As regional shows around the country struggle to remain relevant and show society memberships languish, it’s hard to imagine a time when getting the chance to join a show committee meant someone had probably kicked the bucket.
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But in 1950, when Ray William joined the Uralla Show Committee, a town’s agricultural show was an annual highlight.
“When I joined, 50 was the maximum on the committee,” he said.
“So you either had to wait for someone to leave the district or die.”
In his 67 years, Ray has only missed one show.
“I was always noted for turning up to working bees,” he said.
Uralla Show Society president Bill Upjohn, who has worked with the show for about 40 years, said it was good to have someone around like Ray around with so much experience.
“It’s a great thing - he’s a really living link to the past,” he said.
“Back in his day, if you wanted to get a ringside seat, then you basically had to inherit it.”
