Brownbread Horse Rescue

Open Day May 2009

Visitors were not put off by early showers last Sunday, 17 th May, when the Brownbread Horse Rescue Centre held its fund raising Open Day with about a thousand enjoying the variety of events. Many came from as far afield as Suffolk , Essex and the Isle of Sheppey.

Many of the rescued horses were available and the queue for pony rides was constant with the Centre's groom, Wendy Cornwell, ensuring that all went well.

The dog show drew over 90 entrants with many competitors entering several classes in either the Pedigree or the Novelty rings. Judges, Vic and Julie Honeyball were ably assisted by Louise & Nick taking the entries. Trophies were sponsored by the Judges and the rosettes by Michelle Tibbutt.

The colourful Iceni Belly Dancers and Sand Dancers performed on stage together with Sara Platten of the Raks Habibit Group. Also on stage was Paul and Ian from Surrey demonstrating the equipment of the German and English First World War soldiers. Helpers were invited from the audience to show off some of their gear. Steve, who regularly plays at the Ash Tree Inn, played on the guitar and sang many popular songs throughout the day. Also on stage were the Waits and Measures singers from Bexhill under the direction of Vincent singing a number of ballads.

The Senlac High-Steppers, resplendent in their blue and white dresses, performed their baton twirling in the main arena under the direction of their tutor, Pauline Hughes.

There were more classic cars than ever before and many paraded in the arena including a 1937 Austin HP 10, a 1994 Armstrong Sidley, a 1947 Armstrong Sidley Hurricane Drop Head,, a 1955 Humber Hawk, a 1936 Hilman Minx and a 1968 MGB GT Coupe.

The stalls included the Ashburnham PANTS, the Ashburnham WI, Steve's birds of prey, Pampered Chef, popguns, UKIP, Morag Hocking's plants, Erica Turton's meats and many others. Stuart Crabb was assisted on the gate entry by Chris Sinden and Ellen Gilbert controlling the parking. Angela Mitchell, Louise Bush and her daughter Jaquie together with Fern Plews served the refreshments and Paul and Tania Croft with their Children Jamie and Anthony cooked and served the Barbeque. Claire Cree and Albi Charman-Ord managed the Charity bric-a-brac stall.

In excess of £4,000. was raised on the day.