Houguet family donates trophy for champion floral exhibit

The Houguet family is proud to offer a trophy for the champion exhibit in the floral section of the Narrabri Show, in memory of long-term Narrabri resident, the late Mr Dick Houguet.

Mr Houguet, formerly of Whiddon Jessie Hunt, was an avid gardener.

He competed in the floral classes at the Narrabri Show for many years winning championships.

Mr Houguet, was a farmer and wool classer by trade, and was employed at Narrabri Hospital and also the now DPI Australian Cotton Research Institute formerly the Wheat Research and was knowledgeable when it came to breeding flowers in his front garden.

He would bag his flowers to keep the bees off them, and cross pollinate to breed a new variety of flower.

He was very proud of his lemon tree, tenderly nurtured, often leaving lemons on the front footpath with a sign ‘free lemons’ for anyone to take.

Mr Houguet was active in the community, from volunteering with Narrabri Swimming Club, Narrabri Pony Club and camps, the Cancer Council fundraising walks as a cancer survivor, and St Vincent de Paul helping others when he retired.

A scholar of the prestigious St Joseph’s College at Hunter Hill in Sydney, Mr Houguet did National Service in the Defence Force.

He was a great story teller and loved to tell his children about growing up at the family farm at Bohena Creek.

Mr Houguet was a gifted poet and wrote a book of poems while a resident at Jessie Hunt.

His party trick was reciting the Man From Snowy River backwards – amazing all audiences.

A talented cricket player in his day, Mr Houguet passed down to his children and grandchildren, many talents including, sports, arts, academics and music.

Made in collaboration with the Narrabri Garden Club, the Houguet family hopes the trophy will bring joy to those who are awarded it for years to come in his memory.

A humble gentleman, Mr Houguet passed away peacefully in September 2022, and is sorely missed by his family.