April 2023 Newsletter

Egmont A&P Association update

The last few months have been exciting and extremely busy for the association.  With the changing of the traditional show date in November to our new February date.  Splitting the show dates meant we held the Calf and Lamb Day in October, which had good entries and an Equestrian only event in November, which judging by the compliments received was a success. Another show jumping ring could be held along with a show hunter ring, something which had never been held at the show previously. Due to the great turf management, our Surface Specialist, Malcolm Hurley does with our grounds and some show jumping class reshuffling, despite the rain during the November Equestrian event the Oval, Burnside Avenue Grass and the Pony Club Paddock surfaces held up remarkably well and recovered in a very short space of time.

In November Ian Careswell joined the A&P Association as our new Caretaker. This will allow Malcolm some well overdue time off. In December, Angela Pennefather joined the association as our office administrator.  Having this position filled, means the Showgrounds office is open five days a week from 8.45am – 3.15pm .

Early in January Patea Pony Club held their annual Pony Club Camp on the grounds, Mountain Minis held a show, Dressage Taranaki held their Premier League Event, The Gypsy Fair used the Showgrounds as their venue, Taranaki Arabian Horse Club held their Championship Show and Taranaki Equestrian Jumping held their annual show which includes the final of the World Cup Series.  As always, the grounds looked a picture for these events and are a credit to the Association and we are grateful to Malcolm and Ian for the hours they put in making sure the surfaces required are maintained.

The Executive hoped by changing the Show date to February we would almost be guaranteed great weather!  Sadly this wasn’t the case having a cold and wet snap hit the region that weekend, however, with some exciting entertainment booked to attract the public, including the ever popular Mahon’s Amusements and Franklin Farms Freestyle Moto X display we saw good numbers through the gates over the weekend.  The Show parade was held on Friday 24^th at 5.30pm meandering through the showgrounds, unfortunately this was not as popular drawcard in previous years.  All weekend there were food trucks on site, that provided a great selection of dining choices.

The Leisure, Treasure and Pleasure Section was well patronised as was the Small Animal Tent which as always allows exposure to a variety of animals not everyone is familiar with! The Alpaca and Pig Showing sections were held in the TSB Indoor Arena and entries for these were good.  Pigs have not been held at Egmont A&P for a number of years, but some good, keen locals organised the section and made a success of the event.

The Pony Club paddock was home to Lawn Mower racing and the Vintage Machinery section, Under the Grandstand there was an Art and Craft interactive Hub, where everyone could try their hand at different art forms.  We had a good response from the Trade Stands that attended, with some already securing their site next year!

We are very aware that it takes a huge volunteer team to run the show, we are thankful for the commitment and sponsorship that we receive from the community year on year.

Kind Regards

Dale Moseley

President