Ruahine School displays strong rural ties

First, Isla Caswill and Lucky with the Dunford Cup; second, Jade Johnston and Jay-Jay; third, Lilly Chapman and Sparkle; and highly commended, Will Hogan and Starry.

"Rural is what we are all about," Ruahine School teacher Lee Gibbs said, and it certainly seemed that way on Wednesday October 25 when the school held its lamb and calf day.

First Jayden McNaughton and Marty with the Charmley Cup presented by Max Charmley, second Alice Baxter and Pipi, third Rebecca and Rainbow Drop.

Sheltered from the moderate breeze by trees and buildings, with the competition rings surrounded by parents and supporters with the rest of the school watching, the school had a very successful day.

The venue for the competition, bathed in sunshine.

There were 67 entries, with a slight bias towards calves (41) reflecting the strength of dairying in the district.

First Sophie Southgate and Dividia. Janine Castles and judge Lucy Collin, second Jessica Bradbury and Fudge, third Valerie Baguisa and Olive, highly commended William Southgate and Patches.

The usual lambs which turned deaf when called by their owners, calves which sat down and couldn't be nudged up by their small leaders and the smell of sausages on the barbecue, made the day typically rural.

These entrants waited for the junior lamb calling.

Overall junior calf care and attention placegetters: First, Jade Johnston and Jay-Jay; second Georgia Hogan and Milky Nibbles, third Olivia Franklin and Twinkaltoes.