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Phew! What a month this has been! I’m not sure where my head or my tail is; my Quiet Room has been like the M25 on a bad day, not that I have experienced this because, as you all know by now, I don’t go anywhere. So! What’s been happening at the Centre you are probably asking? We returned from the half term break and immediately started preparations for the Shelley Centre Open Day, which was held on Sunday 13th June and to follow that was the Stratford Hills Horse Trials. As in previous years it has been “All hands on deck” with our open day being one of the major events of our Calendar. With planning of the Rides, organising the catering and invitations, Volunteers, Helpers and Riders I don’t envy the Committee their job leading up to this event as there is just so much to do; I just stand, with my circuits in a whirl, and watch it all happen. During the final week the maintenance team were tidying up; Instructors, Helpers and Riders were busy practicing their routine, even in the rain. On Saturday it was “Bath Night” for the horses and the final cleaning of tack etc.
We were open from 12.00hrs with the Arena Programme starting at 14.00hrs; I was pleased to see, looking out from my room, so many people arriving. The first ride was a Formation Ride, with musical accompaniment, by four of our Senior Riders followed by John Boreman, as Little John, leading “Robin Hood and his Merry Men”, all kitted out in Lincoln Green, performing to the music of “Robin Hood”. We were then treated to an excellent display of “Warm up for Dressage” by Jackie Gosling, riding Rocky, and Zoe Talbot, riding Shannon, who will both be representing the Centre at the National Finals at Hartpury during July; good luck to both of you and we will all be supporting you to come through for us! I can feel it in my circuits that you will do well. Finally, Simon Laurens, a 2008 Beijing Gold and Silver Medal Paralympic Rider, riding our own Parys, gave an impressive demonstration of the skills necessary to compete at such high level. Simon travelled all the way from Cheltenham, just for the day, to do this demonstration for us and, from what I was able to earwig, everyone was delighted and impressed by his performance and appreciative of him giving up his time to do so. I know the Herd enjoyed the day and were proud of their Riders who performed so well; Parys did confide in me that whilst she was proud to work with Simon she was very nervous of putting a hoof wrong with so many people watching. Special Achievement in Riding. 1) Certificates. 2) Cups. Helpers Service Award. 5 Years - Mandy Greenfield: Jean Goyder: Louise Reynolds. 10 Years - Anne Crannis. 20 Years - Patricia Bazley White. 30 Years - Pat Easton. Shelley Centre nomination for Volunteer of the Year Award. David Mills. After the awards the Herd were talking to me of how pleased they were for the Riders but, for Patricia and Pat to have served for 20 and 30 years respectively amazed them and they have promised to behave for our two star Helpers in future; not so sure myself if that promise will be held for too long? Simon was kind enough to stay with us and chat to one and all as well as displaying his Gold and Silver medals for all to see at first hand. I think it was a good day all round from what I was hearing. I’m sure we will hear more at the AGM and Barbecue on 7th July so make a note in your Diary to come along. Oh!, just before I shut down to avoid a power surge brought on by the excitement of the day, don’t forget your sponsorship for Looey Durling, a Helper, who is entering the London 10K Run on 11th July! Please do support her because the more she raises, the more funds will come to help run the Centre; you know it makes sense, go on, put your name down. It’s nice and quiet now but, tomorrow is another day……
Further editions of my blog will be uploaded shortly - make sure you come back soon! Meanwhile, if you want to catch up, ‘back-issues’ can be viewed by clicking HERE.
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Ebony
