Couple keen for proper return of shows

• Published date: 27 October 2021
• Publication title: Central Rural Life

The couple have a long-standing association with the Ashburton show spanning back to their childhood days when attendance was encouraged by their respective parents and grandparents.

Mrs Lovett (55) is a member of the Ashburton A&P Association but, alongside stalwart Andrew Brown, has been heavily involved in the grain and seed section for many years.

Mr Lovett (58), after getting involved as an exhibitor in the winter feed competition in the early 1990s, did stints on the general committee, worked up the ranks to president in 2008 and 2009, and is grounds manager responsible for ground crew maintaining the showgrounds.

He took over from Brian Leadley and has seen three groundsmen in the role since he started nearly 20 years ago. They were Richard Sharp, the late Shayne Adams, and most recently new groundsman, Doug McMillan, a landscaper.

Their eldest son Matt is also on the general committee, although younger son Sam has not yet been roped into the association.

A&P shows were about meeting up with neighbours and mates, having time off-farm, and enjoying a hot dog, homemade bacon and egg pies, or an ice cream at the show, Tim said.

Mrs Lovett remembers being given 10c by her nana to buy treats.

COVID has affected the Ashburton A&P Show for the second year in a row. Although some competitions will go ahead, it has involved a bit of compromise, and a lot of planning to ensure there is space between sections — and people in bubbles.

Shearing, dog trials, alpacas, wool classes, home industries, equestrian and showjumping will each run but behind closed doors with no trade sites, market stalls, food vendors or the general public.

Mrs Lovett got involved with the association after taking over the membership from her late father David Nelmes, of Fairton, after he died in the mid-1980s. He was a long-standing horse committee member.

Mr Lovett’s first memorable encounter with his wife’s father was as a 14-year-old being given the most improved rider recognition after a clean round on his pony Mickey.

The round was a marked improvement on the year earlier when Mr Nelmes had witnessed Mr Lovett being projected off his pony on top of a jump , which broke as a result.

It is a memory which still amuses Mr Lovett.

The Lovetts both grew up in arable country, near Fairton, but are now dairy farmers.

They took over the...