April 18, 2012

Proston’s historic Golden Spurs Campdraft is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend with a special “Invitational Draft” for former winners and a memorabilia display in the Sportsground Hall.

Campdraft spokeswoman Jodie Anderson said all past Golden Spurs winners had been invited to take part.

“If they’re not able to take part, they or their family can nominate a rider. However, so far, we have 40 past winners confirmed,” she said.

The 50th winner of the Golden Spurs must be decided before the Invitational starts, so this year’s Golden Spurs Open Draft has been scheduled to begin early on Saturday at 6:30am.

The winner will then be invited to take part in the Invitational which should start about 3:00pm.

Jodie said 565 first round nominations had been received for this year’s campdraft.

On Saturday evening, campdraft participants and the public have been invited to inspect a display of Golden Spurs memorabilia in the Sportsground Hall from 6:00pm.

There’ll be old photographs and newspaper clippings which should bring back plenty of memories and recognise the contribution of past organising committees. Finger food will be served and a bar will be open.

The campdraft will get underway again on Sunday morning at 6:30am.

Entry to the sportsground – and the memorabilia hall – is free for spectators.

FOOTNOTE: Jodie said the 50th anniversary was being counted from 1963, when the campdraft moved to its new location at the Proston Sportsground and took on the Golden Spurs name. Previous Proston campdrafts had been held on what is now the golf course and were interrupted during the War.