Archived News Articles

Chairmans Speech
Annual General Meeting
25th October 2007

Sue Owen

Well, this year has been a bit of a funny one, not in the least amusing especially if you are a farmer. First there was flooding, everyone struggling to get their horses out of the water and mud. Strange how with our advanced technology there still isn’t a waterproof that does what it says on the label! Then there was foot and mouth, event secretaries ready to slit their wrists and fit horses popping their corks for lack of a party. We were very lucky that all of our evening dressage shows actually ran, this was mainly because we are so fortunate to have the use of Sue Wilkinson’s Church Lane Farm where they maintain the ground so well for us.

We also branched out this year and held a Horse Show, it is the first one that we have run for at least 10 years; the day went well, there were enough exhibitors to make good competition, lots of offers of help and a good day was had by all. We plan to hold another, slightly more expanded version in 2008.

The fun ride and BBQ was eventful and wet, sadly the last time that we will be at Upcote after a long association with Mr and Mrs Platt, who provided the delicious barbecues.
But through members Richard and Jan Jones, we have the offer of the Charlton Abbotts Estate for next year’s fun ride, there won’t be many jumps but the views are spectacular and there is great open country.

Stockland Lovell camp was lost to foot and mouth at the very last minute. Some members were already loaded up before they got the bad news. This year I am hoping that we will hold a pre-summer camp at Tack Farm, Hereford and if that is really good we might even hold an autumn long weekend there as well. They seem have all the facilities and lots of enthusiasm.

Training has run throughout the year, with mixed support. Geof and Jennie have put on some super days with Matt Ryan and Amanda Blake at their lovely Forest of Dean venue and more will be planned for 2008.

The Area competitions had several changes of venues and dates, last minute swapping of team members etc. all due to the ground conditions, but all of the qualifiers ran eventually and the club was very well represented by both teams and individuals in all the disciplines. It is so pleasing to see teams practicing together, bonds forming and a good team spirit building, it makes such a difference to have the support of your fellow team members on the day. I should like to thank all the team managers Megan, Di, Sian and Nichole for all their hours of training, paper sifting and endless phone calls to make it all happen. And then the championships, two stars emerged Camilla Russell and Toombe Yankee made the long haul to Lincoln for CDRC and Anna Bates with Arthur had a fantastic day at Offchurch Bury to be placed 6th Individual. Congratulations to both of you.

Membership, as you will have noted from the new membership forms, Gary is standing down as membership secretary after several years in that spot, and Jill is to come off the committee as well. It is hard to lose two influential members at one time but I am sure that everyone will appreciate that they have their hands quite full with running the new equestrian centre. We all wish to thank them for their hard work over the years and wish them every success for the future.

There is to be a new Area competition this year, Winter Dressage. It will consist of teams of 4, 2 Prelim riders and 2 Novice riders. At the moment we are looking into hosting this qualifier, and it will have to run before March, so watch this space and your newsletter for further details. The championship will be held at Hartpury in April to run along side the Winter Show Jumping Championships.

Something else in the pipeline, by way of a Christmas treat, will be a dressage demonstration by Cath Creemer on Wednesday 19th December at Home Farm Equestrian Centre. It will be free to club members and there is sure to be some mulled wine and minced pies about. Details will be in the next newsletter.

Now before I finish there are several people I need to thank. Our president Janet Day, for her support: not to mention her show jump judging skills. Nicky, who has set up the new website and is keeping it up to date. I hope that you have had time to have a look at it, there are some good photos on there. Nichole, for giving the newsletter a kick start, it makes very good and entertaining reading. Where do you get all those jokes from? And not forgetting all of the committee who take the time to get together and organize the running of the club on your behalf.

This HAS BEEN my last year as chairman, I have finally talked someone into taking over, Noel Ennett has agreed provided that I keep doing some of the work ( no chance of escape now Noel) and I am sure that you will wish him well and give him all your support.

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Cheltenham & District Riding Club

Minutes from AGM

Held at

Elmstone Hardwick Village Hall

25^th October 2007

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