Waveney and Peter Jenkins (front), of the Isle of Man, with
society president John Herbert (rear) at the West Otago A
and P Show in Tapanui on Saturday. Photo by Helena de Reus.
Thousands flocked to Tapanui on Saturday to take part in
the Royal Show and to celebrate 100 years of the West Otago A
and P Society.
Although the society celebrates 100 years of existence, the
Royal Show was its 98th and not its 100th show, because of
three years of recess during World War 2.
Society president John Herbert, of Heriot, said he was glad
the weather had turned out beautifully, drawing a crowd of
more than 2500.
"It's been absolutely brilliant. We had over 1000 entries and
we've had people from all over the place - one man even came
from Hamilton for the show."
Part of holding a Royal Show meant three sections were
selected to give royal awards - equestrian, beef cattle and
sheep.
Mr Herbert thanked the time and effort the show committee had
put into the events. He also made special mention of the
Jenkins.
Peter Jenkins and his wife, Waveney, travelled from the Isle
of Man to celebrate 100 years of the society. Mr Jenkins is
the grandson of Mr Herbert's great-great uncle James Laidlaw
(JL) Herbert.
JL was only 24 when he became president of the society with
its first show in Kelso, West Otago in 1911. His life was cut
short in 1916 during World War 1, but his widow, Gladys,
remained a solid contributor to the society. She showed stock
at the West Otago A and P Show, securing the most points in
the sheep, cattle, and draught horse sections, winning the
Todd Bros and Co Cup, and later the Brooksdale Romney Marsh
Cup for the best-presented Romney sheep.
Mr Jenkins said it was "fantastic" to be a part of the
100-year celebrations.
Tractor dancing, magic shows and demonstrations by police
dogs ran throughout the day, but the major drawcard was the
Topp Twins' appearance.
Kiwi comedy duo Jools and Lynda Topp performed as their
alter-egos, Ken Moller and Ken Smythe, and sang several of
their own songs.
Lynda Topp said the pair had a great time at the show.
"West Otago was a fantastic, very responsive audience. It was
a brilliant day."
Topp said she enjoyed visiting the stalls, sideshows and
animals and even managed to hand out ribbons to the winners
of several categories and judged the champion Hereford
cattle.
- helena.dereus@odt.co.nz
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.