Golden Shears On A Roll

Golden Shears On A Roll

SHEEP shearing athletes and enthusiasts from around the world are preparing to descend on Masterton for the 51st annual Golden Shears, taking place on the 3rd , 4th and 5th March.

Considered the world’s premier shearing and woolhandling competition, each Golden Shears event is remembered as exceptional. Wedged between last year’s hugely popular 50^th anniversary celebrations and hosting the World Shearing Championships next year, outstanding organisation by the Shears’ committee for this year’s event mean it will be no exception.

Highlights of the Shears traditionally include the trans-Tasman woolhandling and shearing tests, the PGG Wrightsons National Round finals, and of course, the ultimate in sporting events, the world renowned Open Shearing Final. But this year wool pressing is set to play a big part on the main stage as well.

Golden Shears president Mavis Mullins said organisers figured this year’s 51st Shears, which happen to coincide with 25 years of competitive wool pressing at the event, would provide the perfect forum to place the spotlight on the hugely impressive sport.

“The reality is that what wool pressers do, the physical strength that is required, and the fact that they go from having a pile of wool on the floor to a neatly packaged bale ready for international export in as fast as seven or eight minutes – it’s really exciting!” the former Golden Shears woolhandling champion said.

“And damn it, it’s important too!”

Adding to this year’s celebration, organisers have planned a ‘Presser Champions Breakfast’ on the Friday morning of the Shears. Up to 15 former Golden Shears wool pressing champions, including two female former titleholders, have all been invited to take part in the breakfast. They will also be joined by a group of organisers and judges from the early pressing competitions.

Wool pressing competitors will then truly be in the spotlight on the Friday evening when event finals and a North vs. South Island challenge are held on the stadium’s main stage. Mavis reported that the only other wool pressing championship in New Zealand is held in Balclutha and consequently “we invited their champs up to compete in an inter-island challenge”.

“It’s going to be really exciting. We built up so much momentum last year – in the community, in the industry in general – we felt it was really important to keep the momentum going. And what better way to do that than celebrate 25 years of competitive wool pressing.”

And keep the momentum going they have. According to organisers, tables for the Friday Variety night sold out early this year (although there are still tickets for the general seating). Friday night entertainment includes the ever-popular Avidiva trio and the band Dr Rock.

There have also been a number of improvements planned for the 2011 Golden Shears that are sure to add to the already-electric atmosphere at the world famous event.

Following a trial to cater for the large crowds at last year’s 50^th , the Golden Shears will again erect a marquee opposite the competition’s traditional venue (Masterton’s War Memorial Stadium) in the Queen Elizabeth Park. ‘The Catching Pen’ will live-stream events onto big screens and will include a live commentator reporting on anything “good, bad or ugly” going on in the stadium. The marquee will also have a hospitality bar and an on-site TAB terminal, with entry only $5 per person.

Tickets for all events (not previously sold out) are available online at www.goldenshears.co.nz , at The Wool Shed (formerly Shear Discovery NZ) next to the War Memorial Stadium, and at the ticket caravan outside the stadium on the day.

Those who can’t make it to Masterton will be able to watch the action live via the Golden Shears website at www.goldenshears.co.nz .

ENDS

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