The Amberley A&P Show is in its 123^rd year with a new president, long-time North Canterbury farmer Hugh Macintosh at the helm.

Macintosh manages Broomfield Estate, not far from the Amberley Domain where the show will be held on November 2.

“That’s probably why this role came up, because I was close, I hadn’t actually been on the committee.

“I’ve been involved in the sheep pens for many years, but not involved with the committee, so I was a bit apprehensive at first, but they were struggling to find people, so I said yes.

“We’ve now got new people coming on with a vice president and junior vice president, which is good.”

Macintosh may not have been on the A&P committee, but he is no stranger to community organisations.

He has been heavily involved in the Glenmark Rugby Club, having held the role of secretary and was also president of the Canterbury Dog Trial Association, something which he hopes to feature at this year’s event.

“I’m hoping to have some dog trialling in the main ring, after the grand parade, either a demonstration or a run off –we’re still working through that.”

The community is still reeling from the loss of local farmer and dog trailer Neil Evans, who passed away earlier this year and would have been involved in the show.

“Neil Evans would have been our man to do the dog trials to that, but he is no longer with us.

“That’s a big hole to fill.”

Neil Evans son Andy Evans is convening the Hoof to Hotplate competition, which is always a show highlight.

“Its showcasing what we, as farmers, do producing good beef and lamb.”

Farmers gift a lamb, which gets judged On Jean and Robert Forresters property in Omihi.

The lamb then gets taken to Harris Meats where it is killed and judged on the hook, before it goes to the show where the meat is cooked by a chef and taste-tested by a judging panel.

“We get around 30-40 gift lambs generally, and we also run a beef one with a prime steer or heifer, and that gets processed at Silver Fern Farms.”

The Brew Moon Brewing Company will run the bar and a wine contest near the hoof to hotplate competition will take place to celebrate Amberley’s location as gateway to the North Canterbury wine region .

“We will get some of the wine guys to speak about what they do and there will be tents outside where you can sample wine, as well as gin,” Evans said.

Macintosh says the diversity of the area is what makes it special, and the event showcases that.

“Farming is my thing, but then we have viticulture, and the wine tent is quite strong here.

“I did a wine tasting last year as vice president, and it totally changed my thoughts on drinking wine,” Macintosh said.

The show will also pay homage to Omihi farmer Keith Stackhouse, whose dedication to the show spans 80 years, by renaming the pavilion – known by locals as the tin shed – after him for the duration of the show.

“He needs to be recognised, 80 years involved with the show either as an exhibitor or running it is a massive contribution,” Macintosh said.

By Claire Inkson