Dannevirke: Totara garden expo has grown from roots up

Shoppers are always drawn to the stalls selling plants at the Totara College expo, now in its 20th year. Photo / Christine McKay

At the first Totara College garden and craft expo 20 years ago, Cath Cameron was in tears as she watched the event unfold.

Mrs Cameron, the only committee member still working on the school's major fundraiser, says she's proud of what has been achieved.

"Looking back to early 1995 we had a school of just 16 pupils and nine families," she said. "The school desperately needed funds, but gala days were beyond our means. In 1995, the Ellerslie Flower Show began and the majority of mums on the committee were keen gardeners but, with young families, it was impossible for us to go to that event.

"Then in the early hours one morning when I couldn't sleep, inspiration hit me. Why not sell sites and have our own mini-Ellerslie? At the next committee meeting, with Debbie Lamason, Julie Francis, Helen Hermansen, Dorothy Southgate and Dorothy Robinson, I shared this crazy thought and, to my surprise, they thought it was a great idea."

It was left to Mrs Lamason and Mrs Cameron to get the ball rolling by approaching local garden centres.

"Apart from Gibb's Nurseries who became our major sponsor for the next 13 years, we didn't receive a favourable response," Mrs Cameron said. "Undaunted we travelled to Palmerston North. A few more knock-backs, then the jackpot. We visited Alan Cleland at Cleland's Nurseries. He thought it was a great idea and immediately ordered our best and biggest site.

"That first year we had 35 sites, now 20 years on we have 70 siteholders booked with only 20 of those from Dannevirke. "

Getting the Totara College grounds up to the standard was huge, Mrs Cameron said.

"As the date of that first expo neared, the longer the working bees were. There were sore muscles, broken finger nails, stained hands and families enjoying more takeaways than they ever had before, but it was all so worth it. What a great uniting spirit came out of those working bees.

"Looking back I don't know how such a small team of people did so much. I really doubted all would be set up and ready for opening. But just before 10am, I had a moment I will treasure forever. As I stood in the office door and looked out all I could see was a mass of colour and people.

"Beautiful spring-flowering trees, shrubs and flowers in their hundreds, as well as outdoor furniture and mowers. The front area of the school had been transformed into a wonderland. I have to confess that tears rolled down my cheeks, it was all and more than I ever imagined it could be.

"I think people were surprised, even amazed, as they came through the gate, as it was so different from what they had expected.

"It seems unbelievable that was all 20 years ago."

Scanpower followed Gibb's Nurseries as the major sponsor and expo funds have provided the college with facilities such a tennis court, the adventure playground, a sports/caretaker's shed, technology equipment and a computer suite.

"Each year we also give 10 per cent of the funds raised back to our community," Mrs Cameron said.

Information
The 20th Totara College Garden and Craft Expo is on this Saturday, October 18, 10am to 3pm. Adults $4, children free. The Pahiatua Railcar Society will run return trips from Totara College to Matamau. Tickets, adults $20, children $10, include entry to the expo.