Page 13 - The Outdoor Showman January-March 2024

Reg Established 1939
The Showmen’s Guild
of South Australia
18 Norama Street Tapperoo SA 5017 Mobile: 0418 819 994
Office Bearers 2024 PRESIDENT
Daryl Girdler
SECRETARY
Phillip Hamilton
ASST. SECRETARY
Colleen Leighton
TREASURER
Megan Furnell
VICE PRESIDENTS
Tamara Allen Matt Hamilton
COMMITTEE
Brad Girdler Alex Hamilton Garry Lynch Wayne Lynch Michael Leighton Colin Leighton Heather Lynch Clayton Smans Harley Smans Scott Lloyd
PATRONS
Robert Perry Ivan Venning
TRUSTEES
Brent Leighton Pauline Allen
SOLICITOR
Lazarus P Christou
AUDITORS
Alan Lynch Bianca Cousins
A big hello to all showmen, show societies and
friends of our industry,
At the time of writing this article I am overwhelmed with joy with unconfirmed reports of a major change of personnel within our Gods. If the Chinese whispers heard around town prove to be correct,
then South Australia show industry will be free from a very narrow minded individual and our state can once again join the rest of the country, with laws that were supposed to be harmonised years ago. I will provide more info next issue when I have a clearer picture of what has transpired.
The Christmas carnivals have been and gone now we are in the heart of the Adelaide fringe; this event grows stronger each year and records in ticket sales are beaten constantly. There are 500 venues across the state for fringe events and our members are kept earning during February and March as a result.
Extreme heat hampered us over summer carnivals and by all reports post-Covid we are still trading strong; did I say post-Covid it really
is still there just not made an issue as such anymore, where we one locked down an entire country, now if you catch it today it’s quite acceptable to go to work in your office tomorrow.
I would like to give a special mention to Elwin, Selina, and the
Bell family. I had the pleasure of watching The Carnival on SBS
last Thursday evening. What an insight into the life of a travelling showman. The Carnival really showcased our way of life! It was a really raw and honest account of a longstanding Australian travelling show family. It wouldn’t’ have been easy for the Bell family to invite people into their lives, over such a long period of time to capture their story. Congratulations on the effort and outcome!
In closing I wish everyone safe prosperous trading!
Regards,
Daryl. C. Girdler President
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 11