Prince hangs up his strainer

Fencing expert Neville Prince made his 25th and final professional appearance at the Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days last week.

Mr Prince is hanging up his wire strainer after 28 years working with Waratah Fencing.

Over that time, he has provided fencing demonstrations in each of the 28 years at the Henty Machinery Field Days in New South Wales, and for the past 25 years at the Dowerin Field Days.

Mr Prince, a former New Zealander whose home is in Blaney, NSW, is always accompanied and supported by wife Jude in his travels to demonstrate fencing techniques and train others.

Because fencing technology has evolved in recent years, even experienced hands usually learn something as Mr Prince provides tips on design, materials and installations, as well as demonstrating best- practice fencing techniques.

He said he had seen many changes in the past 28 years. One of the major changes was the shift from timber to steel posts.

"The ease of installation of steel posts makes a huge difference for farmers, and they are also more resistant to termites, floods and bushfires," he said.

Mr Prince said nowadays there were better tools and better wire available.

He plans to use his retirement to enjoy his home and garden.