Verna bows out of Show after 70 years

Verna Kirk has shown her wares at nearly every Brunswick Show since she was a child.

But the 85-year-old said this year was probably her last - ending a proud contribution to the show for more than 70 years.

She told the _South Western Times _she had entered her roses and some cakes, including her prize-winning sponge cake, into Saturday's event.

Mrs Kirk said it had been important to be involved in the event.

"My father had a dairy farm and he used to put cattle and horses in," she said.

"I can remember riding a draft-horse into the show one year because the easiest way to take it was to hop on and ride it in."

Mrs Kirk said she also used the show as a chance to reunite with friends and spend time with her family.

Her granddaughter Mandy Kirk said the family looked forward to the show every year.

"It is just like a family reunion," she said.

Mrs Kirk has some simple advice for anyone who might be considering next year's event.

"Just do your best - we can't all win prizes," she said.

"It helps out the show and makes the ones who win look better."

More pictures from the show, pages 20-21