For this year’s annual Awards ceremony we decided to hold an Open House and invited our sponsors, friends and family to come and see us ‘in action’. What a busy afternoon it turned out to be!
We were joined by members from the Southam and Banbury Lions and the Stratford-Upon-Avon Rotary and many of our private individuals who kindly sponsor our riders. Seating was at a premium and the Gallery was full. Our riders just about managed to hear our instructors, Karen and Pat, over the chatter and enjoyed showing everyone the new skills they have developed over the past year.
The Adult Awards for 2012 were presented at the end of their riding session.
The South Award for the ‘most improved rider’ was presented to Jo White by Tony and Sheila South (past volunteers)
The Hughes Family Award for the ‘rider with fortitude and perseverance’ was presented to Jo Pratt by Mary Hughes who is also one of our sponsors.
The Children’s Awards for 2012 were presented in the middle of our 2 children’s sessions.
The Heather Rhead Award for ‘confidence’ was presented to Olivia Maloney by Heather Rhead (past rider)
The founder of our Group, Beryl Sainsbury, was asked to present the following:
Tracey Clarke award for ‘Endeavour’ for the child who consistently tries hard was presented to Michael Jack.
Neil Hancock award for ‘the one who has made the most progress’ was presented to Charlotte Seager
Pauline Richards award for the child who can ‘meet the challenge’ was presented to Matthew Lane
Arthur Duggan, Charlotte Seager and Olivia Maloney were presented with their certificate having achieved the ASDAN Animal Care incorporating Horse riding and Stable Management Award. Matthew Simms has also achieved his ASDAN award but unfortunately could not be with us. His certificate will be presented at our Summer Camp.
We concluded our ceremony with the Volunteer Awards for 2012
The Boris Award for the Volunteer who is ‘always willing’ went to Puffin Pocock.
The Clemons award for the Young Volunteer of the Year was presented to Lorna Topp by Margaret Clemons
Our Volunteer ‘Over and Above’ award was presented to:
Gill Ferguson, Liz Jackson, Lynda Critchlow and Verena Telling and two Extra Special Over and Above awards were presented to Ann Snowden and Jill Nelhams.
Congratulations to all our award winners and a thank you to all our volunteers without whom the Group would not exist.
The afternoon continued with a £300 cheque presentation by Graham Wilcox of the Stratford-Upon-Avon Rotary for sponsorship of two of our riders which was much appreciated.
We also collected £265.50 from the sale of refreshments, cakes, plants and juice to help towards the required amount that is needed to be raised by Gill Ferguson to enter the RDA Rift Valley Trek Challenge which is in September this year. (If you would like to sponsor Gill please go to www.charitygiving.co.uk/gillferguson )
All in all a very happy, enjoyable and successful afternoon.
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