THE rides have become wilder, the music louder and the brawny men of Roy Bell’s Boxing Tent have long gone but for Berry resident Jeanette Galbraith, the Berry Show still has something magic about it.
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Each year the Berry Show honours a committee member with the title of Berry Show Treasure and Jeanette was the 2014 recipient.
She has been going since she was a child and her family has all been involved too.
“Dad [Charlie Milne] was chief cattle steward for 25 years and my son is involved as a ring steward,” Jeanette said.
Her brother John Milne is a ringmaster and her late husband John was president.
John and Jeanette had four children and Jeanette now shares her love of the show with her extended family, including 10 grandchildren and two great-grandsons.
Her first memories are of when she was a child and the rides she enjoyed, particularly the gentle Horse and Plane and the Razzle Dazzle, both far less hectic than today’s entertainments.
After almost 40 years’ involvement, including 27 as chief steward in the pavilion, Jeanette retired in 2013 and is now the show’s official photographer.
“It’s good as I get to go around and see everything now,” she said.
Jeanette “couldn’t get out of school quickly enough”, and at 15, left to begin working as a telephonist at Berry Post Office.
In 1976 she helped to organise the showgirl competition, which was then held in the RSL Hall.
In 1977, Jeanette was honoured to be the Matron of Honour at the annual Debutante Ball.
In 1983, she became a stewardess in the craft section in the pavilion, then in 1984-85, president of the ladies auxiliary, while John was the president of the Berry Show Society.
During this time, John welcomed their son, Scott, onto the committee. But, after such a high moment in the family’s life, tragedy struck.
In February, 1985, John suddenly passed away, just after the Berry Show.
In 1986, Jeanette took on the position of chief steward in the pavilion.
Her commitment and passion was rewarded when she was granted life membership in 2004.
Over the years, Jeanette has noticed that various crafts, such as scrapbooking and folk art, have had their exhibit numbers vary depending on influences at the time.
Photography has always been popular and this section is always inundated with entries.
In 2014 she was awarded the Shoalhaven Medal in for her role in various charities and community organisations including Red Cross, the Masonic village, Meals on Wheels and the Berry Show Society.
“I can’t name a favourite thing or part of the show as I like all of it,” she said.
“I’m amazed at people’s talent. I especially love how it is still very much a country show.
“Although of course there have been changes. In our day there used to be Roy Bell’s Boxing Tent. One of the first shows I went to with [husband] John he took me into the boxing tent and I nearly died. I’d never seen anything like it. It was all a bit scary.
“I love it because it is a wonderful time to all get together and a time to enjoy each other’s achievements.”
THE 127th Berry Show is an annual agricultural show and will be held this Friday and Saturday, January 30-31 at the Berry Showground.
With large cattle and horse shows and fantastic entertainment including rodeo, wood chopping, the Young Farmer Challenge, Showgirl announcement and fireworks, there is something for everyone.
