The year is drawing towards its close and it is perhaps appropriate to reflect on events which have occurred during the year which have had significant consequences for the organisation and management of the Branch and to advise you all where we now stand and some changes that have been made. In January Dr Lionel Ripley passed away unexpectedly after 31 years of service leaving us suddenly without a Treasurer and Membership Secretary. We were naturally delighted when Mrs Liza Curtis stepped forward to take over from Lionel. As most of you will already know, tragically Liza's daughter Lara, a senior member of the branch, sustained a serious spinal injury in a non-riding accident while attending Associates Camp in the summer. Lara has been cared for in Chicago at a hospital offering her the best possible chance of recovery and her treatment there is set to continue into 2015. Naturally Liza has been focused entirely on the needs of her family and has had to step down as Treasurer. While I have been happy to take on the Treasurer's role pro tem this is not a sustainable solution for a number of reasons. Following a long period of consideration we have decided that the best solution is a 'cabinet reshuffle' aimed at making best use of the skills and experience available to us.
I am delighted to announce that Anne Cook has agreed to take over from me as District Commissioner. Anne has a great pedigree; her mother, the late Margaret Sheffield, was DC for 24 years from the mid 1970's onwards. Many of you will know her from the Winter Dressage at Plumpton which she runs with Jane Walsh. Anne also helps tirelessly at our summer events and has recently taken on the job of course flagging as well as sorting out dressage judges, stewarding and taking her turn the secretaries caravan. Anne's daughter Emma came up through the ranks and regularly competes at our events and Anne still rides regularly. For my part I am happy to carry on as Treasurer and Membership Secretary, a job that fits in well with my affinity with computers, numbers and codes. I will also continue to help out with computer systems, websites, emails, event scoring and so forth.
Earlier in the year Sarah Muggeridge indicated that she wanted to step down as our Chief Instructor. Sarah has many demands on her time and has found it increasingly difficult to fit the demands of Pony Club in with everything else. She will continue to instruct for the branch and will doubtless continue to share her vast knowledge and experience. However, I am absolutely delighted to tell you that Mrs Polly Thom (nee Hingston) has agreed to take over as CI. Not only is Polly herself a SDE product and A test holder (amongst many other qualifications) she has very exciting news in that she is expecting a baby in May. As a runner of marathons she doesn't expect the new arrival to slow her down very much.
Another long serving Branch Committee member whose life has become progressively busier is Heidi Greenwood. Heidi has decided she wants to step down from the Committee although she is happy to continue to help us with the main events for which we are very grateful. Heidi uses her teaching skills to great effect within the Events Committee and has everyone focused and on take within a few moments; long may it continue! Heidi was also Child Protection officer, a position ideally suited to a school teacher.
Georgie Curtis joined the Committee earlier in the year to take on the mantle of Health and Safety. Unfortunately she has found herself unable to free up the necessary time so has reluctantly had to step down.
So this leaves us short of two officers (although they can be combined): Child Protection and Health and Safety. If anyone has relevant knowledge with their 'day job' or other voluntary organisation and would like to be considered for these roles can you please let us know. Sadly in the modern world neither job is actually a token commitment or sinecure and both need to be taken very seriously.
I know this represents a lot of change. Running the branch is, in reality, a team effort by unpaid volunteers and I'm sure we will continue, despite the adversities that have afflicted us this year, to provide a worthwhile organisation that encourages our young people to develop and challenge themselves with a fantastic sport and pastime.
Full details of Branch Committee members and Officers can be found on our website: http://branches.pcuk.org/southdowneast/contacts/
Mike
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