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GOLDEN VALLEY SUPPORTERS CLUB

ANNUAL HORSE SHOW

Sunday September 5th 2010

Commencing 10am.

At  The Green Farm, Clifford, Hay on Wye.

(on the B4352 3 miles east of Hay on Wye).

By kind permission of D Morgan Esq.

 PLEASE GO TO FORMS PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND SCHEDULE

Summer Dog Show and Clay Pigeon Shoot 2010: 

The show took its usual format being run by the Supporters Club.  Judges were drawn from the Glen Celyn Beagles and as in the past the Novelty Classes were judged by John L, aided by Patrick who had graciously given up a drinks party with our friends in the South Hereford Country, please note Margi was not at Patrick’s side today but as you have guessed, was at the party!!!.  The weather was not as good as it usually is for this event which was a shame, however, fun was had by all and many rosettes won.   Dave, Norman and Phil were at their usual post collecting gate money, a cake stall was run by Jean, Steph was our hot drinks lady and burgers were being cooked by Steve andGill.  Peter took on his usual task of commentator.  Stewards of the classes were Evelyn and Colin.  Margery and helpers were in charge of the Shoot, when I left there were about thirty cars at that end of the field so all were having a grand time.  As usual it was very pleasing to see some many youngsters, hopefully they will take over from the not so young in the years to come.  We look forward to seeing you at the Horse Show next weekend.  Photos here.

Puppy Show 2010:

It was a glorious afternoon and wonderful to see so many GVH supporters at this years Puppy Show, however, it was also sad to realize that it would be the last to be held at Sheepcote.  In recognition of all the help the GVH has received over the last four decades Mrs Bishop was presented with an engraved crystal rose bowl.  Gifts of crystal wine coasters were also presented to Valerie, Diana and Jo.  After the show, as usual we had tea on Sheepcote lawn which was organised by Margi, Margaret and Delyth aided by Patrick, Andrew and Derek.

Our judges Mr James Barclay MFH (Grove and Rufford) and Mr Richard Wilson (Essex andSuffolk), are both long standing friends of our joint master Mary andher husband Richard.  It was pleasing that  Mr andMrs Wilson are on their second visit to the GVH having attended the Point to Point in May.  Mr Wilson in his address stated that he admired and envied the GVH especially in the running of the Point to Point.

The young hounds looked and behaved well which was a credit to Will and the Puppy walkers, again this was noted by our judges and a special mention was given.   In order that the show went efficiently Paul, Nathan and Dai were on hand to help, this is very much appreciated by all concerned.  

The Best Bitch and champion was Countess walked by Lynette and Ian Hawkins, Best Dog was Rowen walked by the Bagley Family.  Upper Pen Garthwere also successful in winning the Best Working hound Danger.  A selection of photographs are available here.

Success at the Brecon County Show for team GVH!

From the headline you can assume that the team won the Inter Hunt relay.  Much hard work and practise had been put in by our team members Angharad (De) on Tim, Rachel on Ernie, Harry on Aspen, and our secret weapon Jo on Harley.  Michele our team coach decided that a few changes were necessary and it proved for the better!  The team was drawn against the Irfon and Towyinthe first round withthe Monmouth being drawn against the Brecon.  I am reliably informed that in the second round Monmouthdid not stand a chance andwerewell beaten.  As you can see the GVH came home with a wonderful cup which will be held by the winning team members andhopefullyon show at the AGM.  Roll on the Monmouth Show on the 26th.

Inter Hunt Team at the Royal Welsh:

Our team was drawn to run on the second of the four day show, after a night anddayof rain the team found themselves confronted with a ring that was to say at the very least soggy.  To our dismay we were drawn against the usual strong team from the Pembrokeshire Hunt.  Rachel was first to go on a borrowed ex-racehorse that she had only ridden once before, all went well until the massive bull finch where the horse screwed over dislodging Rachel, fortunately she was unhurt being able to remount and complete the course.  Paul took over the baton, his horse was not used to the wet conditions and without studs slid into a couple of the jumps,  Steve was next to go andcompleted his round with not to much trouble.  Harry was our fourth andlastrider, he finished well but was unable to make up the lost ground and the Pembsfinishedin front.  If all goes to plan the teams next outing will be at the Monmouth Show on 26th August.  Sorry Harry but photographer let down the side a few photos here.

 Inter Hunt Team at Barbury Castle:

Two lorries were loaded with the teams of horses and ponies at the unearthly time of 6am. The senior team was made up of Harry, Paul, Rachel and Steve.  They duly met en route andthe convoy commenced.  To Colins’ dismay a red warning light came on andthey were forced to pull over ‘somewhere’ near Newport, he phoned Michele to warn them of a potential problem to be informed that she had a puncture!  Once this was repaired they turned round and picked up the junior team members minus their ponies.  On arrival at their destination it was agreed that the juniors would ride the senior teams horses.  To Michele’s delight the juniors were placed 3rd andtheseniors narrowly missed qualifying for the final.  In the meantime, Colin was stranded waiting for a breakdown man to diagnose what was thought to be a blown head gasket, fortunately it turned out to be a hose, this was replaced with ‘something similar’ allowing Colin to make his way home.  Unfortunately at Tretower he had a puncture in one of the back wheels.  So again he pulled over andcommencedtaking off the offending tyre, to his dismay the socket bar snapped!  He was now stuck with one lorry and three ponies, he decided that he could continue on three tyres if the ponies could be moved to another lorry, to the rescue comes Becky.  Colin finally arrived home at about 3pm, having not been to Barbury Castle.  I have been informed that there is a team practice on Thursday night for the Royal Welsh next week, again contact Michele if you are interested.

Garden Evening and Summer Supper:

The summer supper party could not have been held in a better location, Lorraine’s hard work was a delight to the eye and envied by all who attended, especially those of us who don’t have a flat piece of landontheir property.  Along with our hunting friends we were able to greet many non hunting folk from the local gardening clubs.  Sue and Jonathan ran a plant stall and Richard and Charles manned the Pimms Bar both added greatly to the evening.  Ticket holders were directed to the bar and were then able to have a leisurly walk around the gardens andthe groundfloorof the house.  Supper was coronation chicken with new potatoes and salad followed by strawberries and cream.  We should thank Mary and her able team for all their hard work, catering for nearly 80 is certainly no mean feat.  Before the close of the evening Percy (Snr) kindly acted as auctioneer which raised nearly £500, we were lucky to be able to auction several lots including the use of a holiday cottage in Devon. Photographs available here and here.

Team GVH at the Three Counties Show:

 Our team made up of  Harry Crump, Rachel Forkings andKateMiles arrived en bloc to be greeted with a very hot day and seven other teams from Herefordshire.  The turnout of horses and riders was a credit to us all.  The race was held in the main ring, crowds had gathered and at least two of the stewards were from the GVH country.  It was the first time the organisers had held the event and a few lessons were learnt.  Some of the stewards were responsible for replacing poles after they had been knocked down andbefore the return run, as you can imagine they took their lives in their hands.  It was a good job the H & S team were not witnessing the event.  Our team had obviously been practicing as they acquitted themselves very well, during the event we had a good proportion of clear rounds andvery smooth hand overs, this all help and they achieved a very creditable 3rd place.  Being bitten by the bug they will be travelling to the Barbury Castle Horse Trials on the 11thJuly, hopefully we will be able to field both a senior and junior team. 

Committee meeting 14th June:

The hunts main committee met at the Baskerville Arms and is pleased to announce that Colin Bagley has accepted the invitation to be the hunts new Acting Chairman, John Ievers has accepted the invitation to become our Acting Vice Chairman.  The committee would like to thank the retiring Chairman, James Gibson Watt for the hard work he put in during a very difficult time.

In the absence of a Chairman any decisions made at the May Committee meeting were considered unconstitutional and therefore nulandvoid  The committee has decided that subject to agreement with Mr and Mrs Jenkins the GVH hounds will as soon as possible after the Puppy Show be relocated to Brilley Wood.  The Committee would like to thank Mrs Bishop and her family for their support and allowing the hounds to be kennelled at Sheetcote for as many years as we can remember.  The move will affect us all and we look forward to the future, any further information will be posted on the website as and when available.

The team arrived at Cothi Bridge to be greeted by clouds and showers, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for what was the teams first outing of the season.  We were drawn against the PembrokeshireHunt, a team from experience to be reckoned with!  Harry who was first to run got off to a flying start withafast clear round.  The baton was handed to Rachel, who was neck and neck until the last fence where a run out enabled the opposition take the lead.  Philippa our third rider did an excellent job withaclear round, it was especially pleasing as it was the first outing for her and her horse.  Harry took over as our last rider completing another clear in a fast time, unfortunately the Pembs were faster and won.

The team had an excellent attempt at the first show of the season, we now need a few more fit horses and riders.  Practice sessions are being held, with a build up to the Three Counties on 19th June.  If you would like to join in, or even have a horse to lend the team please contact Michele on 01544 327707.  Your support is always welcome.  Many Thanks Michele.

Spring Dog Show 2010:

Will and Lucy kindly organised a Spring show for  Hounds, Lurchers, Terriers and Novelty Dogs at Boatside.  Nathan, Paul, Jean and Bethany were either taking entries or stewarding classes so a thank you goes out to them. Unlike the day before the weather was glorious and stayed fine for all of the day, however, much time was spent in the rain setting up the event on Thursday andSaturday evenings!  Dog lovers both show and working came from as far as SouthWalesin order to qualify their dogs.  Trade stands were on call to provide food both hot and cold, a small bar, anda stand selling items for your for your beloved dog.  Hounds came from the Radnors and swept the board so congratulation to David and Sue for their hard work.  Plum who belongs to Valerie was loaned out and won several first prizes, but Delyth’s labs triumphed and won the Championship in their section.  The rabbit pack of wonderful hairy short legged hounds were on show and proved very popular. Our host for the day James andAdela were unable to attend, so thank you for allowing the GVH to use your field.  We are now in our second year at Boatside, all being well we will be back in 2011.  Thank you Will and Lucy it is much appreciated.  Photos available here and here.

Fun Ride 2010:

Thanks to Becky and her helpers the Fun Ride was held on what can only be called the wettest day in May!  However, nearly 40 horses andridershad a wonderful spin around the Bryngwyn and Newchurch hills.  The set off point was the barn up from the Bryngwynhill gate where the GVH meet during the season, only the privileged few were aware that it is full of farm machinery andimplements  from the distance past.  I understand the collection has been amassed by Mr Miles, Becky’s Father.  Riders came from  a wide area covering Presteigne, Hereford and Brecon, having talked with several it transpires that they were using the day as part of their training for the Red Dragon ride later in the summer.  It was pleasing to see visitors from the South Hereford Hunt also taking part. A group of youngsters accompanied by fathers, mothers and grandmothers enjoyed the shorter of the two routes.  On return to HQ riders were treated to some wonderful home made cakes, beef burgers, and hot drinks etc. provided and sold on behalf of Bettws Church.  Again a big thank you goes to Becky, her stewards, the catering team and the Wales Red Cross for all their help.  Photo click here.

Brecon and Talybont Hunt’s Hound Show:

A small contingent of GVH followers went to the annual hound show held at the Kennels.  The evening was well organised and they had fine weather.  Will aided by Bethany took several couple of our hounds enjoying success in their respective classes.  Photographs click here.

Unentered Dog was won by Royal, 2nd was Roman.

Entered Dog was won by Daniel, 2nd Basing.

Unentered Bitch was won by Rosa, 2nd Rosebud

Entered Bitch won by Ballad, 2nd Rumble.

Best Couple: Ballad and Rumble

Champion: Ballad.

Reserve Champion: Royal

Will works extremely hard to produce our hounds, if you would like to get involved with helping at shows please give him a call I am sure it would be well received.

Point to Point 2010.

The Point to Point was held at its usual venue by kind permission of Dennis Price.  The course was constructed and fences built by a strong team after much hard work cutting and bundling birch which was collected from as far away as Llandeilo.  The weather was very warm which resulted it a £2.8k increase on the gate, some of us dressed accordingly and others to impress!  Kay, Margi and Rosie manned a very successful cake stall which over the years has gained a reputation for its quality of goods raising £130.  Mary andRichard along with their team manned the Sponsors Tent which provided sandwiches and refreshment, they had also arranged for a display of Dumb Waiters based on hounds andour friend Charlie Fox.  Peter once again acted as commentator and Trica was again selling Race Cards from her trailer, thanks goes to the young ladies who were selling the Race Cards at the gate.  The gate was well manned by a team of helpers for which the Committee are very grateful.  Angela, Amanda andfriend controlled the Numbers Board.  Declarations andweighingwere dealt with by a very competent team.  David the P to Ps Treasurer andcolleaguewereinattendancedoing a fine job counting the cash, they always remind me of ‘The King was in his Castle counting out the money’.  Hopefully, they will be able to see a race one day!  Our Supporters Club ran the raffle selling all but around eight books of tickets, Evelyn and Angharadwereeithersellingorfolding the tickets for most of the afternoon.  I understand that our newly elected MP, Jesse Norman won the first prize.   The Point to Point relies on a great deal of work from a lot of friends, far to many to mention, so please accept my apologies if you have not been mentioned personally, the Committee are extremely grateful for your dedication and hard work. Photographs are now available, click here and here.

Farmers Supper 2010.

The Farmers Supper was again held in LlanigonVillage Hall. We have been reliably informed that well over 70 suppers were served, so thank you to all who attended.  A special thanks goes to the catering team who provided a wonderful beef stew withthreeveg along with potatoes.  Christopher and Kay Evans kindly provided the beef from their recently culled beast andpuddings were supplied by the many friends.  The Committee acted as waiters andwaitresses  being supplied with very professional looking black aprons.  As usual Dia and Jean did a wonderful job in the kitchen.  Hopefully photos will be available shortly.