Week up the wall, FPS September gathering
From September 23rd to September 29th, we a having a week bash along Hadrian's Wall. The week is competitive, educational and entertaining and above all else, all about having fun with Fell ponies. Activities are open to FPS members and friends, all other British native pony people and tourists who may be passing and want to find out more. The Publicity, Promotions and Projects sub committee have arranged a preliminary programme of events. As more details are confirmed, they will be updated on this FPS website. www.fellponysociety.org.uk
Sunday 23rd September
The Fell Pony Society Performance Trials and registered native pony Performance Trials at Linnel Wood, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 1 UB by kind permission of the Charlton family. Cross country course, dressage and show jumping. Refreshment van, FPS sales stand and later in the afternoon, a talk on protective riding wear sponsored by 'Air 0 Wear', with the opportunity to purchase from an equestrian retailer. Please download rules and entry form from the FPS website. The trials are restricted to 60 ponies. Entries closing on August 30th. If visiting pony owners need guidance on convenient places to stay, please call Sarah Charlton on 01434 673262 (before 9pm please).
Monday 24th September
President's Day, 12 noon. Kindly sponsored by Mrs. A. Newall of the Dene Fell Pony Stud and Shetland Stud (50 ponies). At Todridge, Great Whittington, NE19 2HP A talk on the history and achievements of this old North East stud, farm walk to meet the ponies followed by refreshments and social gathering. Numbers restricted to approx. 50. To register, phone 01455 552534 or email [email protected] with your name, contact number and number of guests.
Tuesday 25th September
Updated: Tuesday ride Hadrian's Hack, a ten mile ride, maximum of 30 ponies (popular so we are now arranging at least two groups of 30 ponies, possibly three groups) and a separate 5-10 mile walk, max 20 people, along a picturesque part of the wall. The ride will be over private land and escorted by the Charlton family. Everyone will meet together for a refreshment break and presentation of commemorative rosettes. A small charge may be made and booking details with start place and time to follow on the update. Update: Meeting at Steelrigg parking field, signed FPS, (not the N.T.Car park) ½ mile due north of Once Brewed Y.H.A. OS Landranger map 87, grid 754 675. Book in via Bob & Sara Charlton Tel:01434 673262
Tuesday evening
A social music evening at a local hostelry near the wall. Incorporating Northumbrian pipes, fiddle, mouthorgan etc., and a singer, of hunting songs.
Update: English Roast Beef Dinner and Northumberland music evening at 6.30p.m. for sit down 7p.m. At the twice Brewed Inn near Bardon Mill, Military Road the B6318, post code NE47 7AN. Set meal £10.00 per head (Vegetarian alternative, state when booking) Please give Bob & Sara Charlton numbers by September 1st if possible. Tel:01434 673262 (see www.twicebrewedinn.co.uk. ) Wednesday 26th September The Working Dales Pony Centre By kind invitation of Charlie and Gina Parker of Clark's Hill, Gilsland, CA8 7DF, 11am start, introduction, farm walk, working demonstrations, tearooms open and a surprise visit by a Roman soldier, 'Jefficus' for an hours talk. Booking necessary (restricted numbers apply), £4.00 per head, contact Jane Glass 01509 880261. The centre can offer B&B; s/c cottage; camping ground; showers; toilets and pony accommodation. Contact Gina on 01697747208, discount for FPS members. Info on centre at www.daleslogger.com Wednesday Evening
Some people will be going on to the Centurian Inn, Walton, nr Brampton for a meal and chat. (both dining room and bar meals available) .... pop in and see who is there!
Thursday 27th September
Rest day. Free day for personal trips i.e. NT sites etc. Early Evening Reivers Ride 4.00 p.m. for 4.15 p.m. Start Bewcastle (BHS Trail 17) Parking & start from a lay-by just over ½ mile north of Bewcastle at grid ref 561 757, os Pathfinder 532 Kindly Organised by Celia Taylor. Tel: 016977 48453 (early evening) or [email protected] with numbers (Small charge for rosette).
Friday 28th September
The Chairman’s Roots Sponsored by Mary Longsdon MBE and the Bewcastle Fell Pony Stud. The parish of Bewcastle and Border Reivers history. Guests are invited to meet at Bewcastle Church at 2 pm. A local historian will give us a guided talk about this remote area, there is indication that people lived here 4000 years BC. We will then drive the short distance to the Parish Hall at Roadhead for tea and a social. We will find 31 Border Reiver family shields around the walls, your ancestors may be among them. Update: Numbers please book in with Judy Hill Tel: 01455 552534 or e-mail [email protected] The FPS Council and Overseas branch delegates are planning a meeting here in the late morning, the only private activity of the week, participants will be invited by letter. Update: FPS delegates private meeting A.M. Please be sure to reply direct to Mary Longsdon M.B.E. as soon as convenient. Saturday 29th September The Grand Finale Sponsored by Hardendale Fell Pony Stud at Rackbeck, Littlefield, Hethersgill, CA6 6HX, 11 A.M start by kind permission of Barry and Tracy Mallinson. Full program of displays, demonstrations and entertainment. Various arena displays, an illustrated talk sponsored by the Wood-Gee family of Vyv and Elsa's epic ride from John o Groats to Landsend. Refreshment van and FPS sales stand in attendance. Sale of 'Made Ponies' 3 years and upwards, riding and/or driving /working. Anyone with a registered native pony for sale can book in with Tracey on 01228 675814. Demonstrate what your pony can do in the new full size arena and any interested party will have the opportunity to have a trial workout later in the day. The sale is a totally private deal between vendor and purchaser The FPS and Officers cannot be held responsible for any misrepresentation or faults found at a later stage. All we ask is a small commission of 2% of agreed purchase price. Auction of Gifts :To help fund this week, Items accepted by the four Publicity, Promotions and Projects Committee. Thank you. Notes All ponies taking part in any section of the week must have appropriate insurance cover, at least third party. Riders must wear approved standard hats and reflective items when and where necessary. The FPS is not responsible for any accident or loss/ damage to belongings, self or pony. Please be responsible.
Please book in with each days contact number as soon as possible so you are not disappointed. Some venues are very popular. Please Note: that Jane Glass & Judy Hill’s phones will be un-manned from September 19th they will be in regular contact with Mr. & Mrs. Charlton if anyone really needs to contact them after this date.
Websites that may help you Accommodation for people and ponies, also places of interest for a day off. TIC Tourist Information Centres: www.visitnorthumberland.co.uk www.visitenglandnorthwest.com www.hadrianswallcountry.org Brampton TIC tel/fax 0169 773433 Hexham TIC Wentworth Car Park, tel 01434 652220
www.english-heritage.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk B & B for horses from British Horse Society, [email protected] Hope to see you in September for a fun week.
Fell Pony Society Publicity, Promotions and Projects sub committee. Judy Hill (chairman) 01455 552534 email [email protected]
Bob Charlton 01434 673262 Barry Mallinson E-mail [email protected] or Tel: 01228 675814 Jane Glass Tel: 01509 880261 Judy Hill E-mail [email protected] or Tel: 01455 552534
If anyone would like to get involved in any of the following, please contact one of the above committee members: 1 Stewarding, car parking, escorting foreign visitors, offering pony accommodation at cost for visitors, transporting and helping to man the FPS sales stand etc. 2 Arranging a display or demonstration - especially a smart private driving one. Giving an introduction to an entertainer - equine or otherwise, teacher or instructor of any kind. Foals, fillies and colts (junior members input?) Do please come forward with ideas.
A final plea
3 Willing to sponsor any part? Private person, business or Stud. All will be acknowledged in future programmes etc. Rosettes, printing programmes and fliers, entertainment, hiring toilets, sponsoring refreshments etc. Maybe 1 or 2 studs who do a lot of business oversees would like to sponsor the Overseas Delegates and FPS Council's business meeting? Any offer from £25 to £500 would be welcomed.