26 and 27 January
See you at the Show!
Souvenir pull-out guide
“A public meeting was held at Mr Gard’s Fitzroy Hotel, Kiama on 24th November for the purpose of forming an Agricultural and Horticultural Society for the district of Kiama.’’ – so the Sydney Herald of December 14, 1848, recorded the creation of the Kiama Agricultural Society. 170 years may have passed since the establishment of the Kiama Agricultural Society, but when it comes the annual Show - promoting agriculture, showcasing community talent, catching up with friends and having fun - not much has changed. The first Kiama Agricultural and Horticultural Society Show was held in February 1849 in the new brewery connected with the Fitzroy Hotel, making it the third oldest agricultural show in the state and one of the oldest in Australia. The Show continued in various locations throughout town until the early 1860s when there was a break in the Shows, partly due to an outbreak of pleuro-pneumonia among several dairy herds. The founder of the Kiama Independent newspaper Joseph Weston promted the re-vitalistion of the Show Society and the first Show of the new era was held in February 1867. The annual Show continued in the face of the Great Depression, World Wars and the destruction of the Pavilion by fire in 1938. The modern show, staged this year on the Australia Day weekend (Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27) includes many of the attractions people have been enjoying for decades more than 2000 pavilion exhibits, cattle judging, show jumping, rides, fireworks and the ever-popular wood chop. There will also be many popular more recent Show favourites, such as the ARD FMX stunt motorbikes and in a major coup, this year’s Show also includes the Rooftop Express Wild West Show. Rooftop Express combines showmanship, stunts, horses and cattle with slapstick and good old-fashioned Aussie humour. Kiama Show Society President Michael Brennan says the Clockwise from top: Kiama Showground 1900s; The ever-popular woodchop; Pavilion tasty treats; World class show jumping and; Amusements after dark 170th Show is a great time to reflect on Kiama’s agricultural Pictures: Zest Images and Alice Beasley past as well as celebrate what is a great community event. “Whether your family has been part of or just attended the Show for generations, or it’s your first time, the Kiama Show provides great entertainment for people of all ages,’’ he said. “During your visit to the Show this year, take time to imagine what it would have been like 170 years ago. We can all be proud as that this event is still bringing smiles year after year.’’ The 170th Kiama Show is on Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27. Gates open 9am daily. Five years and under - free; Adults: $15 each day; Junior: $5 each day (6 to 16 years); Family: $35 each day (2 adults and 2 children aged 5 to 15 years old); Concession: $10 each day. Visit www. kiamashow.com.au for more information.
Generations of talent and dedication on show Talented and hard-working Show Committee member Barbara Wyles first entered the Kiama Show in 1984 and has been an exhibitor every year since. Her children Melinda and Martyn and granddaughter Andria are proudly carrying on the tradition. Barbara began knitting as a teenager and learnt to spin and weave during the 1980s at TAFE and Wollongong University. In 1988 she was awarded the Australian Bicentenary Medal for Best Exhibit in the Spinning/Weaving section of the Kiama Show and has been a steward in this section since 1989. Barbara first entered the Royal Sydney Agricultural Show (RAS) in 2009. She has won prizes there every year since. Another highlight came in 2009 when one of Barbara’s knitted articles was featured in the Showcase of Excellence and in 2017 her knitted christening dress was awarded The Frances Binnie Memorial Perpetual Trophy in the Showcase of Excellence. In 2011 Barbara and her daughter Melinda and the late Ingrid Wass entered the Wool Article/Garment State Competition and their items went on to the RAS and were awarded first place in NSW. The trio won the same title again in 2013 and 2015. In 2013 Barbara began entering Pavilion exhibi-
tor’s details for the Kiama Show and has been in great demand ever since. Melinda began volunteering at Kiama Show in the Spinning, Weaving and Felting Section in 2000, as an assistant demonstrating felt squares with Christine Sloan. She became a steward and helped mount the section’s display shortly after. This sparked an interest in working with felt from fleece and Melinda now enters in the felting section of the Show. She has won many prizes with her felt and in 2009 also entered the RAS in felting with hand-felted garments and hats. For many years mother and daughter have entered the Australian Wool and Sheep Show in Bendigo and have both won several first prizes there. Melinda also won first prize in the Wearable Art Section at Bendigo and last year entered three garments and won three first prizes. Andria’s involvement in the Show began in 2001 when at the age of eight, she entered the Junior Art and Pet Show sections. In 2004 Andria won first prize with a woven beret. In 2013 and 2017 Andria was a Showgirl contender, an experience she treasures. Martyn enters the Kiama Show in the Vegetables and Pot Plants Sections. He has been the winner Family affair: Show stalwart Barbara Wyles and her award-winning gown, felt worker daughter Melinda, exhibitor and Showgirl entrant grand-daughter Andria and bonsai expert son Martyn several times with the Best Bonsai Exhibit.