ROUND THE CHUTES Dec08
This is my last article as secretary of the Rodeo Committee. It is with mixed emotions that I have decided to retire from the committee. I have been on the committee for 12 years, 10 as secretary. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 12 years but now feel it is time for a change.
I have travelled a lot with the circuit through Queensland and seen many great rides and spills. I have enjoyed many happy rodeos, many cold, wet rodeos. Many hot rodeos where we thought we would melt, and one or two sad rodeos.
The rodeo circuit is a very close community and one of which I was proud to be a member. I have made many friends, ranging from competitors, contractors and committees from all over Queensland. The competitors are competing in probably the toughest sport in the world. Yet the comradeship is amazing. They are loyal, committed, superstitious (I once washed 8 pairs of riding jeans and apparently all the manure, mud, dirt and grass stains are very important to their riding ability). There is not much money to be made in Australia but they still go out weekend after weekend and compete for that buckle. One thing I never understood in the circuit is why the champion bull rider receives a saddle as a trophy. One of life’s little mysteries I guess. Wally and I often would open the front door late on a Saturday night to find 8 or so competitors, tired and hungry. Saying “Joel is on his way and he said that we could stay the night”. We would start cooking and getting bedding out for them. This was just the same wherever they competed. There was always a mum or dad somewhere who would do the same.
I would like to thank everyone for their support of the Dayboro Rodeo. Also for their support of Joel when he was chosen to compete in the High School finals in Wyoming. People would often say to me “I can’t believe you let Joel ride bulls”. Just for the record I didn’t let him, it was something he wanted to do. The Dayboro community is always behind the rodeo, be it financially with donations, or working behind the scenes. I also want to thank all who have worked at the rodeo: Greg Easlea and his amazing men at the gates; the Lions who park the cars; the Dayboro Vets; the local Ambos; Doctor David Sawdon: the Dayboro Scouts, who do the cleaning after the rodeo; and everyone who comes along to make the rodeo the huge success it is; the Grapevine and the Whistler for all the great articles and photos; the wonderful people who look after the food to feed the thousands of spectators. All of these people donate their time year after year. THANK YOU.
Lastly I want to thank the committee. Jacqui French is the new secretary and Matthew Brough the president, Carl winkle is vice-president and Keith Skelton the treasurer (again). The committee members are: Selwyn Barr, Craig Doyle, Conrad Van Egmond, Gav Rowe, Marshall Winkle, Dale Tokley and Heather Kennedy. Selwyn and I want to thank you for all your support over the years and for giving Joel his first bull rope. To Laurie Stubbings, thanks for your words of wisdom and support. To Donny Lee thank you for your jokes. I wish you all the best for the coming rodeos.
COWBOY UP TO EVERYONE
The rodeo circuit is a very close community and one of which I was proud to be a member. I have made many friends, ranging from competitors, contractors and committees from all over Queensland. The competitors are competing in probably the toughest sport in the world. Yet the comradeship is amazing. They are loyal, committed, superstitious (I once washed 8 pairs of riding jeans and apparently all the manure, mud, dirt and grass stains are very important to their riding ability). There is not much money to be made in Australia but they still go out weekend after weekend and compete for that buckle. One thing I never understood in the circuit is why the champion bull rider receives a saddle as a trophy. One of life’s little mysteries I guess. Wally and I often would open the front door late on a Saturday night to find 8 or so competitors, tired and hungry. Saying “Joel is on his way and he said that we could stay the night”. We would start cooking and getting bedding out for them. This was just the same wherever they competed. There was always a mum or dad somewhere who would do the same.
I would like to thank everyone for their support of the Dayboro Rodeo. Also for their support of Joel when he was chosen to compete in the High School finals in Wyoming. People would often say to me “I can’t believe you let Joel ride bulls”. Just for the record I didn’t let him, it was something he wanted to do. The Dayboro community is always behind the rodeo, be it financially with donations, or working behind the scenes. I also want to thank all who have worked at the rodeo: Greg Easlea and his amazing men at the gates; the Lions who park the cars; the Dayboro Vets; the local Ambos; Doctor David Sawdon: the Dayboro Scouts, who do the cleaning after the rodeo; and everyone who comes along to make the rodeo the huge success it is; the Grapevine and the Whistler for all the great articles and photos; the wonderful people who look after the food to feed the thousands of spectators. All of these people donate their time year after year. THANK YOU.
Lastly I want to thank the committee. Jacqui French is the new secretary and Matthew Brough the president, Carl winkle is vice-president and Keith Skelton the treasurer (again). The committee members are: Selwyn Barr, Craig Doyle, Conrad Van Egmond, Gav Rowe, Marshall Winkle, Dale Tokley and Heather Kennedy. Selwyn and I want to thank you for all your support over the years and for giving Joel his first bull rope. To Laurie Stubbings, thanks for your words of wisdom and support. To Donny Lee thank you for your jokes. I wish you all the best for the coming rodeos.
COWBOY UP TO EVERYONE
JACKIE WALLACE
