THE Markham sisters have been part of the backbone of the Wauchope Show for more than 55 years.
The family’s involvement, however, goes back to 1956, when Les Markham started carting Hill brothers’ cattle from Yarras Station to the showgrounds for the campdraft and bulldogging competitions.
Les and his wife Pattie spent hours assisting with the construction of the Huntingdon Royal Youth stand.
Pattie also competed in the cookery competition and, in later years, was a steward in the main pavilion.
That’s how eldest daughter, Patricia Douglas, became involved in 1970.
“I was 12, competing in the rural youth section for Huntingdon and a lady asked if she could borrow me as a junior steward, and I’ve been here ever since,” she said.
Patricia is one of the vice presidents of the Show Society and a life member.
She’s also spent 33 years with the Ladies Auxiliary.
When Keith McKenzie passed away in 2006, she took over as Chief Hall Steward – and is still in that position.
Younger sister, Jennifer, is treasurer of the Show Society, a director, and also a life member.
She works in the Show office and has been with the Ladies Auxiliary for over 20 years.
The next sister to follow was Jeanette.
“I’ve been working in the hall since high school in the 1980s and worked in the Ladies Auxiliary for 20 years,” she said.
Like Jennifer, she is a steward in the pavilion.
Together they prepare the schedule, the cards, and the ribbons.
The youngest sister, Roslyn Boyce, was Show Secretary for three years.
Now in Bowen, she came down to help out at this year’s show on 10-11 April with her daughter, Olivia.
Another sister, Colleen, and her two children Brittni and Reece, assisted in the main pavilion.
Colleen and Brittni also helped in the Ladies Auxiliary for a number of years.
The Wauchope Show Society has thanked all judges and stewards for their “dedication, fairness, and professionalism”.
“Your time, expertise, and commitment are the backbone of our competitions.
“Our volunteers’ tireless efforts before, during, and after the show often go unseen. [But] we simply could not do this without you.”
By Pauline CAIN
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