ROVING COMMENTATOR

One of the well-known voices you will hear on Show morning is that of well-known local, Stuart Baxter . He has lived in the area his whole life and progressed from farm worker to farm owner, seeing many changes over the years on his farm, from sheep, cropping, potato growing to currently deer farming.

Stuart has a long history with the Show, starting as a runner collecting results when he was about 16 or 17 years old.

He later started his commentating days with the late, well-known and respected Molly Townsend He is now joined on Show Day by Melissa Jebson, who is another local with a long involvement with the Association. A commentator ambassador takes over for the horse jumping in the afternoon. Set-up starts the day before the event and Stuart arrives early on Show morning to get organised for his morning of roving commentary. The Show has changed over the years, with people attending years ago to view the sheep and cattle for pre-purchasing, but that has changed with fewer studs around. The focus has turned more to the competition side of things and a family day out.

Stuart tries to keep his time on the microphone interesting and loves getting out amongst stallholders for their input. He has a real natural wit and enjoys making people laugh.

The Show is also a family day for the Baxter Family, with children and grandchildren attending to enjoy what fabulous things the event has to offer.

Stuart encourages everyone to get involved with their local community and Show, and he has seen the trend tending back towards people wanting to be involved in their community again.

Woolly Extravaganza

“My introduction into the wool industry began with a summer holiday job that never ended. A long career in an ancient industry, one of the few that technology can't completely replace,” commented Michelle.

“Working amongst legends, in the heart of our beautiful country with often the most picturesque office views, I've been very fortunate. Adventures and characters, fun and hard graft have made a lifestyle that's as unpredictable as the weather that controls us.

Rousie, Presser, Classer, Blade Cook, Crutcher and Shearing Judge, many now wear multiple hats. Though we've all witnessed the fact our industry has struggled through many changes, we still produce the greatest product in the world.

“Predictably this year's theme is ‘Sheep and Wool’, and as such, we are hosting a ‘Woolly Extravaganza’. The many talented folks, be it passionate individuals with an innovative idea right up to the large International companies that shine successfully on the world stage, have all jumped on board with honest enthusiasm. As one put it, ‘Not in competition, in partnership to educate and promote awareness of the endless possibilities this perfect bounty has to offer’. Hands-on interactive displays, live sheep sculptures, exotic breeds and demos will all add to the showcase.

“Ten goody bags, brimming with kindly donated woolly delights, are up for grabs, along with some very exclusive home décor,” Michelle concluded.

Wool

WoolWorks New Zealand Ltd takes New Zealand fibre and delivers it to the world. Their wool scouring process uses con nuous reused and recycled water, with reduced power consump on. They recycle all waste, making reusable products wherever possible. This move towards sustainability demonstrates that companies can operate in an environmentally friendly way without compromising product quality. They s ll produce the brightest, cleanest wool from happy New Zealand sheep. They can’t wait to a end the Malvern A&P Show to showcase their business and the part they play in the New Zealand Wool Industry.