The Tenterfield Campdraft association held its annual campdraft and kids sport day at Rivo Grounds at the weekend.
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Many comments indicated it was the smoothest, most successful and entertaining event staged by the club in recent times .
It was a tough task, sourcing 1100 local cattle in dry conditions, providing 750 runs, plus three finals with average 20 runs in hot, blustery, weather conditions.
Everything went to plan with competitors making finals and able to be on the road home by 2.45pm.
The Association has a new look this year withyoung executive in president-secretary Damian and Liz Bulmer as well as Lu Colley continuing on her good reliable work as treasurer.
The renewed enthusiasm in conjunction with the established committee brigade has managed to streamline process' and keep the program flowing and competitors happy. There were many excellent runs with wonderful cattle suiting novice to open company riders.
The cattle were a testament and credit to the local donors - competitors from away were especially glowing with praise of the big steers used in the final.
There were brilliant runs equal to any ever seen at Rivo. The theme and focus of the 2020 'draft was bushfire recovery and mental health issues in general.
The Association were grateful for a grant which assisted fund the weekend.
Andrew Daley from Hunter New England Health had a stand on site and spoke Saturday evening as a open invitation to anyone who may need help.
The offer of advice or help still stands and anyone who feels they might benefit from professional input are invited to contact Andrew on 0428 109 990, confidentiality assured.
Two highlights of the weekend were;
1 - Presentation of life membership to Paul McFarlane.
He was instrumental in establishing the association from outset and has been an invaluable team player ever since.
His knowledge, equine, mechanical, general Mr Fix It plus his ability to provide low key firm leadership continues to see younger workers grow and develop.
Paul oversees the critical backyard role, ensuring cattle are ready to meet competitor demand. He has a very special knack of making this happen and always has the best interest of the club, the cattle and their owners at heart.
He joined the elite band of seven, with five surviving, life members.
While Paul is still Paul on the outside, he was genuinely appreciative of the long overdue award.
2- Coverage by the ABC TV Back Roads Team.
They have covered many aspects of the local people and places, including extensive time at the Campdraft Saturday and Sunday.
The team filmed and spoke to riders and spectators and host Heather Ewart was so taken with the whole show, she did some guest announcing. The program is scheduled to air early 2021 and should provide a great insight into Tenterfield and our many attractions. The association thanks its sponsors, cattle donors and the many people who attended the draft. They were particularly impressed with the overall adherence and respect of the COVID guidelines and note it did not affect the positive social atmosphere.