Family fun and entertainment

Press, 9 January 1981, Page 10

Family fun and entertainment

The annual Banks Peninsula Horse and Pastoral Association’s show bases its reputation on providing a day of family fun and entertainment and tomorrow’s show, the _ 67th, should be no exception. Entries are slightly down on last year, notably in the sheep section, but the show organisers are confident the show will be a success.

Although the sheep entries, most of which are bred on the Peninsula, and horse competitors, will capture a lot of the limelight, the shearing competitions have been very well supported by local and outside competitions and the interest in this sport is increasing rapidly. In all, 867 horse entries have been received (853 last year) and some of these have come from as far afield as Ashburton and Rangiora. Amongst the competitions will be challenge

cups and events for a wide range of ages in-* eluding six-year-olds. Those competing from outside districts have been allowed to camp on the grounds with their horses and equipment and this has made a colourful sight.

Perendale* and Romneys will dominate the sheep entries, which total 85 (114 last year). These two breeds are amongst the most common on the Peninsula and several studs are located in the area.

The show organisers expressed disappointment in the lesser number of sheep entries but they assume the particularly busy time of year makes it difficult for studmasters to prepare their sheep. One sheep section which is well supported is that for black and coloured sheep. The entries in this section exceed some of the others in . the sheep

classes. No flock or fat sheep have been entered this year. Although the dog trial entries have been reduced from 40 last year to 37 this year, the public enthusiasm for this event will ensure an exciting competition. Most of the competitors are seasoned trialing veterans but this year a sprinkling of younger trialists will add just a little extra spice to the huntaway and heading events.

The dogs will run in either maiden or open classes.

Domestic wine entries are well down from 136 last year to 70 but it is safe to assume the quality of the entries will be as high as other years. Because of the Peninsula’s unique climatic conditions, there are areas in which interesting fruits and berries can be grown

and so some fairly exotic wines will be on the “table” at the show. There will be awards for red sweet wine, red dry wine and a variety of white wines. The entries for domestic produce include pikelets, girdle scones, shortbread, chocolate cake, sausage rolls, pickles, relish, marmalade. pizza, fruit loaf and home-made bread. There are also junior classes in this section. In the handcraft section, classes for crochet, articles, children’s clothes, knitted garments and cane trays have been provided.

The six sections in the junior classes include dressed dolls, handwork, art, a kitset model and woodwork. No entry is allowed which has already won a first prize at a previous Peninsula show.