Happily, I can say this is my second time of having the honour to present the Chairman’s Report to this amazing Committee.

I am pleased to say that we have survived our first year without Sue at the helm. A few twists and turns but all in all a successful year, I think.

The main event of the year was ‘Sue’s Spring Ride’. A fitting tribute to a great lady. I think it goes without saying that the day was a huge success. We sent out and (luckily) retuned 110 riders. That was the largest number we have ever attracted and demonstrates the support and friendship of the equestrian community for Sue.

As always, there were obstacles to overcome – a small matter of Equine Flu – which had not bargained with the tenacity of Sarah & Sue – a formidable team who were not about to let anyone in without the necessary credentials!!

Parking was like trying to get a quart into a pint pot – but again no problem for our dream team of Jayne and Alex, who can squeeze the largest of vehicles into the smallest of spaces. Parking at Mortimer’s – well that was another matter!!

Catering (Pam & Tracy) and Marshalling (Jenny and all the team) – professional as always. The Raffle and Hamper amazed us all – taking 2 people to deal with the sales of tickets. Thanks to everyone who donated and especially to Laura who produced an amazing centrepiece with her Hamper and Caroline and Kerry who held it together.

And without Pat, it would not have come together as it did. Calm under pressure and organised, the entries ran like a dream. A big ask under the circumstances and a massive ‘thank you’.

The daffodils heads were a show stopper – especially when Sarah went into the Co Op shopping still wearing hers – although worryingly, the majority of shoppers thought it quite normal.

The weather was kind to us, and we raised £1703.66 from the ride and an amazing £775.00 from the raffle. From that we donated £1900.00 to St Catherine’s Hospice in memory of Sue.

We received fantastic support from local businesses and individuals in the form of raffle Prizes and monetary donations and I would like to express our thanks to them all.

Having Alan and a number of family members at the ride made the day ‘extra special’ and one that I think we will always remember. I think we did her proud.

Following on from the ride we had some excellent press coverage and an article on St Catherine’s Website and in their magazine. Some great recognition for Sue and UWBA and the contribution that we as a group have made to the local area.

Over the Summer months we continued to support Longton Riding Club by running and sponsoring the Handy Pony Classes. Our following continues to grow year on year and we are now seeing a new generation of children coming through. Our efforts to scare have escalated with little or no effect. I still feel that a fire wall would be a good addition, but Sarah is yet to be convinced.

The Desensitisation Travelling Road Show visited Pony Club Camp again and was as well received as ever. Following on from that, we took the decision to hold a De Sensitisation event at Pauls Farm. We were pleased at the support that we received – a full 3 hours and we could have gone on for longer. We raised £75 which was donated to St Catherine’s Hospice. Mortimers have agreed to host a similar event over the summer – yet to be arranged.

Sadly, the dressage events we had planned did not receive enough support and so were cancelled. Maybe we need to look at this again over the summer.

The Halloween ride was its normal success with good support and great costumes. We raised £1137.86 from the ride and £94.00 from the raffle –

another great day, despite the rain beforehand which set out to scupper the day. A bit of rerouting ensured that it went without a hitch.

The Christmas Meal – thank you Jenny – was a fabulous night, albeit a bit later than planned. Good food and good friends – what a way to celebrate Christmas.

The development of the Test Track is soon to commence. Let’s see if the Developers are as good as their word in the provision of our new paths in and around the site. We need to monitor it closely as it progresses.

The Green Links Programme around South Ribble continues and a number of new ‘multi use paths’ have been created. Around the Tram Road area and along Western Drive we now see ‘horse friendly’ paths which once upon a time would have been unthinkable. We have ourselves to thank for making it possible and must continue to push to increase the network further.

Project 2026 has gained momentum and over the last year, together with Liz Roskell and Caroline, we have undertaken some research into a number of ‘old routes’ which need to be claimed. It is a laborious process, luckily one that Liz enjoys, and I want to take the opportunity to thank her for her help.

Projects that we looked at for 2019/20 were:

· Memorial Path to Sue – Despite agreeing that Nixon Lane Woods would be fitting, it has proved too difficult to do so far. But never say never – it will be done at some point I am sure.

· Bridge over the River Lostock towards Emnie Lane – sadly this did not happen mainly due to cost and land ownership

· Creating a map of the local rides – Chris Harrison has agreed to take this on for us and I will be submitting routes to him

· Updating the Web Site and Social Media Coverage – the new website is now up and running thanks to Pat and looks great. Still a few tweaks and additions but nearly there.

· Organising some Dressage competitions – well, we tried.

Looking forward to 2020/21

· Proposals for a Memorial Path for Sue – discussions are already underway for a path on the land at Western Drive, near to Bobby the Horse and awaiting costings. This will create approximately 2km more paths and a new circular route. So, subject to everyone’s agreement, let another round of Grant Applications commence.

· Having failed to get the ‘bridge over the River Lostock’ – SRBC are happy that we try and pursue a ‘ford’ option

· The Spring and Halloween rides are planned as normal

· More Desensitisation clinics – Pauls Farm and Mortimers

· Dressage competition(s)

· Continue with DMMO Applications

Willing Volunteers for any of those jobs would be very welcome.

Following the creation of a new Logo, we now need to rebrand. Not all at once but gradually. Many of the signs in and around the parks are looking tired, many are missing or damaged. I feel it would be a good time to replace them – Jayne get your drill out!

Also, the large signs in the parks are ready for a coat of stain. Maybe a good time to get them done too?

The traffic situation on the local roads will not improve in the near future. We can expect an influx of HGV’s to the Test Track site and then an ongoing increase in the number of cars as the houses are occupied. It is therefore imperative that we, continue with the work that we are doing and as a strong and cohesive group to be reckoned with.

In addition to what will be a busy year for everyone already, a bit more pressure is good for us. If you want something doing give it to a busy person to do!! And we ALL fall into that category!

I am always very mindful of the saying that behind ‘every good man is a good woman’ – the same applies to a good Committee. Without all of you, UWBA would cease to exist. So, for your continuing support and hard work I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’.

So, let’s have another successful and enjoyable year.