Lyn and Linda have been standout performers from the Deniliquin Show each year in March, and have gone on to achieve blue-ribbon results at shows across the country with their intricate handiwork.
The pair have both reached the highest echelon in the state show system in their particular categories, respectively patchwork and cross-stitch/embroidery.
These results are not a coincidence, but rather a reflection of the time and practice Lyn and Linda have put into their chosen disciplines at country shows across the years, starting in Deni.
From humble beginnings, Lyn said she has been entering her work into the Deni Show pavilion for 40 years, and spent well over a decade as a steward.
Linda started a few years later, first entering about 35 years ago and has been a steward for five years.
The pair have been through the show pathway starting from the Deni Show all the way to the Royal Melbourne show and beyond.
“If you win here you go through VASA (Victorian Agricultural Show Association) and NDAS (Northern Districts Agricultural Society). It’s local, regional, and then state.”
Linda has now won embroidery and cross-stitch six times at the Royal Melbourne Show and Lyn has won patchwork at the Royal Melbourne Show seven times, and this year also won first prize at the Royal Adelaide Show.
The pair become some of the Deniliquin Show’s finest pavilion members in roles as champion exhibitors, but have also played important roles as volunteers, stewards and judges at other regional shows.
They have each spent a solid five weeks travelling to other district shows from September.
“We volunteer and judge at those shows, so hopefully others come and judge at ours, with the Deni Show and Wakool Show at the tail end of the show season run,” Lyn said.
Lyn says the secret to the success is getting started by entering in shows, practising and doing what you enjoy.
“A lot of hours and a lot of practice - you’ve got to do what you love, that helps.”
The experienced show exhibitors said they are willing to help any new exhibitors, whether it be about the process of entering an exhibit, stewarding, judging or even just crafty advice.
“We both thoroughly enjoy it, we’re happy to show people and give pointers, we enjoy helping,” Linda said.
“Registrations for entries for the Deni Show have gone online and are already open, but for people who don’t have computer skills, the Show still offers in-person registrations,” Lyn added.
“We hope to get new exhibitors, new people and any new volunteers are also encouraged, and we’ve got the schedules ready,” Lyn continued.
“There are so many categories like handicraft, crocheting, junior hobby work, art, food, cookery - there’s something for everyone.”
The Deniliquin Show is held the first weekend of March each year at Deniliquin Memorial Park.
For more information, and a life to the show schedule and registrations, go to deniliquinshow.com.au.
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