In a previous blog I had already touched on the annual Surfest competition that had been in progress for the past two weeks, and that would see the finals over this weekend. Thousands of visitors from Australia and all over the world had made their way to the beaches of Merewether and Newcastle to enjoy this spectacular event on the world surf calendar.
Another long established annual event is The Newcastle Show and I have attached some details from their official website. This show is not so different from those that take place around Britain, including The Suffolk Show in Ipswich. Held over two days in the first week of June, the Suffolk Show is a mixture of agricultural exhibitions and livestock competitions, equestrian and canine displays all augmented by showcasing local companies and their products. Every year a member of the Royal Family is invited to visit the shows first day and overall visitor attendance reaches around 90,000. The 2012 Suffolk Show will be sure to commemorate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and ensure bumper attendances.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
In 1899 a committee was formed to look at the possibility of conducting an 'annual show' in Newcastle. Those involved in the enterprise were all prominent businessmen, including the then Mayor of Newcastle, Mr. W. Cann. Dr. Joseph Beeston was appointed president of the newly formed Newcastle and District Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Association with Mr. M.A. Frazer as secretary, at a salary of 52 pounds a year. The first event, a Sports Day, was held early in 1901. With 'spectacular events such as an eight man ladder and hose race, municipal tug-of-war, wrestling on horseback, tent pegging and highland dancing and piping,' it proved an excellent first venture for the fledgling committee. The first Newcastle Regional Show was held on 17th May, 1902. The Show was opened by Mr. Joseph Wood, Patron of the Association and the newspapers of the day hailed it as a 'splendid success'. Judging was held in Poultry, Horses, Garden Produce, Flowers, Cookery, Needlework, Wagons & Buggies, Painting, Drawing & Writing, Dairy Produce, Agriculture. There were nineteen sections in all.
The Annual Newcastle Regional Show continued largely without interruption. However, the 1916 Show was not held because the grounds were needed as a Military Camp for World War I. There was another gap in 1919 due to the influenza epidemic which was raging round the world at the time. Annual Shows continued to be held through the Great Depression years, but as Newcastle Showground was used as an Army Staging Camp during the Second World War no shows were held during the years 1941 to 1945 inclusive.
In the late 1980's innovations such as street theatre, themed buildings and sitescaping elements were introduced, school excursions were initiated and stages provided to showcase the talents of our youth. With the support of the community, the Newcastle Regional Show continues to grow and change year to year. We maintain a strong commitment to provide the people of our region with the opportunity to showcase their product, their talent, their skills and their creativity in a safe and comfortable family-friendly environment. Looking ahead into this 21st century the Committee will strive to bring to the people of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley all the excitement of a traditional Show as well as relevant and innovative concepts to meet the changing attitudes and lifestyles of our modern society. The backbone of the Newcastle Regional Show, from 1899 to the present day, remains its volunteer Committee members and volunteer workers. Without the assistance of this dedicated group of men and women from all walks of life, giving so freely of their valuable time to help organise the Show, it would not be financially viable to run such a huge event. We are proud of our heritage and offer our patrons the opportunity to visit a traditional show featuring animal displays and competitions, agricultural exhibits, exceptional pavilion displays, exciting ring entertainment, innovative product stalls, interactive stage performers and the thrill of sideshow alley. |
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Another major event to take place over the weekend was the Newcastle Triathlon that attracted 3,000 competitors from juniors to seniors and raises funds for charity. This event, held at Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Foreshore, involves competitors running, swimming and cycling. Triathlons are also known as Iron Man/Woman events and require enormous endurance over each of the three disciplines. It is all I can do to cycle the 5km to Nobbys Beach, have a wallow in the ocean, walk 2km along the beach and then cycle back again! Hats off to those hardy souls.
Finally there was a double header of sport with teams from Brisbane on Friday and Saturday evening. First the NFL (rugby league) Newcastle Knights lost to the Brisbane Broncos and the following night the AFL (football) Newcastle Jets lost to Brisbane Roar. These two events were watched by over 34,000 spectators, including yours truly, and produced yet more welcome income into the city's business and retail industry.
On Sunday, I was invited to celebrate my friend Diane's birthday at the Charlestown Bowling Club where, after lunch, we were let loose on some of the bowling rinks (how technical does that sound?) to participate in some barefoot bowling. This is an initiative by the club to attract new members by giving you a chance to sample the sport and their excellent facilities.
Bowling on an artificial surface there is little chance of damage being caused and these rinks are well away from the competition rinks of the serious club bowlers. It was a fun afternoon and a lovely way to be outside and enjoy each others company. A big thank you to Glenda for organising the event and for 'fixing' the warm, dry weather.
My own weekly highlight was last Thursday. Whilst having a swim in the ocean off Nobbys Beach, I was aware of quite an audible clicking and squeaking noise. Momentarily I thought I must have forgotten to take off my MP3 player but there, about 50m further out, was a pod of dolphins. I was so excited I almost drowned as I tried to look over the waves at them. I counted 7 of them and they were just effortlessly swimming along in the direction of Newcastle Beach. They were probably wondering what the large fish with the blue shorts was doing in their ocean! The closest I have ever been to wild dolphins in the water. What an unbelievable experience....wow!
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