THE 71st Hamilton and District Legacy Fleece Show is on in the Hamilton Exhibition and Conference Centre at the Hamilton Showgrounds from December 6-8, 2022.

Judging is on a points system for categories which include a perpetual trophy - a silver tray, for the champion fleece of the show, and sashes and certificates for the other classes; most successful exhibitor, most successful merino fleece exhibitor, most successful exhibitor other than merino fleece, and most valuable fleece.

There is also a special trophy presented to the most valuable commercial fleece from any class (excluding ram fleeces).

Hamilton and District Legacy secretary, Mal Eales, said all the fleeces are donated.

“We normally get about six bales of wool altogether,” he said.

“They are entered in the fleece show and then donated to Legacy to sell.

“Legacy classes the fleeces - we get qualified wool classers in and then bale them up and then they go to the wool sales, usually Geelong, and they’ll be sold early next year.

“It’s a good fundraiser - probably our major fundraiser for Legacy for the year.

“We have a lot of fundraisers throughout the year - we’ve got a party at Hamilton Gallery coming up called ‘Party at the Gallery’ - a catered event for the John Orval exhibition - we send invites out for people to attend.

“We also have a bowls day and a golf day during the year.”

Mr Eales said that when he joined Legacy 30 years ago, he recalls some of the Legacy members that were in the wool industry used to say it was probably one of the best fleece shows in Australia.

“They said that because of the fact that it was top class wool that is exhibited and it’s an opportunity to showcase all classes of wool grown in the area,” he said.

“We also hope the spinners and weavers will be able to attend again this year to give a demonstration.

“We usually get school children to come and have a look and go around and feel all the different types of wool and learn a bit about wool - they usually get the chance to knit some wool bracelets too.”

Proceeds will be used to care for widows and children of deceased servicemen through multiple programs and services.

Last year the most valuable fleece of the show (other than a ram) was won by ‘Glenara’ with a fleece valued at $145.02.

If the perpetual trophy is won by the same exhibitor three years in a row, they keep the trophy, a feat which ‘Glenara’ has achieved.

Legacy advocates to ensure beneficiaries receive government benefits or pensions they are entitled to and strives to ensure that no person faces social isolation. They also have clubs, local events, holidays and camps, where widows, children and families can come together to bond and create friendships.

The exhibition will be open to the public on December 8 from 10am - 3pm with presentations at 6.30pm.

Fleece bags are available from all wool brokers and stock agents or from the fleece convenor, Peter Guthrie.

More information and entry forms are available at legacy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fleece-Entry-form-01.pdf