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The Experience of a Lifetime

Written by Helen Ellis, President of the New Zealand Simmental Association

When I spoke at the Congress Closing Ceremony at Boddington I spoke from the heart when I said the Congress Tour had been the experience of a lifetime. How does one put into words the essence of this experience.

There are the unforgettable experiences that will be treasured for the rest of our lives. Fiona singing: not at the Opening Ceremony or the Closing function both of which were memorable, but on a mini bus somewhere in Northern Ireland in the middle of the night with everybody half asleep enough to wonder if the angels were calling. The firework display at Boddington which made the Olympic Games opening look ordinary. The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery at the Royal Norfolk Show, I can still feel the hairs on the back of my neck rising with the sounds and danger of the display. Getting soaked to the skin while touring a farm in Scotland and the meal that greeted us when we returned. Travelling with like minded people from all over the World, sharing ideas and experiences and visiting places we would never have the chance to see otherwise.

Farm Tour NZ style

Throughout the whole Tour the organising committee had left no stone unturned in their efforts to provide us with a variety of experiences. We saw large numbers of great cattle, we went to two major Shows the Royal Highland and the Royal Norfolk and we visited a number of very interesting and varied Tourist venues. We never had to worry about anything. Tickets to events, excellent accommodation and transport were all provided. We could very easily have done without the very few meals we had to find for ourselves.

Up and down the country we received hospitality which far exceeded our expectations. Now we know what all those barns are used for!! The time and effort put in by all our hosts to provide us with wonderful food and drink was hugely appreciated and we would like to thank all those involved at every venue. Everywhere we went a great deal of time and organisation had gone into the herd visits. In most places there had been a lot of co-operation from neighbours who provided tractors and trailers to transport us around the farms. The effort made by all our hosts was certainly the main thing that made the Tour so memorable.

We would especially like to thank the Northern Ireland Club for the trouble they went to organise the special Show for us at Omagh. The North Yorkshire Club for the outstanding display at Thirsk and the effort made by all those who supported them. Also David and Lesley Sapsed for putting on a Show based on female families which was most interesting as the strength of female lines are often not given the credit they deserve and to Sterling Simmentals for the effort they made to present their Show Team to us.

The way in which we were looked after by Carolyne, Fiona, Claire, Marion and Steph was well above and beyond the call of duty. No question was too silly not to deserve an answer, those who were late were forgiven, those who were unwell were cared about and for.

A very big thank you to all of you for that. In 2010 it is our turn. We know we will not be able to repeat 2008 and indeed we should not attempt the impossible. The Post Congress Tour to New Zealand will only be eight days but we are putting together a programme which incorporates farm visits and some of our loveliest Tourist destinations. It is impossible to see all of New Zealand in the time allowed so hopefully some of you will be able to stay longer and visit Northland and Southland which are both lovely parts of New Zealand with a number of Studs who would be keen to host you.