Ag show a family affair for the Peacocks

THE Bellarine Agricultural Show is a family affair for the Peacocks.

Rick, Kerry and their children Layla, Gigi and Gabby Peacock have attended every show for the past 19 years, and volunteered for more than a decade.

Rick has been treasurer for the last 13 years, Kerry secretary for eight years, Gigi has a paramedic nursing degree and has been part of the first aid team for the last three years, and Gabby is a general helper.

Layla took on the social media and schools coordinator position a few years back, while her grandfather Dave Lambert has been the photography steward for last six years.

Layla said her first memory of the show was entering her pet duck the last year the event was at the Drysdale site – it got a ribbon that was hung above her bed for years.

Layla also made a boiled egg into a mermaid and got a rosette, which she still has! She recalls getting beaten in the cooking section by the Vallance boys most years – especially Harrison.

“We would put our entries in by 9am… we’d wait with anticipation till judging was over – then rush back to the pavilion when doors opened to go see if we won, only to find the prize cards were on Harry and Jacks plates!” Layla said.

“Harrison’s grandma always wins the fruit cake.”

But then Harrison brought Mick along to help set up and pack up the show and that’s where Layla met Mick – now her husband.

Layla said Bellarine Agricultural Shows were live and interactive, so children could smell, see, touch, and be active.

“They get a chance to connect their suburban life with rural life,” she said.

“Going in competitions are fun.

“I’ve entered sewing, egg decorating, decorated gumboots, flower growing, vegetable growing and cookery.

“People who watch Masterchef – Merle Parrish who is 78 years old (not from here) and was introduced on the show as probably the most awarded cook to have ever been on the Masterchef show with over 70 award.

“Merle says she started cooking in competitions when she was seven.

“She entered her Anzac biscuits in the local show and won – and has never stopped competing.

“So all those budding masterchefs should give shows a go!”

Layla said on the social media side of things, the show needed people with skills other than farming to be viable.

“To put on a show you need a committee that has graphic skills, publicity, social media, finance, building, minute-taking, paperwork as well as people with rural skills. It is a great community collection. Any age can find a way to help.”

See page 23 for pics from the weekend’s show.