I am sure that this is not the first Christmas greeting you have received -I'm late in getting pen
to paper this year!
This term, in fact this year, has flown by. And it has been a busy year at that!
Apart from, or
perhaps because of, the fundraising for the project the profile of the group has been raised which has increased the number
of new Helpers coming to all sessions.
The Mentors have been busy training new comers as well as keeping existing Helpers
up to scratch! Poor Rosemary (Child Protection Officer, as I'm sure you know) has also had her work cut out gradually making
sure that all Helpers attend The Child Protection Courses and do the Disclosure Forms.
As in life in general, there always
seems to be more paperwork to keep on top of. Fortunately, whilst most of our Helpers are more interested in ponies or Riders,
some actually like helping with admin! It takes all kinds!
Anyway here we are at time of writing with just a couple of
weeks left of term.
With the Christmas Riding Sessions on Fri. 28th. Nov, Sat 29th, Tues 2nd, Wed 3rd, and Thurs 4th. we
will be into the Christmas spirit very soon. If you have any friends or family who would like to come along to watch any of
these sessions they will be most welcome, with Mince Pies and perhaps Mulled Wine. The Riders do like an audience!
On Friday
5th. Dec. there is the Children's Christmas Party from 1.30-3.30pm and on Sunday 7th. there is the Adult Christmas Party 6.30-8pm.
If you are free please come along to either (or both!) The man in the red coat with the white beard will be attending.
Last
year Alan Laign kindly donated a trophy for the most improved Rider. A Friday afternoon Rider, Kevin Kempton won it last year
– not a dry eye in the house. Instructors are deciding who will win it this year. It is really nice to see it presented.
The Riders and parents really appreciate it.
The last 12 month or so have been pretty full on with all the fundraising
we have all been doing. Please see attached update of events for the end of 2008 and into 2009. Remember “live, old
horse, and you will get hay”!
I cant thank you enough for all your hard work throughout the year. It has been a terrific
effort on everyone’s part, but sometimes( at times of stress!) it can be too easy to and forget why we are fundraising.
Let me remind you – quite simply this group, its Riders, Helpers and Friends have so much potential, that we must continue
to improve and build on the excellent work we do. I hope everyone of you share the pride I do in this organisation! Give yourselves
a pat on the back.
When we all take part in Riding Displays and the Christmas Parties we can see the wonder
and joy on the faces of our Riders young and old. The fun of making the Mounted Christmas Cake, decorating the tree and seeing
the ponies decked out is just magical! I hope for all of us this pleasure is shared and that the warm glow we feel then lasts
throughout the Festive Season.
With love and best wishes to you all, Susan x
