SHE’s a legend in show society circles and now Betty Naylor has been honoured for her extraordinary commitment to the Orange Show Society for more than 50 years.
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Whether it’s been gathering sponsorship, co-ordinating entries or making a cuppa for judges, Mrs Naylor has been at the forefront of arrangements to keep the show running for decades.
Mayor John Davis said she is an inspiration to the community.
“Particularly to young people who we hope will follow her fine example,” he said.
“Without Betty and the Naylor family I doubt we would even have a show,” he said.
“Betty has put in an absolutely extraordinary effort.”
At Thursday night’s meeting of the Orange Show Society Mrs Naylor was presented with an award on behalf of the Agricultural Societies Council of New South Wales.
“I’m very humbled - I can’t believe it,” Mrs Naylor said.
“Every year the Showmen's Guild members come up and give me a kiss and a hug - it’s lovely they always remember you"
“I know I’ve been involved for a long time but I just love the show and I’ve even got three suitcases of ribbons from exhibiting our birds over the years,” she said.
But it is the friendships she’s formed as part of her organising role with the Orange Show Society that is special for Mrs Naylor.
“Every year the Showmen's Guild members come up and give me a kiss and a hug - it’s lovely they always remember you,” she said.
Mrs Naylor’s son Peter, who took over as president of the Orange Show Society 12 years ago said he is enormously proud of his mum.
“Its a pretty big effort when you think she went along to her first show society meeting when she was 15,” Mr Naylor said.
“I can remember even back to when the old grandstand existed I had to help mum and dad pack it up and move out and then they helped set up the Red Arch Cafe,” he said.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au