Familiar faces celebrate fabulous 50
About 200 people from across WA returned to Dowerin recently to reunite in celebration of the forthcoming 50th Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days.
The reunion was held at the Dowerin Community Club to give past and present volunteers the opportunity to catch up with old friends and rejoice in the success of the Field Days over the past half a century.
Event co-ordinator Trish Todd said most past committee members had made an effort to attend, with many travelling from great distances.
"We were so pleased to see many of the past committee members and volunteers in attendance, as it shows how much pride they take in their involvement in the Field Days, even many years later," Ms Todd said.
"The event allowed our current volunteers to network and celebrate, which is something they rarely get to do as they are so busy during the actual event."
Life members LJ Metcalf and Thelma Hatwell received an award for 50 years' service, while past chairman Philip Metcalf was awarded a posthumous life membership.
Mrs Hatwell began working with the Dowerin Field Days as a volunteer steward with the Dowerin Progress Association when the first Field Days were held in 1965.
She has since held various catering roles, including serving as the president of the catering committee for over 16 years, vice-president for one year and a catering committee member for more than 40 years.
The inaugural chairman of the Field Days, Mr Metcalf served for 14 consecutive years and has volunteered in various other capacities.
He has taken on leadership roles, led delegations to promote the Field Days, attended planning meetings, prepared sites and donated equipment.
Ms Todd said event organisers had launched a Dowerin Field Days photobook for the celebration, depicting the event's history in pictures.
The 50th Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days will be held on August 27 and 28, and will involve celebrations for exhibitors and visitors to the event.
