Women March on Pearns Annual Steam Up 3rd – 5th November 2012

The volunteers at Pearns Steam World have been busy putting the finishing touches to their new exhibition “Women on the March” which will be officially opened at their Westbury complex during their annual November three day steam up.

According to committee secretary Anne Heazlewood, ‘the exhibition tells the stories of four generations of Pearn women highlighting the changing roles for farm women through each generation starting with my great grandmother Edith Pearn and concluding with the current generation’.

‘We have also featured the vital roles rural organisations such as the Country Women’s Association and Tasmanian Women in Agriculture have played in the development, health and well being of rural communities and farm families’.

‘Whilst undertaking the research for the display, the biggest response organisers received was from members or their decedents of the Australian Women’s Land Army which this year celebrated their 70th Anniversary. ‘We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people who have been so willing to lend display material’, said Anne.

There is little doubt with each generation the changes in technology and pace of life has definitely become quicker and more visual. Farm women’s contribution is no longer hidden behind the term ‘home duties’. Whilst agricultural contractor Edith required 14 men to operate her harvesting machine, her great granddaughters drive a harvesting machine that does the same job on their own. With the use of satellite navigation it can even drive itself.

The official opening of ‘Women on the March’ by State President of Tasmanian Women in Agriculture and local farmer, Annette Reed will be at 10am on Saturday the 3rd of November kicking off a full three day program of events …see below:

VINTAGE TRACTORS & TRUCKS
Celebrating 100 Years of Lanz
“Women on the March” official opening
Saturday, 3rd November
FARMYARD ANIMALS &
YESTERYEAR CRAFTS
Sunday, 4th November
CLASSIC CAR DAY
Monday, 5th November
Gates Open 9am—4.30pm
Trade Stalls ~ Space still available
Food provided by the Lions Club of Westbury
Pearns Steam World