EVELYN.THORN@cluthaleader.co.nz
Local rural folk in West Otago had their pockets full and were ready to spend money recently.
The annual hay and baleage auction was held by the West Otago A&P Society in conjunction with the West Otago Lions recently in Tapanui, and more than 60 people came along.
The auction is held each year to raise funds for community groups and services in the township. This year the auction raised more than $27,000.
West Otago Lions organising committee member Lindsay Alderton said he was pleased with the turnout and happy to be raising money for local groups.
‘‘We have a range of wonderful community services and organisations and we’re very pleased we are able to assist in supporting those groups.’’
This year’s recipients were the Heriot Community Centre, Blue Mountain Motorcycle Club, Tapanui School PTA, Tapanui Rugby Club, Heriot Play Group, Tapanui Golf Club, West Otago Junior Cricket, Tapanui Toy Library and the Tapanui Playground.
The auction also had their creative swede competition, where youngsters from the local schools could dress, carve, poke and paint a swede to win prizes.
Mr Alderton said the committee loved having the swede competition as it gave all ages an opportunity to be involved on the day.
