Trio's work for A&P show recognised

Heartfelt thanks in the form of life memberships to the Nelson A&P Association have been given to Richard Martin, Fergus O'Connor and Murray Sturgeon.

At a function yesterday ahead of this weekend's 118th A&P Show, Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne acknowledged the association and what it did for the rural community as a fundamental part of the district.

Mr O'Connor, honoured for his contribution with his clydesdale horses, confessed to a fanatical interest in horses.

He recalled having 21 at a show and how they had driven them home.

"Imagine a mob of loose horses on the road today," he said. "I remember one got into a tomato paddock and the farmer was not very pleased."

Mr O'Connor will have four clydesdales at tomorrow's show. "I still have the horses, I have the enthusiasm, but I haven't the strength," he said.

The horses had taken precedence over the rest of the family farm, he admitted. "Financially, I might be better off if they hadn't."

Mr Sturgeon was honoured in recognition of Nelson Pine Industries' continued contribution as a major sponsor of the annual show.

The company's managing director said he was humbled, and acknowledged the association as a pivotal part of the Nelson community. "It's where country comes to town."

NPI supported the association so its employees' children could come to see the animals at the show, but also because the annual show was a lot of hard work by unpaid volunteers.

Former association president Richard Martin, of Martin Farming in Wakefield, said many people did not realise what a major contribution NPI made to the show. "The park would not be what it is today without that."

Mr Martin recalled first coming to the show with his grandfather and later becoming one of the "Young Turks" on the committee, helping out and having a lot of fun.

He told of the time they put up the first big marquee, a job that took two days, then getting a call at 1am from Graeme Taylor saying it was underwater and about to blow over.

His fond memories also included the air force camping on site for the duration of the show, Arch Barclay doing the first bungy jump and the Topp Twins pulling in the crowds.

The show at the Richmond Park Showgrounds opens at 9am tomorrow and finishes with a grand parade at 5pm on Sunday.

- © Fairfax NZ News