Stalwart honoured at Gore A&P Show

Admiring the South Suffolk ram that won Supreme Champion are (from left) Doug McCall, Gore A&P Show life member Trevor McCall and judge Roger Keach. Photos: Kayla Hodge

World champion wood-choppers, an interesting Undie 200 run and the commemoration of a stalwart meant there was a lot to revel in at the Gore A&P Show on Saturday.

Former Gore A&P Show president Margaret Dickie died about 18 months ago but her spirit was strong at the show with the unveiling of a plaque in her honour.

Miss Dickie was a show committee member for 25 years, serving as president from 2004 to 2005.

World champion woodchopper Bobby Dowling, of Invercargill, competes at the Gore A&P Show on Saturday. Photo: Kayla Hodge

She was also a member of the Southern Equestrian Park Trust from 2009 to 2017.
Show president Jock Cummings paid tribute to Miss Dickie, telling the crowd it was an honour to unveil the plaque.

"She was a quiet achiever but when she spoke everybody listened, she was well respected in our community.

"She had a great passion for all livestock, especially horses," Mr Cummings said.

Both Miss Dickie's sister Lyn Cox and son Dougal Dickie were on hand at the presentation.

"This really means a lot to our family. I was dragged to shows all the time growing up because she just loved being involved.

"She loved horses and judging them took her all over the world and New Zealand — I was always proud of her," Mr Dickie said.

The pet corner was a hit with younger show goers. Caleb Smith (2), of Wyndham, enjoys looking at the goats in their pens.

In other events, the woodchopping attracted a constant stream of enthusiasts eager to get a look at world champion wood sawer Bobby Dowling, of Invercargill, competing throughout the day.

The Undie 200 resulted in some younger children failing to finish as their little legs could not make it over the hay-bale obstacles.

At the livestock, James Mitchell (12), of Ferndale, won the best merino sheep for the second year in a row.

"It's really exciting seeing them win. I love merinos — they're different to all the other sheep," James said.

Show entry secretary Helen Wilson was delighted more than 2600 people attended this year's show.

"It's more than what we had last year, which is great. We've got a great committee that's worked really hard — it's been a great day," Mrs Wilson said.

KAYLA.HODGE@theensign.co.nz