Lovely Memories

My Memories Of the Royal Easter Show

I don’t remember whether the Royal Easter Show was held in Sydney during the war years of 1939-45.

However, I do remember being taken to the Easter Show when quite young, and that I soon made a promise to myself that I would attend every year, without fail.

I was a very independent, and insistent child, and believed in “keeping at them” until persuaded. So when my mother was unable to take me, at age of about 8 or so, I persuaded her that I was able to attend the show on my own, on Childrens’ Day (cheaper). And so I did, for several years. (I was already doing messages for her while she ran the shop, to the neighbouring suburbs, and even Sydney, a 20 minute train trip away.) I took the train to Central, walked to Eddy Avenue, and caught the designated Show tram or bus.

My regular routine was to visit the Sample Pavilion, collecting the Sydney Flour Show Bag for Mum (very good value with a small packet of each Plain and Self-Raising) and of course the Cadbury bag for me. I would also buy some Apple Cider, and some Allowrie Honey to take home. I would have a Rosella Tomato Soup for lunch, and a drink of milk at the Dairy Pavilion. Maybe Devonshire tea from the CWA ladies.

On one momentous occasion I decided to try my luck at the Wine Pavilion, and managed to gain a small taste of wine in a tiny plastic tumbler!

I tried to see the Mounted Police routine and anything spectacular in the ring, and sometimes managed a kids concert, if my timing was right. And of course, the Produce Displays, always interesting and different designs with the prize-winning wheat, wool and vegetables etc.

(In later years, I discovered the secret of aloe vera plants for burns, a great standby in the kitchen.)

I was given a small amount of money for the day, and tried to use it wisely, by-passing Sideshow Alley, but checking out the animals and any free entertainment.

Never any problems; the one time I was robbed of several showbags was years later with grown-up family, having a go at a quoits game. I had held them tightly between my feet, but somehow they all managed to disappear without my feeling them go!

I didn't achieve my aim, as I missed the show when overseas for 3 years on a working holiday, and subsequently with a family, either too busy or often unaffordable, and now too immobile.

But - Lovely memories.

CAMILLA HUBBARD