NEWSLETTER
URGENT
WARNING ********
Horses thieves are about in East Lancashire and have been
visiting yards and showground to view horses to steal to order
(it is thought). Please be aware and DO NOT LEAVE your horse
unattended on a showground. Horses stolen have been mainly coloured
cobs (on their way to Appleby perhaps?) but last weekend 2 hunters
have also been stolen. The thieves are men of eastern European
origin and have three vehicles. A white van/horsebox registration
N253 XAJ, a Toyota car registration B253 RBB and a red Nissan
four wheel drive for which I do not have a registration number.
The police are aware of the situation but the number plates
are likely to be false. Please telephone police immediately
if you see characters in these vehicles anywhere.
Will
Charlotte Coop, (also known as Charlotte Moore), late of Billington,
Blackburn, please return the three trophies in her possession
and belonging to Ribble Valley Riding Club. Two trophies are from
Presentation 2006 and one is from the Trophy Show 2006.
All are for dressage.
All members undertake to return their trophies (which are only
on loan for one year) in plenty of time for the winner of the
trophy for the following year. This has not happened with these
three trophies, so there are three very disappointed members still
not able to have their well deserved trophies.
PRICE
INCREASE
Please note that clear round jumping will require
a voucher (£3 per round) which can be obtained from the
secretary's office. i.e. the caravan. No cash will be taken at
the ringside.
A.G.M.
Held 13th January, at the Fernhurst Hotel, Ewood, Blackburn.
Chairman:
Margery Comer (& Treasurer)
Hon. Secretary: Maggie Lyness
Vice chairman: Alex Townsend
Trophy Secretary:
Anne Gresty
Rosettes and Sponsors: Alison Curley
There will be no Junior Jesters Committee this year. However,
gymkhana classes will still be held in the ring next to the
Handy Pony ring. These will be organised and judged by a new
recruit, Norman, with the assistance of Alison. The Handy Pony
Ring will commence at 12.30 pm.
The WHP Clear Round will commence at 9.00 am with the first
3/4 hour for jumps at 1 foot high. The second 3/4 hour will
be for competitors wishing to jump 2 feet in height. Please
note as above, that cash will no longer be accepted at the
Ringside. Instead, competitors will collect vouchers from the
Secretary (caravan) for each round. The price remains the same
at a very reasonable £2 per entry. You may have as many
vouchers as you wish.
Cancelled
1st July Show
At
a Committee Meeting on 3rd July, it was agreed that the cancelled
July Show would not be re-scheduled and the next show would be
the August show on 5th, which would now become the Special Diamond
Jubilee Show. There will be trophies to the first prize winners
of all classes with extra special rosettes to fourth place and
for Lead Rein classes and in the Junior Jester Ring, there will
be teddy bears given out to all competitors.
Maggie
Lyness, will take over as our new Cup Secretary. Will all winners
of trophies from the September Show of 2006, please return their
trophies to our August Show on 5th or telephone Maggie 07944 574092
to arrange.
Meeting
22nd May, 2007
More
jumps have been ordered for the Working Hunter Ring, which will
bring us back up to the number required.
We
have had a written letter from the Parks Department regarding
the parking of trailers and lorries ont he football pitches. Photographs
of those vehicles concerned accompanied the letter. The Committee
were not aware of this and steps will be taken to ensure that
this does not happen again. The Parks Department will errect a
sign. It will still be difficult for visitors to know that football
pitches are there as there is now no fencing or goal posts. Trailers
are allowed across the river to park. Lorries are not. It is hoped
that the post on the bridge will be moved a foot to allow better
access.
RVRC
Club pens will be on sale at 50p each towards Club Funds. The
Junior Jesters will sell some if they have time. They will also
be on sale at the caravan.
Two
judges have had to cancel and replacements will be arranged.
Meeting
25th April, 2007
The
Working Hunter ring was far too small at the last show. Arrangements
have been made for it to be much enlarged and improved by May
6th. Two new fences will be added and it is possible that the
banking will be utilised. The area of the ring will be much bigger,
giving far more space.
Our
resident photographer has agreed to sponsor some prizes at Presentation
Evening. These will be in the form of vouchers which will allow
the winners to have an enlargement and frame of any photograph
of their choice.
Alicia
Leaver, from, "Rugs by Design" will also be sponsoring
our show by giving 5 beautiful rugs, size of the winners' choice
at the Presentation Evening. Thanks are due to Alison for working
so hard in gaining sponsors for Ribble Valley.
Our
Junior Jesters will be wearing pale blue polo shirts on the showground
soon. They will be running the Junior Jester's Ring and also walking
around the showground selling raffle tickets for Club funds.
The
committee will meet at 6 pm on Saturday, 5th May to put out the
next show. Please try to come along and help. It should take approx
1 - 2 hours depending on numbers.
First
Show - 15th April
Wow!
What a wonderful day with the weather. Never has Ribble Valley's
first show of the season been so warm and the ground so good.
There
was a superb turn-out of horses and ponies, in spite of some conpetition
with other clubs and qualifiers. Well done to all successful competitors
and a special thank you to all who entered our classes with such
well behaved animals and helped to make the show such a success.
To those people who have never been to Ribble Valley before, a
belated "Welcome!". We hope you enjoyed your day and
look forward to seeing you at our shows for the rest of the season.
We
had some problems with the Novelty classes starting so late. We
apologise unreservedly for this. It will not happen again. At
all future shows, the Handy Pony classes will run between 1 pm
and 2.30 pm ONLY. The Novelties will follow on at 2.30
pm precisely. These will be followed by the rest of the classes
organised and run by the Junior Jesters.
The
raffle raised £57 which was excellent work from the Junior
Committee. I think they are planning to purchase some more gymkhana
equipment for your enjoyment and so should be able to have more
varied games by the next show in May. Please do come and support
them. Several seniors have promised to join in next time. All
very good fun!
Meeting
26th January
We have received an announcement this morning that Osbaldeston
will no longer be holding the Derby House Dressage Championships.
It is with regret that we hear this, but as Janet Bargh explains,
"times move on and things change".
Our
new Junior Committee met for the first time and made an excellent
start by making a decision to run their own ring. They will also
be organising other activities. Click on the link on the Home
Page to find out who these members are and what they are planning.
There
was a great deal of discussion regarding classes clashing, particularly
lead-rein and classes for small riders. Several attempts were
made to remedy this but each time the result led to more problems.
We shall however, endeavour to try to persuade all judges to wait
for missing competitors, providing a message has been given to
the steward of the relevant ring in time.
As
this is our Diamond Jubilee Year, July will be dedicated
as a Special Show to celebrate this. Look our for special sashes
and rosettes. We also hope to present replica trophies to all
winners at the Trophy Show which will now be held on 16th September.
A.G.M.
2007
A good attendance
at the AGM resulted in a very interested group of members volunteering
to become committee members for 2007. A full list of these will
be published shortly.
After 15 years as President, Margery had decided that it was
time to stand down from that position and therefore David Horsfield
accepted this honour with quiet pleasure.
We also said a sad farewell to chairman, Tony Seal, who was
standing down due to business commitments. Tony, however, will
be coming along on as many pre-show Saturdays as possible to
help put out the equipment. He will also help on showdays whenever
possible, after the first show day on 15th April. Margery will
now take over as chairman; there is no vice-chairman; Anne Gresty
will carry on an excellent post as Secretary. In the absence
of a Treasurer, Margery will carry on for another year in a
dual role. Alison Curley will act as Social Secretary and is
persuading many local businesses to become Sponsors for this
year. Please check out the "Sponsors" button on the
Home Page.
A Junior
Committee will be reformed from several young members expressing
an interest in helping Ribble Valley in this capacity. We now
have, for 2007, a re-vitalised senior and junior committee all
hoping that our Diamond Jubilee Year will be a special one.
It was agreed that Ribble Valley is the absolute best of all
the riding clubs and this tradition will be continued under
this enthusiastic selection of members.
Apart from
the addition of a Beginners Dressage class, the Schedule will
remain similar to 2006, except that afternoon classes will restart
at 1 pm.
Affiliated
BSPS and Ponies UK classes will be incorporated into the April
and May shows and a special page in the Schedule 2007 will highlight
these and any rules relating to qualifying classes.
A member
from the floor enquired about the possibility of photos in a
Photo Gallery for 2007. With a small committee over the previous
few years it has been very difficult to find time to take any
pictures on a show day. However, as many members and guests
will have taken their own photographs, we would be delighted
to publish these if they can be e-mailed to Margery at any time.
So please bear this in mind for this season. Let us have your
photos. Also we are hoping for a more regular attendance by
a professional photographer.
Very sadly,
there will be no Classics Championships this year. After some
wonderful years with this competition, the Bargh family of Osbaldeston
have announced that they will not be producing this show again,
although there may be a show jumping competition on one day.
This is a great pity as the atmosphere at this championship
show was always excellent, but the amount of work put in by
the Bargh family has been proving to be just too much to carry
it on. Our Secretary has affiliated Ribble Valley to a Championship
at Croft Top for 2007. More information will be published in
the Schedule 2007.
Will any
member having any contact with possible advertisers in the new
Schedule, please contact Margery as soon as possible?
The meeting
closed at 9.10 pm and was followed by a complimentary supper
for all.
Meeting
, 10th January, 2007
The Annual
General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Monday, 15th January
at the Fernhurst Hotel, Ewood.
It was decided
that for this season, entry fees for members will remain the
same, although there will be a slight increase for non-members.
The cost of joining is reduced for 2007, to £20 - £13
if paid before 25th March. Family membership will be £60
- £40 if paid before 25th March. It definitely pays to
send in your Appication Form early this year. Forms may be printed
off from "Memberships",
Members
will also benefit by 25p per class from posting entries to arrive
before the Thursday previous to a show day. This does not apply
to dressage classes.
The new
Dressage classes will, it is hoped, encourage more children
to start dressage classes. It is a good discipline for improving
your pony and also your riding. The tests are very simple. The
first test has no cantering in it at all.
Alison Curley,
who is taking over as Social Secretary, has been very busy getting
sponsors for many of the classes at each show this season. A
page will be opened on this site to show all sponsors.
The borough
council is increasing the Park Fees yet again this year and
also introducing a £500 bond which will have to be paid
at the beginning of the season and will be forfeited if the
ground becomes churned up requiring rolling and also if litter
is left on the Showground. The litter problem reared it's head
last year for the first time. Your committee spend some time
collecting as much as possible after each show, but if visitors
would only take all their litter home with them, as all responsible
citizens would do anyway, then we will create a much better
impression that we did in 2006. We will be watching for litter
louts this year.
There will
be a new Tack Stall on the Showground this season. The Stables,
from Great Harwood will be setting up a stall at each show.
There will
not be an Annual Show in 2007 but there will be qualifying classes
for both Ponies UK and for BSPS at the April and May shows.
Make sure you read the Special Dates page in your Schedule to
clarify the classes and rules.
The dates
for 2007 will follow a slightly different pattern in that the
first show will take place on Sunday, 15th April and the Trophy
show will be on 26th August. Hopefully this change will give
a little longer for the ground to dry out from this very wet
winter and the change from September to the last Sunday in August
will avoid clashing with BHS NW Counties Championships and also
with the NCPA Championships.
PRESENTATION
EVENING 2006
Another
successful Presentation Evening was held on Saturday, 28th October.
The format this year, was slightly different in that we had
an entertainment troup to help the evening go with a swing.
Mr W Nicholson presented the trophies and told thse present
that Ribble Valley is still the best Club Show there is. The
replicas trophies were silver photo frames, which were very
popular with members. Farewell gifts were presented to Carol
Hanley, Ann Smith and Lynn Scott who had retired at the end
of 2005.
Retiring
this year will be our chairman, Tony Seal and Jayne Granby.
The vice chairman, David Horsfield gave thanks for their dedicated
service over the past four years.
Gary Tench
and his energetic team of dancers took us through the rest of
the evening until 1 am with pleny of fun and dancing all the
way. All our female guests wore their best dresses - a very
few of the young men could take note, please, and make sure
that they also wear smart gear for next year. - ie. shirt and
tie. Our Presentation Evenings are semi-formal, not casual.
Raffle prizes
were superb and ranged from a CD player (for horsebox) and a
rechargeable vacuum cleaner, to a wheel clamp and large plastic
skips full of carrots. There were at least a dozen prizes all
told. The tombola stall had lots of good prizes on offer and
all prizes were claimed by 11 pm. Dave Bonny from Dbi Imaging
was taking photographs from guests entering until they departed.
He was very much in demand for private photographs of small
groups and individuals. Photos could be purchased on the night.
If you didn't manage to buy yours, or if you would like to buy
another one of any part of the festivities, you should be able
to find them on his web page very soon. (There is a link from
our "Links" page to help you find him).
See Photo Gallery 2006
CLASSICS
Good Luck
to all Ribble Valley Members riding int he Classic Championships
at Osbaldeston, on Saturday and Sunday, 16th & 17th September.
We have an excellent team and hope for good weather so that
you can all enjoy your day. Don't forget the Hospitality tent.
Do call in for refreshments during the day. Also keep you eye
on the Notice Board on Sunday afternoon for the results.
Meeting
6th June, 2006
Presentation
Evening
Some
discussion took place regarding the venue for the Presentation
Evening for this year. The Premier Suite at Blackburn Rovers
is booked again for ovember, but it seems some members have
been complaining about the price of the drinks at this venue.
The drinks are expensive in comparison with pub prices. However,
this reflects the quality of the place and if the bar prices
were less, then the room price would be much more expensive
and therefore ticket prices would have to rise accordingly.
But would
members prefer a different type of venue where bar prices are
more in line with pub prices?
This is a
question that needs to be put to the members to find out just
what people would prefer. To find a venue seating a minimum
of 250 can be a problem. Or would members not mind standing
if there were not enough seats to go round? But then, there
is no room to put your trophies and your drinks whilst you are
dancing.
Would members
please let us have your views? Either publish a message on the
Guest Book page or write or telephone a committee member.
If the venue
at the Rovers does go ahead, it is planned to have a professional
entertainer and DJ this year. Ideas for a Guest Speaker would
also be welcome. Bear in mind, please that some of these can
be very expensive, so whilst your favourite TV star might be
your idea of perfection, we have to consider whether or not
it is possible. However, let us know, and we will try to arrange
contact and find out the cost.
Trophies
will be as originally planned for last year. An idea which had
to be abandonned when the warehouse caught fire and the company
were unable to deliver the order. This will be a secret, but
we can promise they will be special.
Practice
Sessions
A suggestion was made to have training sessions and practise
nights during the summer weeks. These would be at Witton Park
if possible. Working Hunter training was one idea and also a
showing night.
The club would look into the cost of hiring the ground and also
a trainer. Again, please let us know your views on this and
also any ideas.
Meeting,
31st January, 2006
It was decided that competitors in either ridden
or in-hand classes should have a reduction of 25p per class
(not dressage) if they send a postal entry and cheque to Mrs
Anne Gresty which is received by Thursday prior to showdays.
Come on members, take advantage of this offer. It can make quite
a difference if you are entering a few classes and also it saves
you a lot of time on showdays as you can go straight into your
class. You will receive your number prior to the start of the
season along with your Schedule 2006. Do not lose this number,
You will retain it for the whole of the season.
Some members
are getting very excited about the coming season if the Guest
Book page is anything to go by. Please could we make a suggestion?
Please put your messge into English and not text - save that
for your mobile phone.
Good Luck
to all. We hope that you have a successful season. We look forward
to seeing you on 2nd April at our first show.
Members
who sent a stamped addressed envelope with their photographs
for this year's schedule, will received theit photos back soon.
A.G.M.2006
The
Annual General Meeting of the Club took place on 16th January,
at the Fernhurst Hotel, Ewood, Blackburn.
Nursery
Stakes class will be withdrawn due to insufficient entries. Young
riders on working hunter ponies will be able to enter the 13 WHP.
Medium dressage will also be withdrawn because of lack of entries.
A
proposal was put forward to elect two former members of the Club,
who have achieved great success nationally and internationally
to Honary Members. Angela Crane and Jeanette Breakwell were voted
to be invited to Honary Membership in recognition of their success.
Other past members who have risen to the top of their profession
will be honoured at the AGM 2007.
Sadley,
the Club is losing three committee members this year. Our Treasurer,
Ann Smith who is retiring, and Carol Hanley and her sister Lynn
Scott. Carol has served many years in several capacities and has
done an excellent and efficient job in caring for and arranging
trophies, rosettes, catering and other duties. Lynn took over
the organising of the 13th Annual Show and last year organised
the rosettes for all shows. Ann Smith has been in charge of the
Club's finances for the past two years, volunteering initially
for an interim period of ine year. This leaves the Club without
a treasurer for the time being. It is probable the committee will
look after the finances jointly for the time being.
We
welcome back to our committee, Sharon Borg (nee Webster). Another
past committee member, Mrs Jean Nightingale will be assisting
with booking-in this season in the secretary's caravan.
The
Meeting discussed such issues as members arriving late for classes
(in various circumstances) - it was agreed that the committee
will look at this issue and possibly make a ruling on this. Providing
the member or non-member had informed the steward of the ring
that they were held up in another class, a late entry has, in
the past, been allowed, but only at the discretion of the judge.
Some judges will not allow this at all. It would help if the policy
was clarified. Another issue was the Victor Ludorum prize. One
member suggested that having once having won the top honour it
should be withheld from that member in the future.
A coloured championship class will be included in
the Annual Show this year.
Schedule
2006
This is now being prepared. If you would like a
photo of yourself and your horse in this booklet, please send
a copy of your photo before 21st January, to Margery, or e-mail
to margerycomer@earnsdalefarm.com
as soon as possible. Junior and Senior Ridden, In-Hand and
Victor Ludorum Championships are free of charge, but you do need
to be sending in your photo now.
If any member has any other ideas of what they would like to see
in the Schedule, please let me know.
All contributions are very welcome and will be seriously considered.
Meeting,
28th November, 2005
It
was agreed that the Guest Book page would remain for the time being
as it is now possible to trace all messages received and comments
from undesirables have been written out by the Programmer.
The
AGM will be held on Monday, 16th January, 2006, at the Fernhurst
Hotel, Bolton Road, Ewood, at 7.30 pm.
It was agreed that the Club would enter members in the UK Showing
Championships (Festival of Champions) at Myerscough in 2006 at the
end of the season. The Club would also be sending members to the
Classic Championships at Osbaldeston in September. There will be
qualifying classes for UK Showing at Myerscough (July) at our May
show, for the NCPA (Somerford Park) at our June Show and for BHS
North West Counties (Somerford Park) at our July Show.
There
have been insufficient entries in Nursery Stakes and 13 hh WHP classes.
These will now be amalgamated into the one 13 hh WHP class for 2006.
Dressage
Day in 2006 may be incorprated into our Annual Show on 21st May,
2006, with two arenas, one a 20 m x 40m and one arena 20m x 60 m.
Photographs
for the 2006 Schedule will be required by Margery by the AGM at
the latest. Junior Points, Senior Points, In Hand and the Victor
Ludorum will again be free of charge. All others £10 each
photograph.
PRESENTATION
EVENING 2005
12th
November in the Premier Suite at Blackburn Rovers was an occasion
for Ribble Valley members, guests and friends to dress up in their
finery and let down their hair for another excellent evening of
prize giving and entertainment.
The
start of the evening is the dinner and this year there was nothing
but praise for the quality and quantity of the meals. There were
some misgivings with the vegetarian section (which we have been
promised will be addressed for next year) but both the steak and
mushroom pie and the lasagne were hot, plentiful and very tasty.
President,
Margery Comer, spoke about how the Club was formed in 1947. Our
Honorary member, Mr W Nicholson was a competitor in those days.
So Ribble Valley is 58 years old this year.
Jeanette
Breakwell returned to the Club as Guest Speaker, to talk about her
beginnings at Ribble Valley as a young girl on her 12.2hh pony Bijoux,
then her career since, up to her success in 3 day eventing at the
last two Olympics on her horse "Over to You", taking the
Team Silver and also as European Silver Medallist. Many of our senior
members remember her well and competed with her in the 80's, so
reminiscences were many. Jeanette had brought along some old photographs
of past Presentation Evenings at Martholme Grange at Altham.
The
Prize Giving was followed by the RAFFLE. This is quite famous now
because of the quality of the prizes on offer - thanks to our chairman,
Tony Seal. There were two new bicycles, servicing for lorry or car,
a mobile phone, radio, tool kits and many more items eagerly snapped
up by winners on the night. Stand Up Bingo followed. This has been
a tradition for many years now and always puts everyone in the mood.
Even our honorary guests joined in with enthusiasm although they
had to sit down again fairly soon as their number was called.
The
Great Martini was back by popular demand, amazing everyone with
his magic, performed at each of the tables in the room. I know one
or two people determined to catch him out this year - but they were
delighted to be as surprised as everyone else when they were just
as puzzled as ever.
Dancing
the night away until 1 pm in the morning, there was a great atmosphere
of camaraderie and fun.
The music of our Disc Jockey kept us all on the floor all evening.
Our
chairman reminded members of the date of the AGM, 16th January,
2006 at the Fernhurst Hotel. We look forward to seeing as many members
as possible on that occasion. Come and have your say!


photographs by dbjimaging.co.uk - see links page.
(where you will be able to click on any photo to enlarge it or order
direct from photographer)
CLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIPS
Well done to
Ribble Valley competitors at the Classics Championships, at Osbaldeston
on Saturday and Sunday, 17th & 18th September. The Club won
the day on Sunday and were third overall from the weekend. Three
of our members put in a very good effort on the Saturday, riding
show jumping courses, which was very brave of them as this is not
their usual class. We were 70 points behind the winning club at
the start of the Sunday classes, so did absolutely brilliantly to
gain so much ground and come third out of 25 Riding Clubs.
Our
thanks go to Anne Gresty who organised the teams and to all our
members and their families who tried so hard and put in so much
effort. We must also thank Norman and Janet Bargh for the wonderfully
organised event that was a pleasure to attend. Not fogetting Molly,
of course, and her kitchen staff who were prepareing bacon at 6.30
on that morning ready for the onslought! The weather kept fine and
warmer than during the week, so altogether an excellent day.
All letters on the Guest Book
not stating full name, will be removed
PRESENTATION EVENING
Saturday, 12th November, 2005
at
the Premier Suite, Blackburn Rovers
GUEST SPEAKER - JEANETTE BRAKEWELL
(Olympic 3-day event rider and past member of Ribble Valley)
Tickets: £13.95
(Non-Supper tockets available at £10 each)
Trophies at
Presentation will already have been engraved with winner's names.
£3.50 per engraving will be required as you sign for your
tropies. It would be a tremendous help if members had their cash/cheque
ready as they enter the room. Correct change, please for cash. A
total sum for all winning trophies is acceptable where members have
won more than one. Members will need to make sure that the spelling
on the Winners LIst, sent out two weeks ago, is the correct one.
If there is an error, please telephone 01254 702647, 07808 065606,
or e-mail margerycomer@earnsdalefarm.com
or anne.gresty@yahoo2002.co.uk
Meeting
5th July, 2005
Presentation
Evening: The supper this year will cost £14.25 per head.
This amount will be subsidised by the Club and members and friends
will pay £13.95 each. The Club will subsidise meals for
members and guests and also cover the disco charges and room costs.
Choice of menu will be:
a) Steak and mushroom pie
b) Lasagne.
Dress to Impress will again be the code for the evening.
No casual wear. Raffle and Tombola to take place.
Tickets will be printed and be on sale for the August Show.
The
Dog Show Schedules for the September Show will also be available
for August. "Best Coloured Dog" class will replace "Dog
Showing Best Trick".
July
Show Parking: This was very much improved, thanks to the common
sense of members at the July Show. This gave the north side of the
river a feeling of spaciousness for the classes there. There were
misgivings over the lorry on the new hardstanding which had two
ponies tied up outside it with haynets, which left a lot of hay/haylage
on the floor and copious piles of droppings. This will be a bone
of contention with park users. Members will need to be more aware
of the need to be clean and tidy and respect their surroundings.
Trophy
Award for the member overcoming other problems to succeed in their
sport: Carol Hanley would like to receive nominations for this
award to be given at Presentation Evening. Members, please write
to Carol at: Kays Cottage, Sheep Hey Farm, Leaches Lane, Shuttleworth,
Bury, Lancs. BL0 0ND
Meeting
7th June, 2005
Parking
There is a good
deal of concern within the Parks Department about the parking of
lorries and trailers on the Showground. Some money has been allocated
to making a larger area of hard standing to allow approximately
30 lorries to park in organised lines. It has been reported that
some competitors have been ignoring requests to be parked up by
our steward and thereby jeopodising our usage of the Park. Any driver
refusing to park where directed will be asked to leave the showground.
There
are many diverse users of the Park and most of them have their own
committees and discussion groups. Although Ribble Valley is probably
the oldest user with the exception of walkers, we still have an
obligation to be aware of others and their requirements. It seems
that the group called "Friends of Witton Park" have been
voicing loud protests lately about various matters. First of all,
they are concerned that vehicles are still driving along the cycleway.
It may be difficult to avoid but care must be taken to avoid it
where possible. A further area of hard standing is planned at the
back of the ground where our containers stand. There is also concern
about vehicles parking on top of the disabled parking lots. This
area is a no go area for our vehicles, so please be aware of this.
Trophies
The job of Cup Secretary is the one that everyone dreads. Persuading
competitors to return their trophies in time for their re-allocation
is a nightmare. A few competitors just refuse to co-operate at all.
It has to be stressed that when a competitor accepts a trophy at
a show, they then have an obligation to return it by the requested
date. All trophies won at the Cup Show last September will need
to be returned to Mrs Barbara Gordon at the July Show. If you cannot
attend this show, will you either pass it to another member to return
on your behalf or telephone Barbara and arrange to deliver it to
her house in Tockholes. Tel: 01254 873818.
Our
Engraver will be on the showground in September. The charge for
engraving will be £3.75 per tropy, to be paid for on collection.
Guest
Book
Anonymous entries on the Guest Book page and/or vindictive criticism
of judges or other competitors will be removed from the page immediately.
Meeting
5th May, 2005
Closure
of Birchinley Manor
This
has thrown the competitors for the All British Riding Club Championships
into some turmoil for those early qualifying shows, such as the
one at Ribble Valley in April. In fact, as a Club, we have not been
informed of this officially at all. It seems that cheques have been
returned to competitors with an explanatory note. We were then informed
at the Show on Sunday, that a show to replace it has been booked
at Myerscough for the end of July. Then, we were informed that instead
of competitors dealing with their own entries and cheques, the whole
responisibility falls on the Club. Of course, membership of a Club
was not a pre-requisite for qualifying for the All British so Ribble
Valley would not be able to contact non-members who qualified in
April. After a great deal of discussion it was decided that Ribble
Valley would not be supporting this new show. If members would like
to attend then please contact the organisers and arrange your entries
through them. 2nd placings are also able to qualify.
There
are several rumours concerning the Festival of Champions and only
time will resolve this. The Committee feels that there are too many
individuals ready to take on this event to make money on a commercial
basis and at the moment reserve judgement pending developments.
Important
Notice
There
were some complaints about use of bad language on the Showground
at the May show. The Committee would like to let those responsible
know that this will not be tolerated. Those concerned know whom
this item refers to and we ask them to take steps to ensure that
this does not happen again - under any circumstances. Any further
contrevention of this notice will result in the withdrawel of memberships
for at least the rest of the season. They would then have to ask
permission from the committee to visit the showground in the future.
Classes
There were some sxcellent classes at the May Show with the Large
Breeds Ridden taking up to a Sheet and a half of competitors. This
will stand all our competitors in very good stead for county and
agricultural shows and is good training for riders and equines alike.
The standard of animals at Ribble Valley is superb. The committee
hopes to see most of you at the Annual Show this Saturday at Witton
Country Park. See "Annual Show" for schedule.
ANNUAL
SHOW
We hope that
you have noted that the date of the Annual Show has had to be changed
from Sunday to Saturday, 14th May, 2005 because of the availablilty
of judges.
The Schedule
for this is being prepared now.
(A draft dan be printed from "Annual Show" on this web
site).
Sponsors are requested for this Show. The cost will be £25
per sponsor. Acknowledgements of
sponsors will be shown in the full Schedule. Please contact Lynn
Scott, on telephone 01706 822226 or 07810 545280 as soon as possible.
(Meeting 14th
March, 2005)
There is a change
of Judges for this season. Ian Dickinson and Debra Chadwick have
exchanged their dates, Please see our "Judges" page to
view full chart.
Carol Hanley
will be running a SECOND HAND TACK & CLOTHING STALL at each
show. This will take place at the Secretary's caravan after the
early morning rush is over. Approximate time of starting will be
11.30 am. If you have any outgrown clothing or unwanted tack, please
make sure that iit is clearly marked with your name and telephone
number and price requested. There will be a charge of 10% to Club
funds on sale of your items. Don't forget to make a visit to the
caravan before you leave the showground to check if your goods have
been sold and collect your cash or any unsold items.
(Meeting
8th February, 2005)
Please
note that this year, the 13th Annual Show will be on Saturday, 14th
May, and not Sunday, 15th as originally planned. The Schedule may
be printed from the web page, or may be obtained by sending a
s.a.e. to: Mrs Lynn Scott, Fishrake Farm, Fishrake Lane, Rossendale,
BB4 7AH.
We have affiliations to BSPS/Ponies UK/CHAPS/NCPA/FPS/VHS/British
Hack Cob & Riding Horse.
Dressage:
We would like to encourage more members to try the elementary tests
this season. With this in mind, it has been decided that competitors
may do three tests on the same horse as long as one of the tests
is NOT a Prelim test. i.e. Competitors will be very welcome to ride
a Novice, Elementary and Medium test on the same horse. Please be
aware of the British Dressage Points restrictions.
A.G.M.
2005
About
50 members attended the A.G.M. at the Fernhurst Hotel, Ewood, on
Monday, 17th January.
Sadly,
our Secretary for the past two years, Kathryn Walsh, has retired.
The President thanked Kathryn for her excellent and efficient work
in her time in office. We are delighted to welcome Anne Gresty as
Ribble Valley's new Secretary. Anne brings years of experience in
the equestrian world and a good knowledge of her subject.
The
rest of the committee of 2004 were re-elected for 2005 and Barbara
Gordon has returned to the committee after two years absence. Barbara
will take over the resposibility for trophies. Carol Hanley will
be arranging the judges for this season's classes, with Margery
Comer arranging for the dressage judges with the help of Mary Stubbs.
It
is always very much appreciated when members turn up on the showground
at 6 pm the evening before a Show Day and help with the putting
out of the working hunter jumps and the roping off of the rings.
There were two volunteers to do this this season. More volunteers
would be a great help as would members staying on after a show for
an hour to help put everything away again. Please, if you were not
able to come to the AGM, please try and take a small share in helping
with this vital work for YOUR Club and try to make it your resolution
for 2005 to come along and help at one show per season.
It was
agreed that the Lunch Break in Ring 1 will be changed to after class
6, to prevent the First Ridden M & M Class from clashing with
Beginners Equitation.
There
was a discussion on restricting trophies at the Trophy Show to members
only. This would make it a little easier to get them returned the
following year. It would, however, lose the Club some revenue as
non members pay double entry fees at this show. We would like to
have members' views on this. Please insert your thoughts
on our Guest Book page.
Last
season saw a reduction in our contingency fund due to the purchase
of a complete new set of working hunter jumps. This capital expenditure
will not be necessary for many years to come, so hopefully, 2005
should see an increase in our balance at the bank to enable the
Club to continue to improve facilities for members and competitors
and to maintain our subsidy of the Presentation Evening.
Entry
fees for classes have been increased for 2005. Membership fees have
also been increased unless you send in your Application Form before
25th March. You can save £10 by doing this. Due to the inadequacy
of our First Aid cover it has been decided that this must
be upgraded to give members (and your committee) peace of mind.
Your contribution has therefore been increased to £2 per competitor
per day.
We
hope that you all have an excellent season for 2005 and we look
forward to seeing you on 3rd April for our first show.
PRESENTATION
EVENING DINNER & DANCE
Guest
Speaker - GEOFF BILLINGTON
Saturday,
13th November, 2004 in the Premier Suite at Blackburn Rovers
What
a wonderful night it was.
270 members and guests, enjoyed themselves right throught the
evening, There were lots of prizes to be won. The Tombola was,
as always, very popular with children and adults alike. Many of
you won prizes - several coming away with quite a few of them.
The Raffle was hugely appreciated, with prizes ranging from a
mountain bike, through CDs, radios, horse clothing, spirits, wine
to chocolates and tool boxes.
The
Great Martini, our Table Magician, brought many delighted surprises
and applause as he enertained
all the tables with his very clever magic. Even seen at close
quarters, no-one could detect how he managed to get a large tomato
under a small brass cup when everyone was expecting a small ball.
Then there was the Stand-Up Bingo. Always popular. Following the
ceremony of prize giving, many members gamely stood up - only
to sit down again at the first number called. But we had a lucky
winner collecting a nice cash prize at the end of each of the
two games.
Mr
Midge Tadhunter, our photographer; spent the evening taking photographs
of guests and winners, which could be purchased on the evening
at a very realistic price. The quality of the photographs was
excellent so there were many happy customers. The four main winners
had their photographs taken receiving their trophies and sashes,
courtesy of Mr Tadhunter, and they will be receiving them very
soon.
Everyone
was interested in Geoff Billington's description of how he started
his life and his riding career in Accrington and went on to represent
Britain in two Olympic Games. He told many tales about life along
the way with a very funny story which involved Michael and John
Whittaker, Nick Skelton et al. who had been joined at one point
by Richard Davidson dressage), partying the night away and then
being stopped by police.
The disco finished offthe evening in a very lively fashion, with
most people taking to the floor (eventually) to a range of tunes,
many taking off their shoes as they went through the evening,
Shoes which looked amazing, but were meant for feet more used
to riding boots. The dresses worn by our young and older ladies
were magnificent and all in all it was an excellent "turnout".
Well done.
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