A celebration of rural excellence at Oxford A&P show

Christine Roberts (left) and Marie Timperley with their awards from the Oxford A&P show. Photo / Supplied

Contrasting contributions to agriculture and their communities, earned two Oxford women recognition at the Oxford A&P show on Saturday.

Christine Roberts, the executive officer of the Oxford A&P Association, was awarded a Royal Agricultural Society Excellence medal for her contribution to the A&P movement, agriculture and her community.

Meanwhile Marie Timperley was awarded the Matson & Allan Award in recognition of her achievements in her rural community, skills and personality too succeed in life.

Christine began her association with the A&P Association as a steward in the produce shed where she stewarded for many years prior to being appointed secretary/ administrator/executive officer of the association 16 years ago.

Since taking up the position, the association and the general organisation of the show has been in her safe hands due to her efficiency and commitment to the role, her determination and professionalism.

Past president Rose Grimsey said in a citation delivered at the show, that nothing was ever a bother to Christine.

"She has everything at her fingertips, all ready to go and all under control.

"Christine epitomises the Royal Agricultural Society Show movement objectives with her determination, professionalism, efficiency and commitment to her role," says Ms Grimsey.

Under her guidance there has been many changes to show day including the addition of a Baby Show to the A&P schedule.

Christine has many strings to her bow. She has been secretary for the New Zealand Perendale Sheep Society for six years, Central District Royal Agriculture Society Council secretary for about five years and administrator for the Royal Agricultural Society since 2008.

She has many voluntary secretarial roles including Pearson Park, Ringwood Retirement Village, the Oxford Drainage Board, the Oxford Ward and many years as View Hill School secretary. Husband Wayne has also been an important part of ensuring the Oxford Show is a popular event. He is the honorary electrician for the association and also the Malvern A&P Association.

They have four children who, as well as their partners and grandchildren, are all involved with the show on Show Day.

Christine is also a Justice of the Peace and a Marriage celebrant.

Marie left Rangi Ruru Girls High School in 2010 with a scholarship to study at CPIT to be a Chef. Marie graduated with a Diploma of Distinction - top in her class and won the under 18 Junior Chef competition.

Marie now lives for agriculture and manages a 400ha block at Eyredale as a support block for three dairy farms and is the home to Timperlea Angus Stud.

She is a committee member of the Oxford A&P Association, chairperson of the Waimakariri Young Farmers Club, runs Stockmanship days as well as numerous fundraising ventures.

Her involvement with her community and youth is extensive and nothing is a problem for Marie to put up her hand to, to organise or help at any time anywhere, her citation says.

Marie's passion for agriculture has touched many people on the world stage - she is the NZ Beef and Lamb Youth Ambassador and in 2015 travelled to Mexico to the World Beef and Lamb Conference where she was guest speaker and spoke on our unique and successful grass feed farming systems.

In 2016 Marie was selected as the captain of the NZ World Angus Team to compete against the Youth in Agriculture to be held in Scotland in May.

- North Canterbury News