Celebrating life members’ stories

Some of the best and busiest times Wal Fairlie and John Metcalf, pictured, have experienced in their lives have been while volunteering at Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days.

But despite the frantic-but-fun time spent at field days each year, neither would change their volunteering experiences for the world.

The pair of passionate Dowerin resident were each awarded life memberships to the Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days at the event’s official opening on Wednesday.

Both received a plaque and glowing praise from the event’s chairwoman Nadine McMorran, who said they had contributed enormously to the event during its 55 years.

In accepting his award, Mr Fairlie said he had helped at 53 of the 55 events, and was “in hospital for the other two, so I reckon I am doing alright”.

Mr Fairlie first started volunteering with Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days in 1964, after being approached on the main street. He manned the gate for 34 years.

After his 34 years, he changed roles to the breakfast area, which is where he still works today.

Mr Metcalf is the judges’ marshal, overseeing all of the awards and keeping event judges in line. His son Adam Metcalf is now a board member.

His family have been long custodians of the event, with his father Lionel John Metcalf an inaugural president of the machinery showcase event.