News Out & About

Magic at Tauhei

It was a magical time at Tauhei Combined School’s Livestock Day, says Angela Martin. She files this account.

Grappling with the idea of getting two young boys out of bed and ready for the day ahead, proved to be an easier task than imagined. This was the day when their hard work- along with 28 others – would be put to the test.

Children and family members, young and old, travelled the well-used road to Tauhei Combined School’s field, where pens had been erected, ready and waiting for the day to unfold.

The sun and wet weather clouds argued over who would have top honours, and the sun won out. A blazing warm
day, with cooling breeze blessed our event. Children gave their pets, calves, lambs and goats, a quick brush, wiped away any dirty marks and reminded the animal what to do.

Most of the animals listened; down the ring, around the peg, stop at the next peg, around the following one clockwise and out.

Practice might have been perfect at home, but this was always the case when on show, for one the idea of running free was more enticing than a red ribbon.

Calf caught, disaster avoided, a well done/good try pat on the back to the child, and a look of disapproval at the calf.

Ribbons were handed out, smiles appearing on the exhausted child. The hard work paying off and excitement that these ribbons were theirs to keep.

Children wait patiently as the silver cups sparkle in the afternoon sun. Anticipation of whose hands these will be carried away in.

Cheers of delight and praise as children walk up to take the honours. As the sun starts to cool, the pens were packed away, ready for another year. Tired exhausted animals and pets holding their weary heads up – but for some, a lie down in the field was exactly what was required.