af 1960

Despite some reluctance, Donnybrook decided to hold the sixth festival in their town. J B Mitchell in particular thought people were getting tired of running the festival and wanted a rest. However it was pointed out that we had had a rest for two years and if each town didn't take its turn the festival would collapse. Mt. Barker wanted to join and that would mean each town would only have to run a festival every four years. At a public meeting about sixty people representing twenty organisations unanimously decided to hold the festival and agreed that most of the profits would go to the swimming pool project. It was also agreed that the Queen committees should keep 50% of the money they raised with the exception of the Hospital Board who would keep 66%. Harold Ayers was appointed chairman for the third successive term. He felt that a fruitgrower should be chairman but agreed to accept when two fruit growers, Vin Farley and Ron Kitney, were appointed deputy- chairmen. Allan Frost was elected Secretary/Organizer. It was felt that some new ideas were required and they certainly were forthcoming.

The Junior Farmers offered to present a Tractor Maypole Dance. The Collie Horse and Pony Club agreed to run a rodeo. A committee was set up to organise a Pageant of Donnybrook showing incidents in the history of the town. Also Ampol agreed to sponsor the log chop to the extent of £500 ($1000) making it the richest log chop ever held in the State. For the first time at a festival there was a sideshow area and rides and stalls helped to keep everyone amused. Mt. Barker joined the festival that year and a total of thirteen girls
entered the

Queen competition. Donnybrook: Lyn Dilley, Donnybrook Parents & Citizens Association; Dawn Ryan, Donnybrook Golf/R.S.L. Club; Pam Tucker, Donnybrook Hospital Board. Manjimup: Jennifer Burnett, Walpole Infant Health Association; Pamela Muir, Manjimup Repertory Club; Barbara Collison, Manjimup Farmers. (Courtesy of Doug Henderson's book "Apple Queens & Festivals")

Donnybrook Junior Farmer's tractor maypole dance on Egan Park oval. Photo courtesy of Doug Henderson's book "Apple Queens & Festivals"	Festival Queen, Dawn Ryan with Allan Frost. Photo courtesy of Doug Henderson's book "Apple Queens & Festivals"

Spectators at the re-enactment of the 1910 Donnybrook Race meeting. Photo courtesy of Doug Henderson book "Apple Queens & Festivals"	Mt Barker's float; the 1st time Mt Barker had been represented at an Apple Festival. Photo courtesy of Doug Henderson book "Apple Queens & Festivals"

We invite people to provide us with photos of previous apple festival queens and floats. Anyone who has photos can drop them into "Crendon Machinery", all photos will be returned.

The Donnybrook Apple Festival 1960

The next Donnybrook Apple Festival is in Easter 2010