MORE than 100 people from agricultural societies that form the Central and Upper Goulburn Group attended the group finals in Kyneton on Sunday.
The Lancefield and Seymour societies were joined by groups from Whittlesea, Mansfield, Yea, Alexandra, Kyneton, Sunbury and Lilydale with members vying for a spot in the Victorian Agricultural Societies (VAS) state finals to be held later this year.
The event, hosted at the Kyneton Showgrounds, offered a display of the best craft in the region, showcasing skills in woodwork, baking and knitting.
Sunday’s finalists consisted of talented creators who had taken home the top prize at their local shows. One of those was Seymour Agricultural Society’s Pam Beerens, who took home two first place prizes at the Group finals.
She beat other entrants in the Hand Knitted Headwear and VAS knitting categories, the latter granting her entry into the VAS state finals for the third time.
Pam notched up a 10th year of first prizes at last year’s Seymour Show, and will be looking to make it 11 when this year’s show rolls around at the start of October.
Other winners for Seymour included Robyn Tooley in the Crocheted Baby’s Garment category and Jenny MacKintosh in Crochet Toy. Helga Bhades finished second for her carrot cake.
Not to be outdone, Lancefield Agricultural Society members brought home four sashes of their own, with Judy Francis in Handmade Card – Open, and Anna Newnham in Four Plain Scones. Each won the top prize.
Jade Waters finished second in the Pair of Hand Knitted Socks category, as did Harriet Lumsden in the Pet Rock competition for children under 14.
The winners of the VAS categories now advance to the state final which will be held at the Royal Melbourne Show starting on September 24.