More than 50 years of memories for show pavilion volunteer
Wednesday April 29, 2009
Ann Evans, when she was recently
presented with life membership to the Cobar Show Society for her years of work in the pavilion. ▪ File photo
At this year’s Cobar Show, one of the longest serving volunteers, Ann Evans, will clock up 52 years of work in the pavilion.
Mrs Evans told The Cobar Weekly that it has been easy to keep going for all those years, because she “thoroughly enjoys” it and has made lifelong friends from her work on the show.
“It’s a lot of work but also a lot of fun.
“You get to meet a lot of new people,” Mrs Evans said.
A long time steward of the jams and preserves section of the pavilion, Mrs Evans said she has seen plenty of changes over the time.
“Things have changed over the years—at one stage the jams and pickles were part of the same category and when you judged them, your tastebuds didn’t know what was happening.
“They have certainly improved the pavilion schedule over the years,” she said.
Mrs Evans has also spent time as a steward in the fruit and vegetable section.
“I remember one year catching some young boys stealing oranges from the pavilion display.
“We made them stay back after the show and help clean up, and we never had a problem with it again.”
While it’s hard to pinpoint a favourite memory, Mrs Evans said she gets the most delight out of seeing the talent and efforts of local children.
“I like seeing the talent, especially in the school displays. Last year’s water-themed displays were amazing.
“I like to give the children who enter some encouragement.
“One year a little girl entered some carrots that she had grown, and after the show she came to me and asked why she didn’t win a prize.
“I sat her down and showed her all the other entries and we talked about it.
“Now she has grown-up and I have noticed that she brings her children along and they all put entries into the pavilion,” Mrs Evans said.
“The kids’ exhibits are always great, they really make me so proud to be involved with the pavilion.”
Looking to the future of the show, Mrs Evans acknowledged that there are plenty of challenges.
“Rules and regulations are killing the small shows.
“There are also the normal problems for exhibitors, like getting the sheep fat and keeping the wool in good condition.” she said.
Mrs Evans said a new pavilion has been on the agenda for many years.
“One year some cats got into the pavilion the night before the show and ate all the cakes.
“We rang around all the Country Women’s Association (CWA) ladies who cooked up a storm and made sure there were plenty of sweets in the pavilion for the show.
“Another year it rained and the pavilion leaked, and ruined the icing on all the cakes,” she recalled.
Mrs Evans said the pavilion entrants learn from each other over the years, which helps the quality of entries to get better.
“People might think there is a lot of pettiness in the pavilions, but it’s not like that at all.
The entrants share stories, talk about their entries and everyone learns,” she said.
“They see it as a friendly challenge for the next year.”
Mrs Evans said she looks forward to seeing a new generation of show volunteers coming through the ranks.
“It’s nearly time for me to hand over,” she said.
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