It was a double celebration at the Merriwa Pony Club on August 1 with the club not only celebrating its 75th birthday but they also welcomed four new life members.
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Merriwa is home to the country first ever pony club which was established in 1946 by a Sergeant Williams who was living in the town at the time.
The club was modelled on the clubs already operating in the United Kingdom but since that time a truly Australian version has come into existence thanks in part to the efforts of the founding club and their supporters.
The 75th birthday plans were delayed by wet weather in March but the club was keen to ensure they held a special day and also celebrated some the hard work of long term club members.
Four members were honoured for the years of dedication to the club with life memberships.
Mark Whale was joined by sisters Shirley Hockings, Pauline Lawler, Clare Martin (all née McRae).
The McRae family could now lay claim to having the most life members of any family in the pony club movement with Shirley, Pauline and Clare joining their older sister Maria Ireland, a life member of Walcha Pony Club and their mother Doris McRae also a life member of the Merriwa Pony Club.
in a speech on the day De Patterson said "On behalf of the Merriwa Pony Club, I would like to say a massive thank you to these three wonderful ladies.
"The time and energy you have put in to not only the club, but to the zone is incredible. Your passion and dedication to the sport is a credit to you and certainly does not go unnoticed.
"On a personal note, I would not be the rider I am today without the influence and coaching of Aunty Shirley, Aunty Pauline and Mum.
"Kids, listen to your parents, turns out they actually do know what they're talking about.So, thank you for literally carting us all around the country-side and for your never-ending encouragement and support. To say you are an inspiration to myself and many other past and present riders would be an understatement."
Clare Martin said the four new life members were thrilled and honoured to receive the award.
"The organisers kept it a secret which is impressive in our community," she said.
"Pony Club has played such an important part in our lives and that of so many country kids - run by volunteers who know about horsemanship it is a fantastic organisation.
"Just look at the equestrian team in Tokyo - Andrew Hoy who won an individual bronze and team silver medal was a pony club member and so were others in the team."
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
