30,000 sparkling reasons to enter Gundagai's Fashions on the Field

Gundagai’s Snake Gully Cup Fashions on the Field competition is set to reach dazzling new heights this year, with a record-breaking jewellery prize package valued at $30,000 on offer from Sydney jeweller Nicholas Haywood in a heartfelt tribute to his late mother. Founder, owner and master jeweller of Nicholas Haywood Jewellery Concierge, Nicholas has a close connection to the area, having lived in Gundagai and Brungle as a child where he formed many lifelong friendships. A racing enthusiast, Nicholas reached out to the Gundagai-Adelong Race Club in September to discuss potential sponsorship after his cousin gifted him a race club membership. Following further discussions with organisers, Nicholas offered a jewellery package to the value of $30,000 as a tribute to his late mother, Helen, who won Fashions on the Field at Snake Gully Cup in 1992. “Mum and I were extremely close,” Nicholas said. “She passed away very suddenly on Friday 14 November last year and this year’s Snake Gully Cup will mark one year since her passing, which made me think of supporting the Gundagai-Adelong Race Club and Fashions on the Field. “She won the event in a dress she made herself. That was also my first day on a racecourse. “Mum winning Fashions on the Field that day has always stuck in my mind. It was in the local paper, and I remember seeing the article and thinking, ‘Wow, Mum’s famous.’ That newspaper article and photo were displayed on our fridge for years. “They are great memories.” After living in Brungle and then Gundagai, where Nicholas completed primary school at Gundagai Public, the family moved to Wagga Wagga. While studying at high school, Nicholas started his career as a teenage sales assistant at Angus and Coote in Wagga. From there, he moved to Sydney to take up a trainee manager position at Angus and Coote, before joining internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning jeweller Cerrone. “I had always admired Cerrone and when I saw an ad in the paper, I went for an interview and got the job,” Nicholas said. “I worked with them for nine years and I travelled the world, selling and exhibiting jewellery. It was amazing. I got some amazing opportunities.” In 2010, Nicholas left Cerrone to establish his own business, where he prides himself on delivering old-fashioned, personalised service – a value he credits to his upbringing in country Gundagai. “Growing up in Gundagai and Brungle before that, where I started primary school, and then even Wagga – that’s the greatest grounding you can have,” he said. “Even in my business today where we have an amazing gallery overlooking Hyde Park, right in the middle of the city, what we pride ourselves on most is we offer that real, genuine country-style service; all the service that you do associate with country people, which is first of all being very friendly and being helpful. “I love serving people, I want to serve, and I credit that from growing up in the country.” Nicholas is thrilled to support the local race club with the prize sponsorship this year and is looking forward to Cup day when he will catch up with many old friends. “We want to support the club and hopefully this helps; offering a big prize pool will hopefully be good for the event which in turn is good for the town,” he said. “There are so many people doing wonderful things in Gundagai now, I hear about it and read about it, and it’s great to see. “I’ve got great mates from Gundagai that I still keep in touch with. “This will be my first time back to Snake Gully Cup in 34 years.” He speaks adoringly of his late mother, Helen, who, while living in Brungle and Gundagai, studied by correspondence to become a psychologist. “It took her ten years to get her psychology degree and until the day she died, she was still working three to four days a week and was booked months in advance,” Nicholas said. “She was such a great listener. If you asked anyone who knew her, they would say that. “She was also extremely resourceful. She started out as an apprentice seamstress on the Gold Coast, so anytime she entered a Fashions on the Field, it would have been in clothes she made herself. She loved getting dressed up.” When asked what he thinks his mother would make of the incredibly generous donation being made in her honour, Nicholas says, “I know she’d be proud.” “She was just the greatest mother,” he said. Fashions on the Field coordinator Renee Lindley said the race club is “beyond excited” to have Nicholas Haywood Jewellery on board as this year’s major sponsor in a competition that is set to break regional fashions on the field prize records. “It’s an honour and a privilege to help Nicholas pay homage to his mum, Helen, and to showcase his beautiful jewellery,” Renee said. In the category of Best Dressed Local, the prize is an 18ct white gold natural diamond tennis bracelet, independently valued at over $10,000. Beautifully crafted in 18ct white gold, this classic tennis bracelet features 83 natural round brilliant cut diamonds, totalling 2.05 carats, in F colour and VS clarity. Each diamond is individually claw set. Finished with a secure box clasp and two figure eight safety catches, this timeless design is perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. In the Best Dressed Visitor category, the winner will take home an 18ct yellow gold natural diamond eternity ring, independently valued at over $10,000. Crafted in 18ct yellow gold, this elegant eternity ring features 14 natural round brilliant cut diamonds, totalling 1.40 carats. Each diamond is beautifully secured in a shared claw setting, creating a continuous line of brilliance across the polished gold band. Featuring exceptional E colour and VVS clarity diamonds, this timeless design is perfect worn alone or stacked with other favourites rings. In the Best Suited category, the winner will receive an 18ct yellow gold galloping horse signet ring, independently valued at over $8000. Crafted in 18ct yellow gold, this distinctive signet ring features a galloping horse design, bringing a sense of movement and character to a timeless style. The polished finish and gently tapered shank create a refined silhouette, making it a striking piece for everyday wear. With a substantial gold weight of 8.14 grams of 18ct gold, this ring is a beautiful combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. Along with Nicholas Haywood Jewellery, long standing prize sponsors including Carmel Butler Millinery, KIMO Estate, Nimbo Fork Lodge and Coach House Flowers will bring the total prize package to more than $33,000. “I’m also thrilled that our long-standing millinery, accommodation and floral partners are on board again this year, as the competition could not go ahead without their ongoing support and generosity,” Renee said. The four categories this year include Best Dressed Local, Best Dressed Visitor, Best Suited and Best Headwear. Entrants can nominate themselves on race day, 13 November, with an on-course facility set up near the main stage specifically for Fashions on the Field entrants.

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