Big crowds brave wintry conditions

DESPITE wet and windy conditions late in the afternoon, an estimated 6000 visitors enjoyed last weekend’s Warrnambool Show.

By Staff Writer

Tom Robinson and children Holly and Thea Davenport-Robinson had fun picking some special treats.

The showgrounds was once again alive with colour, bright lights, music and plenty of action as young and old enjoyed all that the show had to offer.

Local schools showed great support for the event, with an increase in entries from last year in the art, craft, cookery and horticulture competitions.

Students from Woodford, Grasmere, Warrnambool West, Warrnambool East, St Pius and Hawkesdale were all eager to put their wares on display in the hope of taking home a prize.

The Enchanted Experience was a big hit with some of the show’s smallest visitors, while the rides and showbag stands were busy throughout the day.

South West Sing (a primary school choir organised by Merrin Moir) drew large crowds while performing on the music stage, as did the Warrnambool College Band and Jaimie Anderson Music.

As always, Bluey brought smiles to many young faces while others enjoyed the sheep dog demonstrations, animal nursery, vintage engines, model railways, the Hamilton Re-enactment Society performances – and the traditional CWA scones.

The sheep pavilion enjoyed a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, with 10 breeds of sheep represented.

Entries came from as far afield as Macclesfield in South Australia and the competition was judged by Ian Christie (Byaduk), Leslie Brewer (South Australia) and Warrnambool’s George Melano.

Dillion Dawson from Cavendish took out the prestigious Kevin Ludeman Memorial All Breeds Sheep of the Show with his Hampshire Down ewe.

He was also named the Moyne Shire Council Most Successful Interbreed exhibitor.

The long wool group of the show was awarded to Jim Bligh from Grassmere with his Romney’s.

He also took out the Helen Brewer Memorial Supreme Romney Exhibit of the Show.

Mortlake’s Kane Hildred won the short wool breed group with his Hampshire Downs (which also won the Georgie Crowe Memorial All Breeds Group of the Show).