Welcome to the second article in our series, 150 Years of the Horsham Agricultural Society.  

Throughout this series, we’ll explore the people, milestones and stories that have shaped the society throughout the past 150 years.  

Every successful organisation has people working quietly behind the scenes. 

For the Horsham Agricultural Society, those people have been its secretaries.

As we celebrate 150 years of the society, it is fitting that this month’s historical feature recognises the men and women who have filled one of the organisation’s most demanding roles. 

It also provides an opportunity to honour former show secretary Jim Wright, who passed away last week at the age of 92. 

Mr Wright served the society for 25 years from 1974 until 1999.

The society’s first secretary was Thomas Noyes. 

While it is not known who held the office in 1877, Edward Rogers was appointed in 1878 and served for almost 14 years before dying in office in September 1892. 

He was followed by K. Bowden, F. Taylor, Leslie Smith, C. Smith, R. Bond, E. Glenister, J. McIntosh, Alan Kimberly and R. Patton before Bert Roe was appointed in 1939.

Mr Roe became one of the society’s most respected secretaries, serving for 30 years until 1969. 

Travelling from Nhill to secure the position, Mr Roe earned a reputation for precision and fairness. 

In his history of the society, the late Ian O. Maroske described him as ‘a careful and meticulous man’, noting that any exhibitor attempting to submit a late entry soon learnt that, to Mr Roe, ‘rules were rules’. 

His experience and thoroughness made him an invaluable support to generations of presidents.

David Gregory succeeded Mr Roe before Jim Wright accepted the position in 1974.

Current society members remember Mr Wright as a true gentleman with a kind manner and respected breeder of Silky Bantams and passionate supporter of showing. 

Current president Dalton Cross recalls meeting Mr Wright through the local poultry club, where they shared a passion for breeding and exhibiting budgerigars. 

Mr Wright’s quiet encouragement and willingness to share his knowledge left a lasting impression on many exhibitors.

Since his retirement, the role has been carried by Marion Gibbons, Jo Dumesny, Judith Bysouth, Annette Heard, Theresa Phelan and Stewart Muir, and myself for the past 12 years.

While the title has remained unchanged for 150 years, the role has evolved from handwritten correspondence, ledgers and postal mail to websites, online entries, digital ticketing and social media. Yet the purpose remains unchanged. 

The Horsham Show still brings the community together through exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, livestock, competitions, traders and entertainment.

According to visitor surveys, the animal nursery remains the show’s most popular attraction, proving that while technology has transformed how the society operates, the heart of the show remains the same.

• Excerpts from ‘A History of the Horsham Agricultural Society’ has been used in this article written by the secretary of the Horsham Agricultural Society, Andrea Cross. 

The entire July 29, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire July 29, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!