Page 21 - The Outdoor Showman October-December 2023

Aust trip 1965
Their wage from the wholesale business was $10.00 a week, clear after tax and board was taken out.
At Narrandera Show they cleared $10.00 each after expenses; they then sat up and took notice.
There’s something in this Showbag caper......
Over time they built on the Shows that they did, resulting in them working Shows for almost 7 months of the year, while still working in the wholesale confectionery business. This continued until 1982 when they approached Dick Holmes who had the rights to the Sunny Boy Showbag at all capital Royal Shows Australia wide.
After discussions, Dick agreed to sell the business to Mal and Greg, so off they went to find the money. After nearly 12 months of negotiating with banks, they got approval from a bank, with an interest rate of 18.5%. With the help of family they were able to secure a loan at 16.5%.
Bit different from today!
So, in 1983 after leaving the wholesale business, Brisbane Show was their first full time Show, with the approval coming through from the Bank
the 2nd day of Brisbane Show; the Patrick brothers were on their way.
Over time they purchased Show runs from Ray Maslin in Victoria, NSW
and QLD and Bluebeard Victoria
and QLD. Also, various Shows from Syd Heron of Happy Time. Over the last 40 years they have consolidated themselves at country Shows throughout Victoria, NSW and QLD.
Mal and Greg loved every minute of
Meeting with Cass and Ray 1983
Mal and Greg spruiking Sydney 1986
New stand Adelaide 1990
their time in the Showbag business, even with a lot of ups and Downs.
Mal would like to thank all the Show Societies that have supported them over the years, and all the friends that they have made on the itinerant side and Showman’s side. He can’t list them all but he is sure they
know who they are. With a special thanks to Gordon Richards for his help and support in the low times; and Charlie Seal for his friendship.
And a very special thanks to Cassie Clarke and her team of girls for all there work and dedication at all Capital Shows in Australia, The boys couldn’t have done it without them.
There are many more stories that
Aust trip 1965
Mal would like to share. Perhaps there will be more stories to come in future; when Mal has some spare time during his retirement.
The Showbag Factory is still going with Mal’s son Craig taking over the business.
“THE SHOW GOES ON “
Note: Sadly, Mal’s brother Greg passed away in 2008 aged 61 after falling ill at Sydney Easter Show (RIP Gregory)
Marsmobile off to Mars Convention Gold Coast 1989
New showbag Trailer Canberra 1988
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 19