Southern Field Days: decades of work recognised

Lou and Grant Dickson reflect on Grant's life membership to the Southern Field Days at Waimumu recently. Photo / Nicole Sharp

Since the inaugural Southern Field Days in 1982, Te Tipua man Grant Dickson has been lending a hand. In recognition of his time and work, he was recently awarded the event's first life membership. Nicole Sharp reports.

When you hear the name Grant Dickson, chances are the words Southern Field Days will soon follow.

Since the inaugural field days in 1982, Mr Dickson has been a part of the event which continues to grow.

He had been through some highs and lows during his involvement with the event, even meeting his wife Lou there.

Presenting Mr Dickson with the field day's first life membership, Southern Field Days chairman Logan Evans said while there was some new blood coming through the organising committee, sometimes wise heads were needed to keep them in line.

Grant Dickson (left) receives his life membership presentation from Southern Field Days chairman Logan Evans at Waimumu recently. Photo / Nicole Sharp

Mr Dickson was one of those wise heads. He had been involved since day one, when there were 64 exhibitors and about 1500 people attended.

''And he's been here ever since,'' Mr Evans said.

For 35 years, Mr Dickson had been a part of one of the South Island's biggest farming events, which had included stints in various roles

He had put in the time with field days and the committee thought it was only fitting Mr Dickson should be presented with the event's first life membership, Mr Evans said.

Accepting the award, Mr Dickson said there had been a lot of fun in his involvement with the Southern Field Days, as well as some heartache, but he had enjoyed it all.

''I feel quite humbled, and I really appreciate it,'' he said.

The 2018 Southern Field Days will be held from February 14-16 at Waimumu.