Rain, some sun and a whole lot of fun

NOT even some intermittent, heavy rain showers failed to dampen the spirits of showgoers in Warrnambool last Saturday.

Elsie Hickman was on the radio at the State Emergency Services (SES) stall.

The lure of rides, animals, showbags, competitions and endless displays drew crowds through the gate, all eager to enjoy a fun-filled day out.

“Other than the weather, we did still have a good amount of people come through the gates,” Warrnambool Agricultural Society secretary Nicola Brown said.

“We had a big storm in the morning which did scare a few of the trade stands away before the gates opened, but nevertheless those who braved the day did well.

“Everyone loved the Flying Flamingos and Hoop Sparx and the kids’ zone, with free face painting, was also very popular.

“The Showman’s Guild rides attracted crowds and the shearing and woolhandling championships were amazing. Overall, it was another great show.”

The wool shed was the place to be throughout the day on Friday, as well as on show day, with the running of this year’s Warrnambool X Bred Shears and the Australian National Shearing and Woolhandling Championships.

“We had a great couple of days, with some quality shearing and woolhandling on display,” secretary Brooke Siegle said.

Results were as follows:

Warrnambool X Bred Shears:

Woolhandling winners – novice Rebecca Williss, senior Hayley Brown and Open Charis Morrell.

Shearing – novice Ned Woodford, senior development Mitchell Yates, Open Jack Fagan, Open Blade Johnathon Dalla.

Australian National Shearing and Woolhandling Championships:

Shearing – Open Sam Mackrill, senior Isaac Palmer, intermediate Mac Hooppell, novice Leyland Seddon, Open Blade John Dalla.

Woolhandling – Open Alexander Schoff, senior development Ally Tamblyn, novice Briony Knoll.

Once again the sheep section was keenly contested, with 13 breeds entered in the competition, with entries received from as far afield as Macclesfield in South Australia.

Among the many breeds represented were Cheviot, Corriedale, Border Leicester, Poll Dorset, Southdown, South Suffolk, Hampshire Down and others.

Judges on the day were Melbourne’s Gavin Wall, Hamilton’s Chris Parker and Simon Thomas from Cavendish.

Major awards were presented to the following winners:

Kevin Ludemam Memorial Sheep of the Show – Milton Savage (Southdown Ram).

Georgie Crowe Memorial Group of the Show – Bridget Leahy, Kane Hildred and George Melano (Corriedale Group).

Midfield Group Lamb of the Show – Bridget Leahy (Hampshire Down ewe lamb).

Moyne Shire Most Successful Exhibitor – Milton Savage.

Brewer Memorial Supreme Romney Exhibit – Helen Wright (Romney Group).

Lincoln Champion Ram and Ewe – Andy Beard.