With 100 exhibitors lining Henty Machinery Field Days’ Country Lifestyle Pavilion and its stage filled with big names – Joan Meyer’s impact is evident.
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About 30 years ago Mrs Meyer and the CWA was approached by the field days committee ‘to provide something to the farm wives’.
But what she did was much more.
For 30 years Mrs Meyer worked through the year, volunteering her time to perfect the country lifestyle program.
Over the decades the pavilion boasted sessions on ‘cooking with electricity’ and ‘freezing food’, as well as handicrafts, fashion shows and demonstration on how to cut beef, sheep and pig carcasses.
The pavilion now draws visitors from all genders and walks of life.
On Tuesday Mrs Meyer was posthumously honoured for her contributions to the three-day affair, and work broadening the events appeal, with the Country Lifestyle Pavilion stage officially named in her honour.
Her great granddaughter Elsa said that field days wasn’t just and annual event for the family – it was a part of life.
Field days chair Ross Edwards reminisced about Mrs Meyer’s ability to organise and set up the Country Lifestyle section.
“Mrs Meyer would round us blokes up and whatever she said we did,” he said.
Lyn Jacobsen, who now runs the pavilion with Riverina CWA members, said Mrs Meyer was a lifetime member and perfectionist, who nurtured the Country Lifestyle section from very humble beginnings into a field days must-see.
“She was very good at everything she did,” Mrs Jacobsen said.
“She’s be so pleased by the big shed we have today.”
Mr Edwards said while Mrs Meyer was tasked to create something farmer’s wives would enjoy, her contribution drew both men, women and families, ensuring there was something for everyone at field days.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
