By Margaret Boon
The annual general meeting of the Berwick Show Society is always a night of celebration and was recently held on Tuesday 6 June at the Akoonah Park Centre.
Following dinner, president, Warwick Glendenning gave his president’s report acknowledging that this was the highlight of his career having held the president’s position for the fourth time.
He continued by summarising the successful year with the public returning and mentioned the initiative of welcoming the multicultural communities of City of Casey and surrounding areas.
Warwick thanked the committee, staff, chairpersons, volunteers and sponsors and concluded his speech by saying, “To my ever-enduring wife, Kaye, thank you for your support over the years and as we both know Berwick Show holds a special part in our lives.”
Each year members are recognised for milestone years of volunteer service and Ron Archibald was presented with his 15-year certificate by his son Cameron.
Certificates for 30 years were presented to Ann Keys and Cheryl Henderson.
Robyn Johnson, Louise Reeve and Noelene King OAM were recognised for their 40 years of service.
The society’s highest award of life membership that recognises members’ exceptional, loyal and outstanding service and contribution to Berwick Show Society were bestowed to Cameron Archibald, Sandy Kelly, Margaret and Willem Boon together with honorary life membership being awarded to Wayne Smith who has coordinated the stage for many years.
The evening culminated with the elections of the presidents and committee for the forthcoming year.
After accepting the position, incoming president, Andrew Spierings, spoke of continuing the successes of the year, acknowledging traditions, and encouraging more volunteers. As one of the youngest presidents in recent times Andrew referred to the eldest member of the Society – Bill Bickerton also known as ‘Uncle Bill’, and spoke kindly of him as being the person who was responsible for his introduction to the agricultural show.
The date for the next year’s Berwick and District Show was set for Saturday 24 and 25 February 2024 and many sections have already started planning their competitions and displays.
Watch the show’s social media for announcements in coming months.