|
VIEW FROM THE CHAIR - SUMMER 2010 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Thursday, 26 August 2010 12:27 |
|
Hi Everyone
Firstly apologies for the boring layout of the newsletter, unfortunately Faye Williams has had to resign as Secretary due to increasing family commitments and in the interim I have produced this newsletter myself and it is the best I can do!
Our thanks to Faye for doing such a wonderful job as Secretary for the last few years, we will not lose her altogether as she advises me she still intends to come to as much as possible with horses and of course her daughter Chloe will shortly be eligible for the Young Handler days. The Secretary's position has always been a busy one and in recognition of this we have tried to break it down into more manageable sections. Maureen Bowyer has very kindly offered to become 'Newsletter Editor' and will take over with the next newsletter, Di Barnett has taken over the minutes for the committee meetings and Lou Perry has become 'Social Secretary'. So if there is any social events you think we should be running speak to Lou! The remaining duties and the official role of Secretary has been filled by Jessica Hodge who has bravely agreed to 'give it a go', thanks to you all for offering your services it is always very much appreciated.
We are now well into our events this year, all having been well attended and good fun. There are plenty more events to come, details of these are in this newsletter and I am sure you will find something to tempt you to join us!
Our change to the constitution to include all equines has caused a lot of interest, most people are in favour and one member, Geoff Amor has written a lovely article for the newsletter on this very subject.
Joe and Karen Deacon have also been out and about with Merlin drumming up support for the Society. They even have a second request from one of the local pony clubs. This makes two pony clubs we will be demonstrating to this year. Perhaps you belong to a group who would be interested in us providing a demonstration? This may prove to be a great way to gain new members, especially younger ones. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.
Well I think that is all for now, hope to see you soon, Dawn. |
|
|
SPRING WORKING - MAY 2010 |
|
|
|
|
Thursday, 10 September 2009 12:29 |
|
Late May found us at Byfords Farm, the home of Eric Freeman who had very kindly invited the Society to hold it's Spring Working there. It is always a pleasure to be on those green rolling hills of Taynton, I am sure it is a shard from heaven. Blessed with a beautiful day members with and without horses went about their fun.
Peter and Anita Brown, assisted by Paul Barnett went about honing their ploughing skills. Both Prince and Comet, their Dales cobs accepted the challenge with gusto. I think Peter and Anita must be very proud of the progress the pair have made. Faye Williams looked like Boadicea incarnate perched high on a muck spreader powered by the Dutch Drafts, Kasper and Annie with a grin on her face that touched her ears. Joe and Karen Deacon brought their coloured cobs, Megan and Willow and also were ploughing. Val Woods had a harrowing experience with the chains and it is great to see what a good al round cob Ripple has developed into. Vicky Barnett brought her well behaved Shetland ponies, Archie and Dennis, I can only imagine the hard work that has been put in there by her and the family to get them to respond the way they did. Mike Paddock graced us with Remco, his Brabant Stallion, my has that horse wintered well. Best of all, a cameo appearance from Eric Freemans Shire, Duke. Now in his twenties but still raring to go. It represented what this Society is all about, trying to preserve the working horse and pony, from Shetland to Shire on one field. Fantastic.
Kate Paddock was the victor in a keenly fought out Young Handlers competition managing to negociate the obstacles perfectly with Ripple while her brother Mike narrowly beat Paul Barnett in to second place for the mature handlers competition with Remco.
Whilst it was great to see the many that wanted to get a chance to work the horses and ponies. One special note was that three people ploughed for the first time, two of them girls! My old friend Charlie Pinney said 'there is nothing finer than putting your signature on the earth', well God bless him, three more people have started down that furrow.
Thanks to all that attended and again very special thanks to that 'National Treasure' Eric Freeman for letting us play in Shangri-La.
Pete Large |
|
|
|
|
|
