CECSY UPDATE:
A word from CAHRS CEO, Dianne Begg
Thanks to our Members, supporters, sponsors, friends and attendees, CAHRS – Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society Inc – pulled off the biggest achievement in the history of the Canning Show. With your backing, the Show went ahead without a hitch, allowing the community to have lots of fun at a very affordable, entertaining and vibrant day out. What a team – well done one and all.
There were so many special moments this year it’s almost impossible to pick out the most notable, but I’ll give it a go…
CAHRS notable moments of 2020 (as they happened)
The AGM in March was held just prior to the COVID shutdown. The meeting heard about the progress of the plans for the new development. Whilst we haven’t published on the subject this year, the project has continued in the background. That night we made a few jokes about clinking elbows and using hand sanitizer. Little did we know that these jokes would soon be part of normal life.
Working from home. Be honest, how good was it to work with a cat on your lap?
Elbow bashing. Operations were re-opened as soon as we could. Learning not to get too close, shake hands or breathe in the wrong direction took a few lessons. Needless to say there were several bumps that could of resulted in black eyes. Thankfully no serious injuries occurred.
Return of Events! Slow and steady we were able to welcome back bingo players, Air Cadets trainees, sewing masters-in-the-making, knitting champions and Men Shed people. Gee, we missed you – being separated made us all realise how nice it is to have a wonderful community in your life. Even if they do complain a bit, which reminds me that that the Complaints Department was working overtime for a while. You see, once all our people were back, we thought life would be easy, but not so. We now have to ask you to wash, sanitize, clean and wipe, stay apart, register our names, scan in and, if necessary, go to a hospital, get a bud stuck up our nose and then get sent a text that says we’re okay to mingle (if lucky)!!!
SORRY, it’s not how we want to serve you, but it’s what we have to do these days. We’re all in this together, and all had a part to play, so thank you to everyone for contributing.
Tough decisions to be made: it was decided in early in the lockdown that the LiveLighter Canning Show would go ahead if at all possible. That decision was reviewed weekly right up until the day of the Show. Of course there were many different opinions to be considered, but the strength of the team shone through and the necessary changes were approved and implemented. CAHRS lead a regular online meeting of Agricultural Societies dealing with the pandemic effects. Sadly most of their shows had to be cancelled but, on the positive side, the network grew stronger and helped each other enormously.
But what else can we fit in before the Show? Why a craft retreat, of course. Attended by members, guests, old faces and new, the debut Fairbridge Craft Retreat sold-out. The ladies (and a couple of chaps) chilled with their craft for a whole weekend of ‘me time’ – and social time. By popular consensus, it will become a regular feature in our activity calendar.
Let the Show begin. The sun was shining, the easterly breezes were light and everything was picture perfect for the Show. Thousands of smiling faces made the spirit light. It was such a great event to be a part of. So many people said thank you for doing this. People came from Mandurah, Ellenbrook and Joondalup just to join the fun. Appreciation to all the vendors, entertainers, community groups and others that willingly worked with us to meet the requirements for running the Show in a COVID situation. Suppliers were so very helpful – THANK YOU.
Ladies and Gentlemen, following the Show we presented the Champions of the Canning Show Exhibition with a jungle-themed Presentation & Awards Evening like no other. Attended by 156 guests, not since the 1970’s has so much leopard print congregated in one space. Thanks to everyone who dressed up, dined and danced the night away.
It’s a wrap. At this point of year it’s time to wrap up 2020 and open the planning books for 2021, one which we foresee a much sunnier forecast.
If you haven’t heard yet, the 2021 Exhibition theme is Fruit and Vegetables. The Canning Show Challenges will be running again and we will let you know what you need to start preparing in the first part of the year.
Regulations permitting, Members will be heading off on our Annual Road Trip and there will be plenty going on at Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds to keep members and diverse audiences occupied all year. Fingers crossed!
As we close off, a reminder that CAHRS memberships run year to year starting on 1 January. If you joined partway through last year, you will be brought into line with the rest of the membership, and your renewal is due in the beginning of 2021. This helps us better plan, communicate with all our members and give the best value for money.
Of course there are many benefits to becoming a member. From free Canning Show tickets to discounted rates on classes and events, plus exclusive invites and opportunities, it pays for itself. Note you must also pay the annual fee of $25 to attend any of our groups for free, including Canning River Gardeners, Woolly Wednesdays, Machine Knitters, Craft Connoisseurs, and other social groups to be announced in 2021. This is a one off charge and after that you will only be charged for your tutor fees and/or activity costs applicable to your group.
CAHRS is overseen by a group of volunteer Committee of Management, comprising of members who are interested in how the organisation operates. The group meets monthly to review the financial management and operations.
CAHRS employs a small team of staff to run the organisation’s affairs, including property management, membership activities, educational programs, Canning Show and more – all driven by the objectives of CAHRS.
The Canning Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds is owned by CAHRS. The facilities are leased or rented out to community groups, business and individuals at subsidised rates when they are not needed for CAHRS members’ activities, such as the Special Interest Groups and Canning Show.
HAVE YOUR SAY
CAHRS will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 9 March 2021 at 7.30pm in the Exhibition Hall. This is an opportunity to hear about plans for the future and have your say on how the organisation is run. You can also meet and chat with members of the Committee of Management.
If you have questions about CAHRS check the website or call me.
Dianne Begg
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CAHRS
9451 1820 / Dianne@cahrs.com.au
