The Gloucester Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral (AH and P) Association received $500 from Lovey’s Grocers IGA Community Chest program to help toward the 2019 Gloucester Show, to be held on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 at the Gloucester Showground.

For IGA store manager, Tina Chown it was important to donate the money raised, predominately by the sale of specially marked items, back to events that represent Gloucester’s community spirit.

“The Community Chest is for the community,” Tina said. “We wanted it to go toward events that are held once a year, like the Gloucester Show. To help make them even better.”

“We choose the Gloucester Show because it brings so much joy to the people of Gloucester and it’s committed to celebrating our country community and the skills of our people.” 

For Gloucester Show chief pavilion steward, Morna Wilson it was a surprise donation. She'd just come into the shop to ask for the regular pavilion prize voucher donation, and Tina decided to donate a chunk of money to the event.

Gloucester AH and P president Alan Luscombe said the association is very appreciative of the support. “Its very kind and very generous.”

AH and P is a community organisation of volunteers who working tirelessly to put on the Gloucester Show each year, a tradition dating back to 1908 that showcases many country arts and the finest livestock from the region.

Plans are well underway for this year’s show with a lot of the regular favourites returning including the demolition derby, ute pull and woodchop.

Also receiving a share of the $1311.35 raised is the Gloucester Business Chamber, who received $500 to support the annual Chill Out Festival, to be held for two days this year, Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28.

The remaining $311.35 has gone to the Gloucester and District Juniors Touch Association to help cover the costs of additional training with members looking to complete a referee course.