Three generations help make huge day a success
WITH the focus mainly on the frocks, fillies, fun and frivolity the volunteers of the Bundaberg Race Club could go about their work in the background with little thought of recognition.
About 50 people gave their time to make the Melbourne Cup Day meeting a success and they have guaranteed they will be back for the next race day - Boxing Day.
Among the many people there was three generations operating the starting barriers and a husband and wife manning a gate to keep an orderly flow through the trainers' entrance.
Peter Honeywill (pictured) has been involved in the race club in some form for more than 45 years and a change in committee saw a change of jobs for the ex-racing steward.
Honeywill moved away from administration and for the last 20 years he has worked the gates and he said his current help had been a joy to work with.
"After doing plenty of jobs out here I was asked to be the starter. It has been a good job and I have enjoyed working with the people who have helped me," Honeywill said.
"There was my son (Greg) and grandson (Daniel) and even my adopted son (Andrew Cooper) which had been a good experience."
Along with Honeywill there was Joe Farmer, and Farmer said he had a long day but he was glad to be able to help.
"We had been here every meet on the gate. Amongst other things like, painting and fixing fences," Farmer said.
"One of the hardest things was to keep people out of the trainers area - but we sorted a few out."
