A veteran of 50 Sydney Royals, Barker decided he had had enough, but still enjoys doing a few shows and thinks that Kiama is a ‘‘little bit special’’.

“The Sydney Royal has only had around three ring announcers to my knowledge, George Hardman, who unfortunately died behind the microphone at the Brisbane Royal, John Nash and myself. John’s son actually did it for one year, before I took over as head announcer in 1994,” Barker said.

“I have the honour of being the last voice heard over the PA at the old Moore Park and the first one at Olympic Park – that’s probably my main claim to fame,” he laughed.

As well as the 50 Sydney Royals, he was also involved at 43 Royal shows in Melbourne, 30 in Adelaide and about 20 in Canberra.

Mr Barker lives on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, and chose not to reveal his age, but said he still likes doing a few smaller shows each year.

“These days I prefer to just do a few like Dandenong, Whittlesea and Kiama; while I love doing the Horse of the Year at Werribee Park, which I have been doing for 45 years.

“People don’t realise it, but doing Kiama Show is a four-day event for me by the time I drive up and back, but I really enjoy the people and the show itself.”