On the first Sunday in August every year the members of the East Holton Driving Centre celebrate with a barbecue and fun day for all our disabled drivers, their carers and our volunteer members in memory of Margaret Newell who was such a driving force (excuse the pun!) behind the EHDC. For ten years she organised a horse show at Holton Lee on the first Sunday in August.
Starting modestly with just a small show for local riders and drivers, such was the success that it became very popular and attracted riders and drivers from outside the county, getting bigger each year. Husband John tells me that they had 14 rings, included a dog show, and a number of demonsration events. Not one of the shows in those ten years was spoilt by rain!!
So it is that we continue the tradition of the first Sunday in August to celebrate in our own modest way and I think Margaret has her finger on the weather button because we have not been rained on that day so far!
Ready and Waiting!
Margaret Newell Day this year was a low-key, informal event, with perhaps somewhat fewer visitors than in some past years, possibly because of a number of rival attractions in the district. It was good to be able to welcome two staunch supporters in particular, one of whom had a heart attack and heart surgery recently; and the other who was involved in a traffic accident yesterday.
In addition to the traditional raffle, tombola, cake stall, book stall and barbecue, there were several competitions including Guess Marmite’s Weight and Guess How Many Sweets in a Jar. One supporter and her son had spent many hours de-rusting, silvering (well, Hammerite-ing) and decorating 13 horseshoes, which were most attractive.
As always on Margaret Newell Day, the weather was fine - dry and cloudy, but warm. Secretary Jane summed up the day as we were clearing up at 1pm, saying “it was a lovely social event, and I enjoyed it!”
Guess my Weight!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
1 EHDC calendars for 2014 are available, price £2.50. They are A4 size, laminated and have a hole for hanging. On the front is a calendar for the whole year, surrounded by thumb-nail photos of the stables & horses etc. On the back is information about EHDC. Both sides are in Glorious Technicolor!!
2 Information leaflets about EHDC are available in the Chalet, FOC. If you know of anywhere where one could be displayed (eg, community centre notice boards etc), please take one (or more).
3 There are still some decorated horseshoes available. It is also possible to order a personalised decorated horseshoe which includes names, dates etc, for example, for a wedding or new home. (Donation to EHDC funds for every one sold)
