Rick Priest has provided Public Address and music systems to the Henty Field Days for 25 years, and was recognised for this achievement at the event in 2017.
Before 1992, Rick took PA equipment to the Henty Show, so his capabilities and experience were known in the district.
The equipment in use has developed dramatically over the years, with a studio setup in as caravan. Early days saw powered speakers in use with underground cables, but the limitations of cable connected speakers gave way to radio sets, with solar powered receivers relaying a signal from a transmitter in the caravan. This was effectively a FM radio station, transmitting on FM107.3, and having a range of 10 kilometres.
Spending three days each year at the Field Days has given Rick a great opportunity to watch developments and new inventions at the HMFD. He uses crop sprayers as a guideline to development of farm equipment, and is staggered at the exponential growth of the length of booms on spraying units.
The Story in the HMFD booklet goes on to tell of Rick's more recent exploits, especially relating to the Mens Shed In Wagga Wagga. This is great recognition of his energy, his enthusiasm and adaptability. Congratulations, Rick.