Twenty five years was a key figure celebrated at the South Notts Final Furlong Ball and Midlands Area Awards, held on Sat evening at Newark Showground.
Philip Armson
Mark and Pat Barthorpe, our staunch and passionate supporters, have been generously sponsoring the Area for twenty five years. It was rather fitting that they presented the Mark Ashton Memorial Trophy awarded for services to the sport in the Area, to Mary Cherry-Downes. As a Fixture Secretary to both the Midlands Area Club and South Notts Point-to-Point, Mary has organised twenty five fixtures. Although no longer a Secretary Mary remains a key figure on both the respective committees.
Mary Cherry-Downes with Mark and Pat Barthorpe
The Rowan Cope Award, for a notable riding achievement, was presented to a surprised Dale Peters. Dale rode a fantastic treble at the Fernie Point-to-Point at Dingley, the day after suffering a crunching fall at Hexham. Two of the winners were maidens, one beat a heavily backed horse of Rowan Cope’s in a tight and driven finish.
Jack Andrews receiving the Leading Mare Award won by Teeton Power
Jane Clayton, Kelly Fretwell and team organised a fabulous evening of Dinner and Dancing which was enjoyed by a sellout 260 guests, partying into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Helen Connors collecting the award for Family Affair winner, SHE’S REAL.
We all look forward to the first fixture of the 2018-19 season in the Midlands – 16th Dec at Clifton on Dunsmore (Atherstone).
Dale Peter collecting the Leading Male Rider award from Mark Barthorpe.
A selection of pictures kindly taken by Barbara Jones of some of our ‘Stars of the Season’