Flaxbourne - country atmosphere brings people together

By Chris Valli

Flaxbourne A & P show secretary Bernadette Gilmore says the secret to the show’s success and longevity is due to it being the annual community event for town and country people to meet.

“There are lots of attractions, horse and pony events, shearing, sheep, wool, sewing and knitting, cooking and home produce, flowers, vegetables, photography, children’s crafts and art work,” says Bernadette. “We have trade and craft displays with many businesses from Marlborough supporting us. Food, coffee, Mr Whippy, Baked Potatoes. We have a hard working committee who put the day together with something for everyone to see or do. Country atmosphere that brings people together.”

Bernadette says with most small communities there is always the ‘look after your neighbour response’. Ward, she says, is no exception.

On the equestrian side of this year’s show horses are down slightly on 2021 (there was no show in 2022 due to Covid).

Bernadette says there are miniature horses, riding classes, hunter classes and jumping for horses and ponies. Riders from North Canterbury, Kaikoura, and Nelson area along with Marlborough riders will be competing. One feature this year includes the Flaxbourne Flyer McKendry Mazda event where teams of three; the rider, driver and navigator will see the rider jumping six times, the driver completing a coned slalom course and the navigator running a 100 metre sprint.

Other attractions on the day include; terrier racing, spouse carrying, iron man, sheep counting and the Harcourt’s Rural Future Farmer Competition for primary school age children to show their farming skills.

Entry is $10 per adult and children under 17 years, free. There will be no EFTPOS available so please bring cash.

The Flaxbourne A & P show is at Weld Park, SH1 Ward on Sunday from 8am – 6pm.