After almost half a century behind the Bega Show bar, Noel Watson has been commended for his outstanding service to the Bega AP&H Society.
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On Saturday, February 17, the Bega Show crowd around the bar paused to raise a toast to Mr Watson.
Bega AP&H Society president David Grainger said it was the most memorable moment of this year’s show.
“I think the standout moment from the Bega Show was the handover of the bar from Noel Watson to Chris Apps,” Mr Grainger said.
Mr Grainger said Chris Apps was an apprentice of sorts to Mr Watson, and as close as a son to the former publican.
The handover drew a crowd to the Bega Show bar, but the celebration reverberated through the showgrounds.
“I was up at the bar with friends and family at the time, but I am told lots of people in the stands also stopped what they were doing to raise a toast to Noel,” Mr Grainger said.
“Noel has managed the bar for 45 years, so he’s got a long history with the show. It was a special moment, Bega saluted him that afternoon.”
The certificate of appreciation including photos of the Bega Showgrounds bar, documenting how the humble shed has transformed over the years.