A merger between the former Timaru and Waimate agricultural and pastoral associations has been completed.
The first Southern Canterbury A and P Association show will be held in Waimate on November 19 and 20 - Waimate's usual date - and an equestrian show will be held on October 8-9, coinciding with the old Timaru show date.
Office-bearers and a committee comprising members of both former associations were elected at the recent inaugural meeting.
Waimate farmer Charles Ruddenklau was elected president, with Athol Smith and Tim Douglass elected vice-presidents.
Mr Ruddenklau thanked all the members who had helped in the sometimes difficult process required to achieve the associations' objectives.
He also paid tribute to the leadership of former Timaru A and P president Ian Gould, who introduced the merger concept and was instrumental in seeing it to its successful conclusion.
The Timaru association sold its showgrounds, on the northern side of the city, in 2005. It has been holding its show in Waimate for the past few years.
The merger was first suggested about four years ago and it had been a big decision for both associations to make, Mr Ruddenklau said.
The first meeting went very well and was very positive, he said. "Everyone is excited about it."
