MESSAGE FROM SHOW PATRON

My congratulations to our President Michelle Webster and the Malvern A&P committee for over coming Covid disruption and organising next week’s Show. There is a financial cost with having to cancel a Show, and we are very fortunate in having the support of the district. Having no grounds to maintain has been a huge factor in keeping costs down.

It always astounds me when I turn up at the working bees, and see the fantastic local support that gets the Show up and running - such dedication and effort that needs the community support by attending and enjoying yourself on Show day.

The actual Show is a basis in which to launch and show your exhibits, compete against others but more importantly socialise! New Zealand is paradise when one compares it with countries like Ukraine. Having events such as rural community days like our A&P Show is ‘icing on the cake’ for our community’s wellbeing. President Michelle has asked me to stage a vintage vehicle section, which makes me think of my great grandparents, George F and Margaret R Wright who would have attended the Show in 1906 with their then new Cadillac motor car. Before these vehicles, there would have been horse drawn drays or gigs, and of course life was much slower.

I’m guessing the steam train would have also dropped off passengers from the Oxford railway line and of course the present line. That would have been an exciting day for a family, given the remote location of Sheffield.

We have a 1906 Cadillac (exactly the same as George F’s) and it might well be fitting that it appears at this year’s Show, if not to remind one of the historical mode of transport but also be on display in the vintage section.

To the Show public, Show committee, sponsors, exhibitors, be they trade or livestock - have a wonderful day of competition and fellowship, but most of all, enjoy yourself together with your family.