The
CLERMONT RAG Community Newsletter Friday May 29, 2015
(L to R) BA Bush Sports, Jeff Cook, Doug Burnett, Sherris Buchanan (Secretary) Jake Passfiedl (Treasurer)
Blair Athol Bush Sports celebrates 70 years There were ‘Thrills and Spills on them Black Soil Hills’ on the first weekend of May when the Blair Athol Bush Sports celebrated its 70th Anniversary. Large crowds, high nominations of competitors in all events, combined with perfect autumn weather allowed the committee to host an unforgettable weekend. Reminiscing of the good old days, 260 dinner guests, mostly past and present BA committee members, supporters, competitors and their families, celebrated in style on Friday night at the Celebration Dinner. Golden Roast caterers provided an excellent meal, while many present entertained the crowd with their memories of Blair Athol from the past. Stories brought to life a bygone era, from grand buckjump rides where competitors brought their own horse to compete on, to the time and effort young ladies spent on handsewing their gowns to compete for “Belle of the Ball” at the old Blair Athol Hall. The crowd were most enthusiastic to dance the night away to music provided by “Time Lapse”, featuring Danny McKay, Brian and Marg Fuller, Doug Bettridge, Lance Benney and Hayley Howe. This was enhanced by an excellent display of memorabilia from past times.
Old trophies from the 1950s, ribbons for all events from Cigarette Races to the infamous BA Flutters and photographic recollections dating back to the first BA Bush Sports in 1945, all returned to BA once more to relive past memories. The Blair Athol committee is extremely grateful to all supporters who donated prize money for the many horse sport and rodeo events held over the weekend, with Isaac Regional Council, Allflex, and JBS helping to fund the dinner. Campdrafting was the main horse sport entertainment for three days with the new cut-out design proving to be a hit with all competitors. Tim and Jeff Cook with their band of helpers had spent many days perfecting the new design. This allowed over 50 competitors an hour through the course and with the excellent line of steers and heifers from ‘Niagara’ and ‘Bendemeer’ some top quality campdrafting was on display. Perhaps the highlight, with historical connections, was the winner of the Clermont Livestock Open Draft Heritage Buckle, Susan Salmond, riding her stallion Lestree Le Docteur. Sue had won her first campdraft at Blair Athol 20 years previously riding Amber, the great grandmother of Le Docteur.
Record numbers of children lined up for the gymkhana events on Saturday morning, and the first year of holding an Australian High School Rodeo attracted large nominations and a terrific show with spectacular rides and some equally spectacular falls from the strong line-up of bucking stock. A full list of competition results and many great photos can be found on the “BA Bush Sports” Facebook page. Once final profits are calculated it is anticipated that BA Bush Sports will again be able to make a sizeable donation to charities. The BA committee thanks all sponsors, competitors, cattle and bucking stock donors, and helpers and spectators during the weekend involved in the 2015 event. The club welcomes new members at any time. For more information, or to have your email address added to the contact list for future meeting notices and regular updates, please contact: President John Burnett – Ph: 4983 5175 or Secretary Sherri Buchanan – Ph: 0408 457 089.