Log Chopping
Log Chopping has been a tradition at the Wanneroo Show for many years.
Each year spectators gather to watch the log-choppers wield their razor-sharp axes and slash through logs the size of tree trunks in seconds.
Log Chopping is a major attraction at the Wanneroo Show, and with the Show fast approaching, the axes are already being so finely honed you could use them to shave the hairs from your arms.
Log Chopping is a fascinating exhibition with woodchips flying as the axe blades speedily slice their way through the tough, jarrah logs.
However, the big difference at the log chopping competition this year is that Sandra Stokell, the Wanneroo Show’s first female log chopper, will take on the men.
Sandra has competed in sawing events for more than 15 years, but now she has an axe - and taken to log chopping! Sandra has lots of talent, and with just a little luck, she'll win some events - so the men better look out!
You can see Sandra and the other log choppers compete at the 2007 Wanneroo Show when the log chopping starts on the Saturday at 1.30pm outside the eastern end of the Margaret Cockman Pavilion.

Amateur Wine and Beer
The Amateur Wine and beer exhibition is hosted in the Margaret Cockman Pavilion and is open for viewing on Friday Evening and also Saturday during the Show.
Classes within the exhibition include: Grape Wines, Fruit and/or Vegetable Wines, Beer.

The fascinating

world of birds
By Frank Povah
 

Humankind has long been fascinated by the birds: ancient legends, songs and poetry extol their qualities, while scientists study the mechanics of their flight and wonder at their skills in navigating over vast distances at amazing speeds. While you’re at the Wanneroo Show this year, spend some time to look over the birds on display and don’t be afraid to ask any fanciers present about their prized and pampered charges.
Members of the Rare Budgerigar Club of WA will again be showing their engaging little subjects. Taken to Europe not long after Australia was occupied by the British, these charming natives are now said to be the world’s most widely kept cage bird, though the colour and body shapes of those on show are a far cry from their wild cousins.
Like all exhibition animals, much care and attention is lavished on the show budgie and strictly controlled breeding programs are followed. The word budgerigar

probably comes from gidjirrigaa, “yellowish bird” its name in the language of the Yuwaalayaay people of the Narran River, NSW, and related languages. If you think you’d like to breed this popular little Aussie yourself, ask one of the exhibitors for advice.
Take some time to look over the poultry section. The humble chook – actually a pheasant – is a direct descendant of the wild Red Jungle Fowl of Asia, probably first domesticated in what is now Burma, from where it spread to become the most numerous bird on earth.
Domestic fowl occur in a bewildering variety of breeds and colours, most having a bantam – miniaturised – version. The birds on show here are the Show Standard varieties of poultry originally developed for meat, eggs or colour markings, or all three, and for the cock-pit – the fighting ring. Those breeds once raised for fighting – a cruel “sport” long banned in most of the Western world – have the word “Game” somewhere in their name.
Rhode Island Reds of USA origin will be side by side with Anconas from Italy and Sussex from England. There is always a small

waterfowl and “other varieties” section at most Shows, and Wanneroo is no exception: ducks, turkeys and geese will also be on parade.
Be sure to have a look at the pigeons – you’ll be amazed by the variety of colours and shapes displayed by these fascinating birds.
Pigeon keeping, known as “the fancy”, has a long history dating back at least 3,500 years. Etruscan fishermen were using homing pigeons to carry news of fish schools back to shore in 500 BC, while centuries before they had been used by the armies of Persia, a practice later copied by the Romans and others.
Today there are more than 500 varieties of domestic pigeon. They include the rather plain-looking Racing (or Homer) pigeon – which can fly back home over many hundreds of kilometres at speeds averaging better than 60 km/h –the exotic Jacobin with its ornate hood of fine feathers; the Fantail, with three times more tail feathers than other breeds; tumblers and rollers of many sorts bred to perform incredible aerobatic feats; and everything in between.
The keeping of pigeons and poultry is unfortunately declining in

Australia (and also in many other Western countries) and the average age of fanciers is rising. Changing lifestyles, smaller backyards, and ill-informed legislation enacted by all tiers of government seem to be the main causes.
Pigeons, for example, when properly housed and maintained, pose no more of a health threat to humans than do dogs and considerably less than cats. Incidentally, pigeons are not carriers of bird flu.
As the show budgerigar is far removed from its wild ancestors, so the show or sport pigeon is far removed from the street pigeon and the poultry on show here is a far cry from the neglected birds kept in the ill-maintained runs and housing we often see in TV news bulletins.
Keeping and breeding birds teaches young people responsibility – they depend on their keeper for everything – and familiarises them with the cycle of birth, life and death. Research indicates that pursuits such as this contribute greatly to the wellbeing of individuals who follow them.