Plunket Playtime at Isel Place

The grounds of Isel House swarmed with bouncing babes and their Mums, recently. Pushchairs, prams, lollies and balloons – all evidence of the presence of little people – abounded. The Stoke Plunket fair seems to gain popularity each year, and the entries in the baby competition were a record high. And who were the people we pitied most? The judges, of course.

"Now where did Jeeves park my vehicle?" Little Grant Corkill is surrounded by prams and pushchairs. And, to a 16-month-old toddler, the situation must be like a traffic jam

Julia Gaffa, 5½ months, was first in her section. Her proud Mum is Judith.

Second in her contest was Rochelle Davis, 3 months, held by Claire Davis

Waving to the cheering crowd is 11-month-old Brett Mehrtens, who was the winner in his section. His Mum, Margaret, is taking it quietly

"Hey, you guys. I was second." Christopher Williams, 11 months, tells his supporters how he fared. Jeanette seems proud

"After all that, this better taste good." Darren Steel, 6 months, runner-up, tries to eat his prize, held by his mother Marilyn

"My left profile, please." Lyndon Chandler, 13 months, offers a classic pose after his victory. Jan looks into her hero's eyes

The judge of the up-to-6-months section, Enid McGlashen, offers Michael Hume, 3½ months, his first prize. He's not interested (probably checking out the blonde next door), so Mum, Colleen, accepts

It's all smiles here as Mrs Val Bryant, a judge, hands first prize to Melissa, 7 months, and Wendy Gribbon

"I shoulda won." Craig Reid, 16 months, gives a suspicious look. His mother Jenny looks happy about it

Elizabeth Kundycki, 17 months, and her god-mother, Theresa Cobeldick, appear satisfied with her first placing

"I don' wanna smile." Melissa Fearnley, 15 months, second in her contest, refuses to be coaxed by her mother, Wendy, into flashing a grin

Hamish Robinson, 9, is the proud coach of runner-up, in her section, Andrea, aged 7 months. "With a brother like this we'll win next time"

Tracey Charles (with her hand in mouth) makes friends with the judge, Mrs M. Chisnall

And in the blue corner … Mums and bubs ready for action

Catherine Snow was runner-up in her division, dressed as Prime Pork

And the Queen of Hearts won the first prize. Lynda Mehrtens does not look very impressed by her win

One of the fancy dress winners was Dominic Williams, who looked every bit a Greek soldier

The sun and the moon were represented by Tony Wells, who was second with his "Night and Day" costume

Anxiously awaiting the judges' visit. The babes look relaxed about the whole deal

"Think I'll chew on this purse." Little Felicity Dorrington has a munch while waiting

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The Nelson Photo News

No 146 : December 9, 1972

Plunket Playtime at Isel Place