FOR over forty years Cliff Skinner has been an integral member of the Tenterfield Show Society and this year he’s been duly awarded as a life member.
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He started out by aiding in the jumping arena but didn’t limit himself to just that.
“I have been involved with the Tenterfield Show Society for the past 40 years,” Cliff said.
“I was nominated by Ben Kelly who at time was a jumping steward.
“At that time you had to be nominated by a committee member and those nominations went before a committee meeting prior to you being accepted and approved, which I was.
“I assisted Barry Rhodes and Jim Landers construct the rodeo shuts completing all of the welding and these shuts are still in use today.
With a love for horses, Cliff found himself at home working at the jumping arena.
“I helped in the jumping arena for a number of years, I was then moved to helping Barry Rhodes and Bob Pitkin with the marshalling, which, back then was carried out on horseback.
“Later on the marshalling was done over the PA, I was positioned under the announcer’s box and then later I roamed with the microphone from ring to ring,” he said.
He can be a man of few words but Cliff took on the role of ringmaster after the passing of Cathy Phippard.
“When Cathy was ring master I was appointed assistant ring master. After her death I replaced her for the next show.”
He enjoyed a few years break after that but it wasn’t long before he reinvolved himself.
“I had a couple of years break at that time, but as I enjoyed the fellowship of the Show Society I returned to assist in the farm produce section, where I am now the head steward.
“I attended all show meetings and working bees until just recently, but due to work and family commitments I have had to cut back some of the time I have to spend volunteering at the show,” he said.
John Landers has watched Cliff give over his time for the Show Society and was the one who nominated him for life member.
“He’s been a steward for heaps and heaps of years. When you volunteer for something like 40 years you don’t expect anything but you should get something,” John said.
“Every year the shows on, he’s the first one there to help out – he’s a tireless worker.”
The Show Society is always screaming for more volunteers and Cliff encouraged anyone interested to throw up their hand.
“To anyone looking for something to do in their retirement please offer your help - the show is a wonderful community event and the committee is always looking for helpers,” he said.
