Heavenly Beverley : What an Event! What an Afternoon! The East End Gallery Rocked!

We have just had another wonderful day in the Gallery. We were fortunate to be the host venue for the Agricultural Ambassador of the Central Wheatbelt judging. Preparations for this exciting opportunity began as I stepped out of the car a few weeks ago, resplendent in my best trackie daks and ugg boots, to buy the newspaper. Enter Sarah Aynsley and Sue Martin, stage left, outside the bakery, looking very professional with a laptop, notebooks, pens and business-like expressions on their faces. As members of the Beverley Agricultural Society, they were reviewing their options to locate a venue for an Exceedingly Important Occasion.

Says I, stating the rather obvious..."are you two planning an event?". At which point, they swung first to look at each other and then straight at me. Searching for a suitable environment had not been easy. The event called for three separate areas. One for the judges to prepare, consult, question and listen to the three candidates. Another for the candidates to wait with supporters. And the third area for all to converge - the candidates, their family and friends, the organisers and the judges. Their mission was accomplished. The Agricultural Society had found their venue. The East End Gallery.

The Day arrived. The Gallery was a flurry of activity from opening. Tables and chairs materialised from the back of a ute. The local Playgroup had been charged with the task of catering. They produced enough food to feed the Fifth Battalion. Cups, plates, coffee, tea and even a coffee pod machine were added to the mix. And in the midst of the excitement, Ruby the Beagle sat placidly on her lead, accepting pats and rubs from the assembled populace. Having been banished from home for appalling behaviour, she decided the alternative digs were not unpleasant at all.

The judges arrived. Then candidates, families, friends and mentors began spilling into the Gallery. The noise level rose. All manner of beverages and nibbles were sampled. The wonderful Lynn Isaacs dropped in with sausage rolls for our breakfast.

The candidates began their interviews with the panel. The excitement kept building as each potential ambassador returned after finishing their time with the judges. The next part of the process was the judges' deliberations, followed by the candidates repeating their speeches to the audience.

One of the young ladies was overcome by nerves and retired behind a wall to compose herself. I took Ruby with me to see if she was alright. I have discovered, that during particularly stressful times, stroking a dog helps restore calm and control. Unfortunately, Ruby's nose distracted her entirely from being a Useful Dog as she made a beeline for the loaded tables and scoffed half a plate of goodies before I noticed. Other witnesses were highly amused.

Our nervous young lady settled and gave her speech. Thunderous applause for her courage. Then the verdict was announced. Jess Fleay, our candidate from Beverley, was named the winner. More applause with proud parents, family and supporters all revelling in Jess's achievement. She now attends the State judging for Agricultural Ambassador of all rural areas.

And so, we commenced with packing up, washing dishes and general tidying. The Agricultural Society and Play Group all participated in bringing the Gallery back to order. We were delighted that they stayed so long and helped so much.

Returning home with aching feet and my voice croaky, I relaxed in the pleasant glow of having provided the space for such an important event. We received many compliments and enthusiastic comments regarding the East End Gallery and Michael's workshop and his drawings of his latest sculpture proved very popular as well.

We would like to extend our thanks to all those who attended, with a special mention to all the candidates and congratulations to Jess Fleay.