Handicraft or cookery competitions won’t be part of this year’s show, which will be held on February 23 and 24.

Cessnock Show committee member Gail Keegan said it was a lack of volunteers that resulted in the decision to cancel these events, and the schools’ vegetable competition.

Ms Keegan said the show would look at bringing back these events at next year’s show, if new volunteers are able to offer their time.

Former coordinator Joy Potts organised the events for about eight years until 2017, when she stepped down due to illness.

Ms Potts said she was disappointed that the events weren’t included in this year’s program, particularly as a group of Calvary Retirement Community residents work on their entries all year.

“Those ladies have been working very hard,” she said.

The Calvary craft group meets weekly, with activities including knitting, crocheting and painting

Calvary Cessnock lifestyle coordinator Susan Rolfe said the arts and crafts activities give the residents a sense of continuing their identities.

The residents’ work will be on display for public viewing at Calvary on April 11, during its Cessnock City Seniors Festival celebrations.

Meanwhile, if you would like to help with running the craft and cookery sections at next year’s show, call the showground office on 4990 1181.