“AS KIDS we would go to granny’s house and see this big walk-in pantry filled with jars of jam and preserves – I guess that is where it all began,” Mount Gambier resident Kerry Hill told The Border Watch on her involvement with the upcoming show.
“She was a top competitor and a highly regarded judge – so for us to keep that family tradition going is quite special.”
Following the family tradition, Ms Hill, her two sisters, cousin and aunt are all involved with the arts and crafts sections at the Mount Gambier Spring Show in different roles.
“For us as a family group it is a big part of our lives, I might make a big batch of jam and share it with everyone, then someone else will make sauce and share,” she said.
“We were given that grounding from an early age through my grandmother and then I married a Hill – Robert’s parents played a significant role in the show society and his mum was the first female president.”
For the past 33 years, Ms Hill has increased her involvement with the show, through arts and crafts and now as the current president of the Mount Gambier A&H Society.
“A few years ago we saw a decline in entrants in jams and preserves so my sisters, cousin and I decided to start a bit of a family rivalry with the plum sauce,” she said.
“For us three girls we use the same recipe and everyone modifies it a bit to their own taste.
“We cook separately to keep our own secrets – but at the end of the day there is only one winner.”
Hoping to encourage more people to get involved in the country show circuit, Ms Hill said entrants did not have to be good cooks to take part and the stewards and judges are happy to give plenty of feedback.
“You learn so much and the people you meet along the way become part of a big friendship group,” she said.
“Most of the sections are like that whether it be the cattle or yard dogs – you have got the same interests so you bond.”
Renowned for her plum sauce, Ms Hill said once you hone in on the skills on one thing it is your own personal challenge to pick something else and perfect it.
This year they have created a new section called the morning tea tray, which includes a cup, saucer and plate on a tray with two pieces of slice.
After receiving a dinner set from her mother, Ms Hill and her family wanted to create an event where people could make use of these items.
“Every Monday we get together as a family group and have morning tea to use this gear, otherwise it would just sit in the cupboard,” she said.
“I see so many people drinking from foam or paper cups and all the fine china is not being used – this is a way for people to use it and share it with others.
“My Aunt is a highly regarded cake decorator, my cousin a judge and my sisters and I are happy being competitors in a variety of classes from cookery to jams and horticulture.”
Commending the efforts and talent of those in the community, Ms Hill said she hoped to see more people getting involved in the future.
“As a community, I don’t want to see us lose those skills – all the competitors in arts and crafts take great pride in presenting their creations to the public once a year at the annual show,” she said.
“I really encourage people to look at the exhibits this year and appreciate the effort that goes into it – they compete because they want share their creations with others.
“I am amazed with the talent we have in Mount Gambier.”
