Silver Challenge Cup returns to A&P Show after 76 years
Graham Gifford with photographs of his family, who farmed the same area since 1911. Also pictured is Alan Jones who received a cup from Graham on behalf of the A&P Committee. Photo: Andrew Ritchie.
Andrew Ritchie
A silver challenge cup has been re-presented to the Marlborough A&P show after an absence of 76 years.
The Seeds Challenge Cup was last presented to Graham Gifford’s father, Alfred John Gifford in 1948 and has been languishing in Graham’s cupboard since he moved into his father’s house.
A&P Committee member Alan Jones was particularly pleased to receive the cup as he is endeavouring to revive the seed competition for this year’s show which takes place on Saturday the 8th November this year.
Graham’s father used to milk 12 Jersey cows on 170 acres off Hammerichs Road, supplying the old butter factory at Riverlands. He, Graham and Ian also ran 1600 ewes and produced small seeds such as lucerne, dill, chicory and barley.
Graham served on the A&P committee himself for several years but says the best thing that happened in his farming career was the advent of the grape industry.
The schedule for this year’s show has recently been released and is available on the Marlborough A&P Show website. The committee is keen to revive classes that have been dormant for several years, such as beef classes, and urges farmers and life-stylers to put their entries in.
Young stock handlers are particularly welcome and will be given every encouragement.