Local show going to plan

AS THE Royal Melbourne Show (September 24 – October 4) draws to a close this week, preparations are ramping up for the Corner Inlet district’s own show.

The 2012 Foster and District Agricultural Show will be held on Saturday 25 February, although there is some discussion about changing the date in future years from the last Saturday in February, because it clashes with the Berwick Show. Foster possibly misses out on some horse entries – and possibly entries in other events – because people elect to exhibit at Berwick instead.

The show society plans to vote on the matter at its next meeting on the third Tuesday of the month, October 18 (8pm at the Secretary’s Office at Foster Showgrounds) and invites submissions from the public in the meantime or at the meeting. One suggestion is to change Foster’s show day to the third Saturday in February. This has traditionally been the date Leongatha held its show, but because of a lack of volunteers to run it that show is now no more.

More than 100 years after it began, the Foster Show is still going strong.

At the recent annual general meeting, Noel Afflitto agreed to continue as President, Amanda Afflitto continues as Treasurer, and Denis O’Neil kindly agreed to step into the role of Secretary, replacing Rhonda Bland, who did an excellent job as Secretary leading up to the 2011 Foster Show. Denis is a retired teacher who has taught in country areas as well as Melbourne and has been a regular visitor to the Corner Inlet district, where he had a permanent van, for many years. Twelve months ago he bought a house just out of Foster on the Lower Franklin Road. As Show Secretary he has a very able Assistant Secretary in Darren Lomax, and there are, of course, lots of committee members who do their bit to ensure the show is a success.

Among the highlights of the 2012 Foster and District Agricultural Show will be a working dogs demonstration by Welshpool’s Paul MacPhail and his superbly trained kelpies. They will be working sheep and are always worth a look.

The show society is also hopeful of having donkeys at the show again in 2012. They have proved a crowd pleaser in previous years.

Pigs will be on show for the first time for many years, though they will not be judged.

“Many years ago lots of dairy farmers used to keep pigs, but this is no longer the case. However, in recent years there has been a renewed interest in rare breeds,” said Show President Noel Afflitto.

The show society is keen to hear from anyone who has ideas for the Foster Show – or a firm opinion on what date it should be held (from 2013). Telephone the secretary, Denis O’Neil on (0425) 565 649 if you have a contribution to make, or come along to the meeting on October 18.

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