Help on hand for new president

By Paul Dunlop
PETER Wenn took over leadership of the Berwick Show Society last week saying his predecessor had left big shoes to fill.
Mr Wenn was a popular choice to replace Andrew Dedlefs as president but said he would have his work cut out to meet the standards set over the past 12 months.
“It is a great honour and I am really looking forward to the year ahead,” Mr Wenn said.
“I would like to pay tribute to Andrew. He’s a great bloke and a good friend and he has done a terrific job.”
Mr Dedlefs said he had great faith in his successor’s ability.
“I’ll be there to give you a hand, mate. Good luck for next year and we’ll get through it,” he said.
Mr Wenn’s appointment as president was a highlight of the Berwick and District Agricultural and Horticultural Society’s annual general meeting last Thursday.
More than 100 people gathered at the Akoonah Park centre, opened by Premier Steve Bracks at this year’s show.
Also at the meeting:
•Berwick stalwart Wilma Barron joined an elite group when she became a life member of the show society.
•Plans were finalised for a new animal nursery shed to be built over the next few months with Casey Council recently issuing a permit for the project.
•Kym Tyrrell (senior vice president) and Gordon Cumming (junior vice president) were elected to join Mr Wenn as office bearers with the roles of secretary and treasurer to be filled in July.
•Heather Tyrrell was voted in as a new committee member.
•Marcel Fakhry was presented by outgoing president Andrew Dedlefs with a framed picture as a memento of this year’s show.
•Tribute was paid to the contributions of Bob and Robyn Johnson who are leaving the area after a long association with the show society.
Mr Dedlefs said he had enjoyed a very rewarding year. His only regret was that Marty Alberni, the man who began his involvement with Akoonah Park, was not around to see his ‘apprentice become the tradesman’.
Mr Dedlefs paid tribute to the many people who help bring the show together each year.
“On a sad note, we must record the passing of Betty Taylor, a long time supporter of the Berwick Show sheep pavilion and esteemed life member, also the tragic loss of Mike (Blue) Welch, a valued worker over many years in the steer competition.”
Mr Dedlefs said it was important families of the growing area got to experience life on the farm. The show helped keep the strong link to rural heritage alive, he said.
Wilma Barron, a former show society president, was said by nominee Warwick Glendenning to be a worthy addition to the list of life members.
She always provided a welcome cup of tea and the warmth generated by her and others in the hospitality tents was a highlight of every show, he said.
Mrs Barron said the life membership was an honour.
“It is a great society, great fellowship. There is a great bond here,” she said.