Hello.
A couple of weeks ago, I was having a chat with one of our readers. We were discussing this column and future subjects. She said “Well! October is show time.” She then provided the name and phone number of one of the Shepparton Agricultural Society’s life members.
As a result, I sat down for coffee with Margaret Stothart. I often have a laugh because the staff at this particular coffee shop always come to ask what I’d like to eat or drink; I always respond with “Thanks, but I’m waiting for a friend”. I said to Marg, who I had never met, that it would be true “in a minute”. She looked a little doubtful. But here’s the thing — when two people sit down together, prepared to be authentic, prepared to share and to listen, friendship frequently results; particularly when there’s a shared history and a joint love of Shepparton. By the end of our chat, Marg knew what I’d meant.
My problem with this is, I’ve met so many nice and interesting local people, that I rarely have time to follow up. I keep telling myself that one day, I’ll sit down and call everyone — but, so far, that simply hasn’t been possible.
The Shepparton Agricultural Society
It is now 148 years since our agricultural society was formed, way back in 1876. The certificate for the society was designed by a chap called Jack Longstaff (a little later he became Sir John Longstaff). The first show was in 1877. Shepp was ‘but a pup’, but growing very quickly, especially after the railway arrived in 1880.
With a couple of exceptions — a war or two and a thing called COVID — our show happened, year after year and loved by all of us. In my memory, it was the next best thing to Christmas. As I said to Marg, “There was always a new dress” and she replied “And white sandals from McArthur’s — usually covered in dust by the time we got home”. I remember one year (how could I forget it?) when I had saved up for months and figured I needed a pound. The nicest dolls on sticks were 12 shillings — and I would have the rest for rides and fairy floss etc. I asked my father to exchange my sixpences for a pound note because that was such a grown-up thing to have. Walking up Skene St (St George’s Rd now), I opened my new bag, which matched my new shoes, and it was empty. I’d lost the pound note. My dad helped out, but I didn’t get the doll on a stick.
The show continued to grow and by the late 1980s was the third largest in Victoria, behind Melbourne and Whittlesea. Farmers brought, and showed, their best animals. The cattlemen were so protective of their cow or bull, that many slept with them. It was a community event like no other.
Margaret mentioned the Showmen’s Guild, which was formed by the owners of the touring sideshows. They provided a covered truck, in which the children of their employees attended school. “They were gentlemen,” she said, “and very professional.” They all needed to present their compliance certificates to ensure the safety of their rides. Another gentleman came from Benalla, to check the mechanics and make sure our children would be safe.
Marg was on the committee from 1990 until about 2006. And she remembered an outbreak of anthrax in the region. It prevented any animals being brought to the showgrounds. The 1993 flood also prevented some people, and exhibits, from getting through to Shepparton — although the show went ahead.
In recent times, the show appears to have lost some appeal. We talked about it being somewhat of a victim to the many, many changes in society — particularly for the young ones. You know, the children who are rarely bored, and accustomed to instant gratification if they are. And perhaps the cost of the day out is a factor. My own children went to the show, and their children were taken along when they were small. But of recent years, there hasn’t been a great interest expressed.
I don’t know why the things that appealed to one generation don’t appeal to the next. And there is no dust these days, with asphalt everywhere. They don’t know what they are missing!
This year
There is something for everyone at the show this year — except any kind of bird. The avian flu has meant that no chickens or ducks will be on display. However, the committee has found an interesting, and amusing, way to fill that gap. Make sure you have a look.
On Friday, October 11, there will be highland dancing, the Youth Dairy Cattle Show judging, a miniature train display and various demonstrations. The Tiny Tots judging is at 12.30pm, all in the McIntosh Pavilion.
On the Saturday, your little one can bring along a teddy bear for a health check. (The Rural Health Unit Teddy Bear’s Hospital). The judging of the championship dogs, dairy cattle and goats — including miniature goats — will take place, plus a wood-chopping demonstration. In the McIntosh Pavilion, light lunches and scones will be available. And you can check out an arts display offered by Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre.
On both days, the arts and crafts pavilion will be open — cooking, photography and crafts will be on display. And, of course, Sideshow Alley is open from 10am to 10pm Friday and Saturday. The fireworks display is Saturday at 9 pm.
There is much more, for which I haven’t got space. This includes free family entertainment.
Margaret and I – our chat
I have rarely met a happier person than Marg Stothart. She says she’s had a lucky life — but, as we know, a person makes their own luck, by making the right decisions all along the way. She loves her husband and family, her home and rose garden, Shepparton, and her job.
She is a librarian at St George’s Rd School, and she loves everybody there, including the kids. She particularly enjoys matching a book to a child — and getting them started on their reading life. As she was mentioning this part of her job, I was thinking how important it is for a child to enjoy their first reading experience. She has been doing this job for 42 years and the pleasure she takes in it is apparent. Although her 70th birthday is in the past, she asked, “Why would I retire?” I agreed — this lady still has so much to give.
I asked about her time on the committee of the agricultural society, and she said it was a pleasure. And she’s quite proud of being only the second woman to be its president. It was a large committee of more than 30 members, around 10 per cent women at that time. She made special mention of Jeremy Gaylard and John Laird (the ringmaster). There was always a representative from Rotary because they took care of the gates, and always a banker. She joined because she loves Shepparton and wanted to help, and she stayed because she enjoyed every minute.
Please note: the committee is smaller these days, with more women than men.
I am exceedingly grateful for Marg’s time, and her joie de vivre. She made my day. And I also want to thank Julie Winch, administrator of the agricultural society, who cheerfully sent me many photos.
Good things come to those who wait
I’ll be in trouble with a couple of family members for telling you this, but I’m doing so because some of you will understand my excitement.
I have watched, with interest, the education of three sons, four grandsons and two granddaughters. Last Saturday, the fifth grandson mentioned that he was enjoying history and had, as a matter of fact, received 100 per cent for a history essay. I’m sure you can imagine my delight.
I’m teasing him — telling him he’ll end up a professor of Australian history — but, in my heart, I know he’ll choose a more difficult path; he is an artist.
One can’t have everything!
Recently, I bumped into Christmas. I know it’s early, but I’ll explain next time. In the meantime, have a pleasant week. The days are getting longer, and we should be having some nice days.
May it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Text or call 0409 317 187