Our History
History of the Berrigan Agricultural & Horticultural Society Inc.
1891 - 1998
1891 - 1998
Compiled by Justin O’Neill
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Berrigan's First Show in 1981 as reported in the Cobram Courier, Thursday 2 April 1891, courtesy of the Berrigan & District Heritage Museum
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First Show
Tuesday 31 March 1891
School of Arts in Drummond Street
President: Mr Patrick McFarlane (Barooga Station)
Secretary: Mr John Jones
Increment weather spoilt attendance. In the minutes of 23rd October 1891 it was decided by the Committee to find a Showground. Committee consisted of Jones, Gorman, Drummond, and Lysaght.
Tuesday 31 March 1891
School of Arts in Drummond Street
President: Mr Patrick McFarlane (Barooga Station)
Secretary: Mr John Jones
Increment weather spoilt attendance. In the minutes of 23rd October 1891 it was decided by the Committee to find a Showground. Committee consisted of Jones, Gorman, Drummond, and Lysaght.
Second Show
Thursday 31st March 1892
School of Arts
President: Mr. P. McFarlane
Secretary: Mr J. Jones
Good weather, a great success, entries and quality of exhibits of a high standard. Good display of horses and the high jumping section well filled. Mr John Rockliff (Father of Frank & Jack) of Numurkah won with a pair of Tasmanian Grey Ponies in buggy. Mr E.J. Gorman won his section with mouse coloured ponies. Mr Harry Davies (Berrigan Blacksmith) had the largest collection of machinery exhibits. Also eleven bags of wheat were shown in the produce section.
Thursday 31st March 1892
School of Arts
President: Mr. P. McFarlane
Secretary: Mr J. Jones
Good weather, a great success, entries and quality of exhibits of a high standard. Good display of horses and the high jumping section well filled. Mr John Rockliff (Father of Frank & Jack) of Numurkah won with a pair of Tasmanian Grey Ponies in buggy. Mr E.J. Gorman won his section with mouse coloured ponies. Mr Harry Davies (Berrigan Blacksmith) had the largest collection of machinery exhibits. Also eleven bags of wheat were shown in the produce section.
1893 to 1894
Shows from 1893-94 were held in William Greggery's Paddock
President: Mr J. Jones
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
In 1894, William Shand won wheat contest with 40 acres. Mr W.O. O'Dwyer won best homestead.
Shows from 1893-94 were held in William Greggery's Paddock
President: Mr J. Jones
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
In 1894, William Shand won wheat contest with 40 acres. Mr W.O. O'Dwyer won best homestead.
1895
Held in Greggery's Paddock
President: Hon. Rupert Carrington (Momalong)
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
Held in Greggery's Paddock
President: Hon. Rupert Carrington (Momalong)
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
1896
Wednesday 19 February 1896
Held at Green Hills
President: Hon. R. Carrington
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
Over 1,000 attended. A record crowd!
Wednesday 19 February 1896
Held at Green Hills
President: Hon. R. Carrington
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
Over 1,000 attended. A record crowd!
1897
Wednesday 17 February 1897 at Green Hills
President: Mr E.J. Gorman (Nangunia)
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
Train came from Jerilderie as the rail had just been completed at the end of 1896 with 250 people. The record attendance was broken with 1,500 people attending.
Wednesday 17 February 1897 at Green Hills
President: Mr E.J. Gorman (Nangunia)
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
Train came from Jerilderie as the rail had just been completed at the end of 1896 with 250 people. The record attendance was broken with 1,500 people attending.
1898
Held at newly acquired Sportsground (next to school)
President: Mr William Greggery
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
A train once again brought people from Jerilderie. Discussion for a Spring Show was defeated by a narrow margin.
Held at newly acquired Sportsground (next to school)
President: Mr William Greggery
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
A train once again brought people from Jerilderie. Discussion for a Spring Show was defeated by a narrow margin.
1899
Wednesday 15 February 1899 at Sportsground
President: Mr W. Greggery
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
Wednesday 15 February 1899 at Sportsground
President: Mr W. Greggery
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
1900
February at Sportsground
President: Mr E.J. Gorman
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
Last Show held in Autumn.
February at Sportsground
President: Mr E.J. Gorman
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
Last Show held in Autumn.
1901
Wednesday 18 September 1901 at Sportsground
President: Mr Dan Corcoran
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
Mr R. Drummond retired as Secretary to join brothers, Douglas and Sam, at Lockhart. Mr Charles was new Secretary.
Wednesday 18 September 1901 at Sportsground
President: Mr Dan Corcoran
Secretary: Mr R. Drummond
Mr R. Drummond retired as Secretary to join brothers, Douglas and Sam, at Lockhart. Mr Charles was new Secretary.
1902
September at Sportsground
President: Mr E.J. Gorman
Secretary: Mr Hamilton
September at Sportsground
President: Mr E.J. Gorman
Secretary: Mr Hamilton
1903
September on Corcoran's Block
President: Mr Edmund O'Dywer (Cape Plain)
Secretary: Mr G. Hamilton
Special Meeting for own Showground with offers of land from E.J. Gorman (23 acres for 250 pound), J & H Harris (20 acres for 200 pound), and Mrs Corcoran (20 acres for 160 pound). 13 voted for Corcoran block, seven voted for Harris block, and four voted for Gorman block. 60 pound deposit was paid on Corcoran's Block. Very successful but some members were not satisfied with site. It was decided that 1903 would be the last show held on this site. 17 acres of land purchased opposite the Railway Station with the new ground to be ready for 1906. Mrs Corcoran absolved them of the Land Contract.
September on Corcoran's Block
President: Mr Edmund O'Dywer (Cape Plain)
Secretary: Mr G. Hamilton
Special Meeting for own Showground with offers of land from E.J. Gorman (23 acres for 250 pound), J & H Harris (20 acres for 200 pound), and Mrs Corcoran (20 acres for 160 pound). 13 voted for Corcoran block, seven voted for Harris block, and four voted for Gorman block. 60 pound deposit was paid on Corcoran's Block. Very successful but some members were not satisfied with site. It was decided that 1903 would be the last show held on this site. 17 acres of land purchased opposite the Railway Station with the new ground to be ready for 1906. Mrs Corcoran absolved them of the Land Contract.
1904
President: Mr J. Reynoldson (Thistlebout)
Secretary: Mr G. Hamilton
President: Mr J. Reynoldson (Thistlebout)
Secretary: Mr G. Hamilton
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1905
President: Mr John Blair Secretary: Mr G. Hamilton 1906
Held at new Showground President: Mr W. Greggery Secretary: Mr G. Hamilton First two day Show. Red Pavilion built with materials costing 337 pound plus 200 pound worth of materials from shed on Corcoran's Block. The two day Show was not successful with too much on second day and people bored on first day. |
Photo taken on the current showgrounds (after 1903) from the current oval with the silos in the distance. Courtesy of the Berrigan & District Heritage Museum.
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1907 to 1910
President: Mr E.J. Gorman
Secretary: Mr Tom Crowther (Newsagent)
Show Committee soliciting money for a grandstand (mainly E.J. Gorman & S. Macpherson).
President: Mr E.J. Gorman
Secretary: Mr Tom Crowther (Newsagent)
Show Committee soliciting money for a grandstand (mainly E.J. Gorman & S. Macpherson).
1911
President: Mr E. O'Dwyer
Secretary: Mr T. Crowther
President: Mr E. O'Dwyer
Secretary: Mr T. Crowther
1912
President: Mr William Pyle
Secretary: Mr T. Crowther
Idea of grandstand abandoned in favour of paying off debentures for land and buildings.
President: Mr William Pyle
Secretary: Mr T. Crowther
Idea of grandstand abandoned in favour of paying off debentures for land and buildings.
1913
President: Mr Edward (Ned) McGrady (Flowery Vale & Royal Hotel)
Secretary: Mr T. Crowther
President: Mr Edward (Ned) McGrady (Flowery Vale & Royal Hotel)
Secretary: Mr T. Crowther
1914
President: Mr J. Phipps
Secretary: Mr W. Johnson
President: Mr J. Phipps
Secretary: Mr W. Johnson
1915
No show held in 1915 due to World War I
President: Mr George Rintoule
Secretary: Mr Bob Wardrop
No show held in 1915 due to World War I
President: Mr George Rintoule
Secretary: Mr Bob Wardrop
In the period 1891 to 1915 prominent names of interest recorded are Mr Curtis Douglas, Mr R. Drummond, Mr John Jones, Mr E.J. Gorman, Mr H.R. Lysaght, Mr Patrick McFarlane, Mr E.J. Gorman, Mr Paddy Gleeson, Mr James Spoule, Mr Alex Robertson, Mr Alex Dalgliesh, Mr George McLellan, Mr George Jamieson, Mr Alex Cameron, Mr Harry Davies, Mr Dan Corcoran, Mr Edmund O'Dwyer, Mr G. Hamilton, Mr T. Posser, and Mr Edward McGrady.
1916
President: Mr G. Rintoule
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
President: Mr G. Rintoule
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
1917
President: Mr Ab McNair (Clifton)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
President: Mr Ab McNair (Clifton)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
1918
President: Mr George Cruickshank (Woodbine)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
President: Mr George Cruickshank (Woodbine)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
1919
President: Mr William Thornton (came to Berrigan in 1914)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
President: Mr William Thornton (came to Berrigan in 1914)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
1920
President: Mr Michael Darcy (Glenturk)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
President: Mr Michael Darcy (Glenturk)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
1921
President: Mr Hugh Armstrong (Selema)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
President: Mr Hugh Armstrong (Selema)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
1922
President: Mr William Hodgson (Pine Grove)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
President: Mr William Hodgson (Pine Grove)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
1923 to 1925
President: Mr Don Aitken (Equity Park)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
President: Mr Don Aitken (Equity Park)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
1926 to 1927
President: Mr William Yates (Bushfield)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
President: Mr William Yates (Bushfield)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
1928 to 1929
President: Mr Michael O'Neil (Myall Plains)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
President: Mr Michael O'Neil (Myall Plains)
Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
Berrigan Show 1934 from The Weekly Times, Saturday 6 October 1934, courtesy of the Berrigan & District Heritage Museum
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1930 to 1931
President: Mr Jack Reynoldson (Thistlebout) Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop
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Berrigan Show coincided with 'Back-to-Berrigan' week in 1949, The Weekly Times, Friday 21 September 1949, courtesy of the Berrigan & District Heritage Museum
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1951 to 1962
President: Mr Frank Rockliff (Yantara & Pine Grove) Secretary: Mr R. Wardrop, then Mr Henry Rendell & Miss Marie Burwood from 1957 to 1961 The Show Society acquired more land fronting Stafford and Jerilderie Streets to enlarge the south end demolishing a cottage on the corner of Jerilderie Street formerly owned by Kelly's. In 1956 in Round 13 the Football Club moved to the Showgrounds as the Sportsground was flooded. Their need for changerooms, an afternoon tea shed, and better toilets, saw these improvements made. The ground was renovated, fences and the Alexander Memorial Gates built. On 28 May 1957, Mr Bob Wardrop passed away whilst Secretary. He served as Secretary for 35 Shows over a 42 year period. First Life Members named in 1957; Mr John B. Coldwell, Mr Joseph Dickins, and Mr William Thornton. Committee member Henry Rendell did research to augment the minutes from 1944 to 1957 at LaTrobe Library. Treasurers since the early days were the CBC Bank Managers including Mr Glenny, Mr Lysaght, Mr J. Nichols, Mr A. McAlpine, Mr J. Love and Mr J. Farlow. In 1961, Life Members were presented to Mr Frank Rockliff, Mr Jack Rockliff, and Mr William Alexander. In 1962, the Rotunda Bar shifted to a new position 20' south of the dressing sheds. New Afternoon Pavilion was built. Mr Jack Reynoldson made Life Member. |
First Showgirl competition held at the 1959 Berrigan Show which was won by Catherine O'Neill (in blue on right). Photo taken by Barry Moore, courtesy of daughter Wendy Kuzela via Berrigan: It's History & People.
1963 to 1965
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh (Atholdene)
Secretary: Mr H. Rendell & Miss P. Burwood
Treasurer: Mr George Hill
In 1963, the Poultry Pavilion was moved to present position (was approx. 200m west of present site.
In 1964, A. Dickins requested at a meeting that Mrs Ryan remove the cow and calf as the arena and surrounds were covered in cow manure and it was a nuisance to players and spectators, or otherwise she would have to clean up the mess. The discussion caused some laughter and as nothing was done about the mess Mrs Ryan was ordered to remove the cow and calf.
In 1965, the first basketball courts were graded on the NE corner of the ground. A glassed area was added in the Pavilion.
1966 to 1967
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Mr John Donaldson
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
In 1966, the first light towers were erected over the football oval, and the gatekeepers box was built for $300.
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Mr John Donaldson
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
In 1966, the first light towers were erected over the football oval, and the gatekeepers box was built for $300.
1968
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Gail Bickford
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Gail Bickford
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
1969 to 1970
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Mr Dick Daley
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Mr Dick Daley
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
1971 to 1972
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Mrs Lesley Williams
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
In 1971, the Annual Show Ball was "Showgirls of a Difference" (guys dressed up)
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Mrs Lesley Williams
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
In 1971, the Annual Show Ball was "Showgirls of a Difference" (guys dressed up)
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1973
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh Secretary: Rae Bush Treasurer: Mr. Gill In 1973, the Shelter Shed was erected. Mr Sid Dalgliesh was made Life Member. He was the longest serving President serving from 1963 to 1984 after joining the committee in 1934. Mr Arnold Dickins was also made Life Member. 1974
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh Secretary: Mrs Adele Schweicker Treasurer: Mr G. Hill 1975 to 1978
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh Secretary: Barbara Fox Treasurer: Mr G. Hill. In 1975, new horse stalls were erected. Mr George Hill was made Life Member. He was the longest serving Treasurer serving from 1963 to 1988. Mr George Cruickshank was also made Life Member. In 1976, the First Futurity was held in Berrigan and new Secretary's Office built. In 1977, the arena on the Showgrounds was named A.L. Dickins Oval. The Luncheon Room was extended and new soft drinks room added. In 1978, the Australian Puissance High Jump was held in Berrigan. The winner Monte Video, owned by Berrigan's Les Casey and was riden by Des Gleeson, set a new Australian record clearing 7'5". The previous record was 7'3.75" held by Guy Creighton. The NSW Showjumping Championships was held at the show. An additional 10 acres was purchased from J. Coldwell for $500/ac to build new oval and Dog Track. The Lions Club assisted with the erection of the Dog Track and watering system. |
Mr Sid Dalgliesh and Mr George Hill were honoured for their dedication to Berrigan A & H Society at a dinner in June 1984. Newspaper clipping courtesy of Margaret Graham.
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Showjumping championships held in Berrigan and records tumble, Rider Magazine, November 1978
1979 to 1982
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Les Parry
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
On 4 March 1979, Futurity was won by Guy Creighton on Darien.
in 1980, the March Futurity was held. An honour board was dedicated to Mr G.P. Cruickshank and Mr R. Wardrop as they served before any Life Memberships were bestowed. On 19 October 1980, new Dog Track was officially opened with Sheep Dog Trials held on the new oval. Mr Tom Ryan and Mr John Dickins were made Life Members.
In 1981, the March Futurity was held. The old cattle yards were removed and re-erected for use as horse stalls.
In 1982, a brick wall was constructed by G. Hill and K. Greiner. G. Farrell painted the wall, and it cost $1,100.
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Les Parry
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
On 4 March 1979, Futurity was won by Guy Creighton on Darien.
in 1980, the March Futurity was held. An honour board was dedicated to Mr G.P. Cruickshank and Mr R. Wardrop as they served before any Life Memberships were bestowed. On 19 October 1980, new Dog Track was officially opened with Sheep Dog Trials held on the new oval. Mr Tom Ryan and Mr John Dickins were made Life Members.
In 1981, the March Futurity was held. The old cattle yards were removed and re-erected for use as horse stalls.
In 1982, a brick wall was constructed by G. Hill and K. Greiner. G. Farrell painted the wall, and it cost $1,100.
1983 to 1984
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Heather Barclay & Elaine Hawkins
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
In 1983, the Australian Showjumping Championship was held in Berrigan which had the unique distinction of being the smallest town in the world to conduct a World Qualifier. It was won by Mr Peter Mullins on Silverneer qualifying him for the World Cup. The Course Designer was Mr Ted Dwyer of Young, and the ABC televised it and had a 60 minute program on the 15 October 1983. The prizemoney for the Championships was $5,000 with placings down to 8th. The luncheon room was refurbished to include toilets, showers, bar and kitchen at a cost of $13,000 and 400 hours of voluntary labour.
In 1984, the NSW Showjumping Championships was held and won by Lindsay Ball on Battlers Luck. Fireworks at night during the Show.
President: Mr Sid Dalgliesh
Secretary: Heather Barclay & Elaine Hawkins
Treasurer: Mr G. Hill
In 1983, the Australian Showjumping Championship was held in Berrigan which had the unique distinction of being the smallest town in the world to conduct a World Qualifier. It was won by Mr Peter Mullins on Silverneer qualifying him for the World Cup. The Course Designer was Mr Ted Dwyer of Young, and the ABC televised it and had a 60 minute program on the 15 October 1983. The prizemoney for the Championships was $5,000 with placings down to 8th. The luncheon room was refurbished to include toilets, showers, bar and kitchen at a cost of $13,000 and 400 hours of voluntary labour.
In 1984, the NSW Showjumping Championships was held and won by Lindsay Ball on Battlers Luck. Fireworks at night during the Show.
1985 to 1987
President: Mr Ian Dickins (Bungoona)
Secretary: H. Barclay & E. Hawkins
Treasurer: Mr. G. Hill
In 1986, Mr Ken Greiner and Mr Keith Dalgliesh were made Life Members.
President: Mr Ian Dickins (Bungoona)
Secretary: H. Barclay & E. Hawkins
Treasurer: Mr. G. Hill
In 1986, Mr Ken Greiner and Mr Keith Dalgliesh were made Life Members.
1988 to 1989
President: Mr Bruce Rendell (Craiglea)
Secretary: E. Hawkins & Anne Ackerley
Treasurer: Mrs A. Schweicker
In 1988, Mr Norm Cox was made Life Member.
In 1989, Mr Frank Atkinson and Mr Pat Sullivan were made Life Members
President: Mr Bruce Rendell (Craiglea)
Secretary: E. Hawkins & Anne Ackerley
Treasurer: Mrs A. Schweicker
In 1988, Mr Norm Cox was made Life Member.
In 1989, Mr Frank Atkinson and Mr Pat Sullivan were made Life Members
1990
President: Mr B. Rendell
Secretary: A. Ackerley
Treasurer: Mrs A. Schweicker
Rodeo was held in conjunction with the show.
President: Mr B. Rendell
Secretary: A. Ackerley
Treasurer: Mrs A. Schweicker
Rodeo was held in conjunction with the show.
1991
President: Mr B. Rendell
Secretary: Anne Nevins
Treasurer: Mrs A. Schweicker
Grant of $4,000 and a loan of $1,000 was received to build the new sheep shed and grandstand at the second oval. Mr Max Pyle made Life Member.
President: Mr B. Rendell
Secretary: Anne Nevins
Treasurer: Mrs A. Schweicker
Grant of $4,000 and a loan of $1,000 was received to build the new sheep shed and grandstand at the second oval. Mr Max Pyle made Life Member.
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1992 to 1993
President: Mr Neville Dalgliesh (Atholdene) Secretary: Mrs Faye Williams Treasurer: Mrs A. Schweicker In 1992, the Riding Club shed was built, the water system was upgraded, the cattle yards were rebuilt and the sheep pens were moved to the second arena. New entrance was created with the Alexander Gates shifted. In 1993, was called the Poultry Show, had the first Western Performance Ring, first Cattle Cutting, first Home Brewers Competition, first Children's Pet Parade, and there was also a Vintage Car Display. |
The Alexander Gates as they stand today. Photo taken in September 2020.
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1994
President: Mr N. Dalgliesh
Secretary: Mrs Doris Fowler
Treasurer: Mrs A. Schweicker
Tractor Pull Display
President: Mr N. Dalgliesh
Secretary: Mrs Doris Fowler
Treasurer: Mrs A. Schweicker
Tractor Pull Display
1995 to 1997
President: Mr Lochie Stevenson
Secretary: Mrs D. Fowler
Treasurer: Mrs Sandy Moar
In 1997, Mr Justin O'Neil and Mr Neville Dalgliesh were made Life Members
President: Mr Lochie Stevenson
Secretary: Mrs D. Fowler
Treasurer: Mrs Sandy Moar
In 1997, Mr Justin O'Neil and Mr Neville Dalgliesh were made Life Members
1998: The 100th Berrigan Show
President: Mr John Dickie
Secretary: Mrs D. Fowler
Treasurer: Mrs S. Moar
The 100th Berrigan Show was described by the committee and patrons alike as a huge success. Gate takings were up $2,000 on the previous year with the lovely warm Spring weather responsible for bringing everyone to town and the grounds. The day saw a display from the local fire brigade, John Patterson jumping through a ring of fire on his horse, and a Snakes Alive exhibit. Showgoers were also kept entertained well into the evening with a fireworks display and the Berrigan Bushdrovers performing. The show was officially opened by Tim Fischer, who had just been re-elected as Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Farrer, which certainly added to the celebrations. Horse exhibitor numbers were up from the previous year, so much so that it was a struggle to fit all the horse floats on the ground. Meanwhile there was strong competition in the sheep and fleece sections. And in it's second year, the Beaut Ute Competition was a massive hit with onlookers.
President: Mr John Dickie
Secretary: Mrs D. Fowler
Treasurer: Mrs S. Moar
The 100th Berrigan Show was described by the committee and patrons alike as a huge success. Gate takings were up $2,000 on the previous year with the lovely warm Spring weather responsible for bringing everyone to town and the grounds. The day saw a display from the local fire brigade, John Patterson jumping through a ring of fire on his horse, and a Snakes Alive exhibit. Showgoers were also kept entertained well into the evening with a fireworks display and the Berrigan Bushdrovers performing. The show was officially opened by Tim Fischer, who had just been re-elected as Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Farrer, which certainly added to the celebrations. Horse exhibitor numbers were up from the previous year, so much so that it was a struggle to fit all the horse floats on the ground. Meanwhile there was strong competition in the sheep and fleece sections. And in it's second year, the Beaut Ute Competition was a massive hit with onlookers.
Recount and images on 100th Berrigan Show from Berrigan & District Museum Facebook. Newspaper clippings via the Southern Riverina News.
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