ABOUT a week ago, we at the Chronicle were throwing around a few ideas about how we could mark the 125th anniversary of the Wingham Show.
As we were talking, Manning Valley Historical Society member Mieke Van Werdt walked through the front door. A light bulb flicked on. We asked Mieke if she could whip up a historical article for us exploring the origins of the show. Let’s just say she didn’t need to be asked twice.
Here is a fascinating look at 1885 - the birthyear of the Wingham Show . . .
THE ‘Government Gazette’ of August 15, 1884, contains the following notice: Trustees appointed for land in Parish Wingham, County Macquarie, being portion No. 117, containing 25 acres dedicated for Showground purposes, for the use of the Upper Manning Agricultural and Horticultural Association.
Viz: Messrs. Joseph Andrews, J.P., Adam Herkes, Joshua Cochrane, J.P., George Snell Hill, John Abbott.
The first show was held on Wednesday and Thursday May 20 and 21, 1885.
Mr. J. H. Young, senior member for the district, upon making his appearance on a temporary platform, erected for the purpose in the centre of the grounds, was greeted with rounds of applause, and he, in a happy and effective speech, exemplified the accomplishment of the energetic, united action of this body of agricultural pastoralists, and declared the show open. The affair was an immense success, over 1800 people being present.
In an issue two days later it says that the attendance at the Agricultural Show was even greater than on the first day. The gate money for the two days amounted to £135. Cattle of all classes were well represented.
The Herefords were much admired and showed conspicuously. Three very large framed bullocks, excessively fat, secured the prizes in the fat-stock class. Competent authorities declared the Show to be superior to those of the average country shows. The vegetables, farm produce, pigs and maize were excellent. The jumping and trotting exhibitions, for which 33 horses were entered, were well attended.
The price for hacks was taken by Mr. Tate and the 15-guinea prize was won by Miss Farrell on Mr. Druitt's horse Silver Jar. The prize for the best collection of preserves was won by Mrs. Donkin. The show of machinery by the local exhibitors was very large and there were also numerous exhibits from Sydney.
The bread exhibits were numerous and Mr. Pemell's prize for baker's bread was won by Mrs. Jones of Croki. Mr. Pemell's prize for home-made bread was won by Mrs. Robinson of Dingo. Mr. Hack's stump extractor which was shown at work gave great satisfaction. Everything went along smoothly and orderly, and the weather was splendid.
The usual dinner in connection with the Show was held in the evening and was well attended. The sale of stock on the ground was well attended.
The town was crowded with visitors who had come from Sydney, Maitland, Dungog and other places. As the years rolled on, steady progress was made, the carefully controlled expenditure gradually built up a sound financial condition, several wet weather shows not withstanding.
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