WEEK UP THE WALL            September 23rd to 29th 2007

 

A report for those unfortunate members who where not able to attend.

 

The week started with an enthusiastic 'bang' with the Linnel's Native Ponies Performance Trials, good weather and well attended by competitors and visitors alike. Bob. Sarah, family and friends all deserve a round of applause for such a well run and enjoyable day.(Sarah will be posting results elsewhere for those interested.)

 

The Deene Stud visit on Monday;- We were so lucky having Mrs. Ailie Newall in the office of FPS President this year, doubly so that she lived by The Wall, and had such a well established stud to visit. The refreshments were a credit to all concerned and the 90 plus guests enjoyed a very social afternoon in the marquee after an interesting walk round the stables and fields, seeing the various families of ponies. We had very heavy rain just as I was collecting the road signs at the end of the day so it hindered no one!

 

Due to the FMD concerns we postponed the Hadrian's Hack to another year as it was routed over cattle and sheep grazing, (like wise the Reiver's Ride at Bewcastle.) We did, however have twenty or so fit, and not so fit, walkers did various mileage from Steelriggs car park along the wall to the East. This was ably organized by Bob Charlton, who decided he was best employed by driving to the half way stop with the wine and nibbles; No walking for him: The evening of roast beef and Northumberland music, song and wit was enjoyed by all, so much so, we were still there after last orders. The gifts were auctioned off here which went down well, although some bidders expected other family members to foot the bill. Again our thanks to Bob & Sarah for finding such a suitable venue and talented, fun entertainers.

 

Wednesday was the coldest, windiest day of the week and the Working Dales Pony Centre is situated on the side of a wind-swept hill. However, the welcome we got from Charlie and Gina Parker was of the warmest imaginable. A farm walk meeting the ponies, young stock and various rare breed sheep, pigs and charming belted Galloway’s. Followed by a warm up in the tearooms where we were entertained by another mfisician with an accordion. We then cooled off watching Charlie and his pony partner demonstrate field work and timber snigging. Charlie is a Forestry Contractor so the team is professional, not weekend hobbyists! Our Fell being close cousins to the Dales ponies can equally earn their livings if asked to, the day was very enlightening.  After another cup of hot tea we were entertained by Jefficus, a Roman Soldier who had been sent from Spain to work on the Wall. He explained his diet, daily routine, showed us his various amour, weapons, and tools. We were spellbound for over an hour before he packed up and went home in his motor car'.

 

Thursday was a day of rest where we caught our breaths. Personally I went off to explore Brampton and Lanercost Priory, and found another local pub for a nice evening meal.

 

Friday morning was a social/business meeting between our Council and overseas delegates. We aired ideas and grievances which hopefully will culminate in a better understanding of the various problems our overseas members have, conforming to our regulations and those of their resident country. We then made our way to Bewcastle Church and Castle for a talk by one of the local historical society. Our Chairman, Mary Longsdon's Mother was of this area and from earlier Reiver stock. The period of Border Reivers' activity was quite unique yet I'd not been introduced to them in school history lessons in the South, and I bet many others, outside the Boarders, know little about them? We returned to the village hall for a welcome tea arranged by the Village Ladies and a short report by Christine Robinson on Conservation Grazing and the progress of her new sub committee.

 

The Hardendale Stud Open Day on our final day was a terrific success. You should all now know where to find Barry & Tracey Mallinson and have realized the quality of their ponies and thoroughness of their training of young stock, suitable for the whole family and age groups, from Barry & Tracey down to Nicola, and little Sophie and soon, I expect to even smaller Georgina:  We had riding, a driving demonstration by Mike Rawlinson. A Farrier on site working all afternoon, and the fascinating audio visual report on Viv and Elsa Wood-Gees ride from John 0 Groats to Landsend, enough to inspire more of us to get out and do new things with our ponies.

 

In conclusion, those that made the effort to see and understand another part of the country and visit some well established studs while meeting old and new friends had a great time. The Publicity, Promotions and Projects sub-committee found it hard work but rewarding and we came out just in 'the black' as we had hoped, thanks to the Sponsors as listed below. If you find occasion to support any of them or, use their services it will be appreciated.

 

Messrs Awde, Morton & Wales  Lownthwaite Stud

Bewcastle Historic Society & Church Fund.

Mr. T Capstick Murthwaite Stud

Mrs. L Carr-Seaman Air-0-Wear Products

The Charlton Family Linnel Stud

Mrs. M. Dodd & Mrs. C Robinson Kerbeck Stud

Mr. & Mrs. G Enser Graemah Stud

Miss J Glass Wolds Stud

Dr A Emslie-Smith Garrighyll Stud USA

The Fell Pony Society,

The FPS Conservancy USA

Mr. & Mrs. N. Hill Shepparton Stud

Miss M Longsdon & Mr. M Goddard Bewcastle Stud.

The Mallinson Family Hardendale Stud

Mrs. K Merry Northampton

Midlands East Support Group

Midlands West Support Group

Keen & Norman Families Devon

Mrs. J Morrissey Willowtrail Stud USA

Mrs. A Newall & Family Dene Stud

Mr. & Mrs. C Parker The Working Dales Centre

Mr. M Rawlinson Thornbeck Stud

Mrs. C Taylor Cumbria

Mr. C Thompson Drybarrows Stud

Mrs. M Wilson Townend Stud

Mr. N Woodcock Ba(hons) Lanes

The Wood-Gee Family Dumfriesshire

 

Watch this space;; It has been suggested between now and the next 5 yearly, week long gathering we might join with an existing FPS activity, in another part of the country to create a shorter “AwayWeekend” for members traveling with, and, without ponies..

 

Judy A Hill (Mrs.)

P,P,&P Chairman.