Badge of Honour

The Clayton family would not be the first to being going through the family archives and come across mini-collections that tell a story not only of their own family, but of one that connects to WA’s broader history.

Kenneth and Shirley Clayton migrated from the UK in 1967 and began a new life as West Australian farmers in South Burracoppin, east of Merredin.  With their young children they adjusted to living in a transportable house in the bush, a big contrast to their earlier life in an English village.  Becoming members of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia provided a lifeline to a community that helped them establish a new life and identity in Australia.   

For the family, a week in Perth staying in a motel and attending the Royal Show was the highlight of the year. ‘The Royal Show represented civilization, modern living and showed us what the future might hold’, shared their daughters Susan and Jane.  The kids had to do extra jobs on the farm to earn their spending money for showbags and rides.  But the real highlight for all the family was the agricultural events and displays. 

Opening mail to find the membership badges for the forthcoming Show each year was very exciting, and the sisters have donated to RASWA their mother’s collection of badges from the 70s through to 90s.  These were put away as keepsakes of this important event in their calendar and happy family memories.   The collection includes badges from RASWA’s 150^th anniversary in 1981, and the year 1990 when it celebrated 100 years since the Royal Charter was granted.