CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF SHOWING...
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200 YEARS OF SHOWING..
The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania has unearthed the first recorded heart beats of its own origins in 1821, in a notice contained in the Hobart Town Gazette, and the Van Diemen’s Land Advertiser, requesting permission for a meeting of “Stockholders and Gentlemen connected with the Agricultural Interests”.
The notice went on to seek permission from the Lieutenant Governor for a meeting at the Ship Inn in Hobart Town “for the purpose of establishing a Society, on the Principle of those existing in the Mother Country”.
The Society would, according to the Notice, focus on protection of property, prosecution of offenders, remuneration to sufferers, the establishment of a cattle show, the distribution of bounties to deserving servants, and for “the Protection and Encouragement of Agricultural Pursuits in general”.
Two hundred years later, the need to distribute bounties to deserving servants may have faded, but the Show remains at the heart of what it is to be a Tasmanian.
A special Royal Hobart Show is in planning for 2021 – the 200th year of agricultural showing in the State, together with a series of lead up activities to commemorate Australia’s oldest agricultural Show and one of the nation’s oldest institutions, the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania.
The society held a special event on April 16th, 2021 to kick off the 200th anniversary year on the lawns of Parliament House, where the very first Show was held. See video below.
PARLIAMENT LAWNS EVENT: VIDEO
200 YEARS BOOK: ORDER
One of the projects we have been undertaking to commemorate the occasion, is the publication of a book to share our history with Members and other interested parties. The book is being researched and written by Dr Diane Snowden.
The first part of the book will cover the various versions of the Society including the name change to the present day Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania in 1923. The remainder of the book will look at the shows, locations, cups & trophies that are part of RAST as well as including details of Living Legends, Life Members and Patrons that have been part of RAST. The appendices of the book will cover Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, Council Members, Board Members and Life Members. A variety of photos will be included throughout the book to illustrate the people, events and stories that make up our rich history.
As members of the Society, RAST would like to invite you to purchase a copy of the book (due for delivery before Christmas 2021). The price will be $50.00 + postage for members and $60.00 + postage for non-members. Books can be paid for on collection.
A copy of the order form is attached/enclosed for you to make it easy to order your copy. The order form can be emailed to admin@hobartshowground.com.au or returned to the office via post or in person.
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MERCHANDISE:
The 200 years committee have worked together to create a design for our ties and scarves which are now available to order. If you wish to purchase one, fill out the order form below and return to us via post or via email. Alternatively, you can order via the phone.
Postal Address:
ATT: Admin
Address: 2 Howard Rd, Glenorchy, TAS, 7010.
Email:
execassist@hobartshowground.com.au
Phone Number:
62 726 812.
Prices: $30ea.
PHOTO GALLERY:
