This Day in History: 1984-10-13

In perfect weather, the 131^st (actually 126^th) Toodyay Agricultural Show attracted a record attendance at the Toodyay Showgrounds. Five hundred visitors came on the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway train, which also included hundreds of teddy bears joining the Pre School Teddy Bears’ Picnic. The Toodyay Districts Horse & Pony Club ran the ring events, which included show jumping again (after a three-year break from 1981-1983).

The Jean Bushell Trophy, donated by Bob Bushell Jnr., was awarded for the first time. This trophy, created in honour of his mother, Jean Bushell, for her fortieth year as an exhibitor, was awarded for the most points gained in the handicraft, needlework, horticulture and vegetables sections (with three of the four sections entered). Mrs Riss Edmonds of Bolgart was the inaugural winner. The President of the Toodyay Agricultural Society was Rod Fewster. The Secretary/Treasurer was Pam Masters of the Toodyay Tourist Centre.

Sources:
Northam advertiser, 4 Oct. 1984, p.5; 25 Oct. 1984, p.12; 20 Dec. 1984, p.28.