved in setting up the jumps and arena for the horse events.
Ms Cummins said that everything in the pavilion tea room was sold out and there were a lot of compliments for the scones. In true country show style the pavilion showcased the best local preserves, baking, needlework, sewing, knitting, crafts and artwork, although entries for the flower and vegetable sections were down because of the harsh weather conditions prior to the show.
Until a couple of weeks before the show, committee members had hoped to have displays by motor bike riders but at the 11th hour they went to the Speedway pulling numbers away from the show in the latter part of the day, something Mr Fitzpatrick said was a bit disappointing. However the crowds didn’t disappear before enjoying the ever-popular dog jumping which was not without its own controversy.
The appearance of two greyhounds, not local dogs, which were very good jumpers, has meant that the next show could see the introduction of separate categories in the dog jump.
Ms Cummins said that long-term committee member, June Sawers would be stepping down after many years work on the show committee but added that she was particularly pleased to see interest in joining the committee from new people. Ms Cummins also thanked new president, Russell Fitzpatrick for his involvement. “He worked non-stop mowing and whipper snippering; we’ve all got other things to do and so has he,” she said.