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THE TRAILS TRUST GOVERNMENT PETITION

The Trails Trust has written the message below to their members referring ot a petition which should be to the benefit of all horseriders. Please consider signing up and passing the message on to anyone you think might be interested.

"As part of The Trust’s continuing campaign for equestrian access to all cycle paths in the Country we have created a Government Petition asking for legislation to ensure all non-motorised users are treated equally.

If you, your family or friends believe in fairness and an end to discrimination against a minority user group, please sign this petition and ask them all to do so.

David Cameron is on record as saying he believes any petition that has 100,000 signatures should be debated by Parliament. So that is our target – 100,000 by September 11th irrespective of who wins the election. There are millions of horse riders, cyclists and walkers who use the nation’s network of bridleways, and we hope everyone will present a united front on this important safety issue.

Please also contact your MP and any Ministers you can think of – if you put ‘Who is my MP ?’ on Google, etc. you can find their email address by typing in your own postcode.

The text of the petition is as follows:

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Legislate to end discrimination on cycle paths

    Since 1968 all bridleways, irrespective of width, sightlines,
    surface, urban or rural, have been legally shared by walkers,
    cyclists and horse riders. Yet legislation ensures access only
    to walkers and cyclists on cycle paths. Bridleways are used as
    part of the Safe Routes to School network, yet horse riders,
    over 85% of whom are women and children, are forced onto
    dangerous roads instead of sharing safe, off road cycle paths.
    There are well over 29 accidents between horse riders and
    vehicles per day, 10,658 per year, many of which result in
    death or serious injury. There is no justification at all for
    discriminating against this vulnerable user group. Please put
    right the wrongs of the last 40 years and save lives.

Please use the following link and sign up now: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Access4All/.

If you use Twitter, Facebook or UTube please use them to spread the word and ask everyone who walks, cycles or rides to support this campaign."

Deadline to sign up by: 11 September 2010.

Chris Taylor

Added - 24/02/2010
 

CHESHIRE WIN THE 2009 WEST RIDING CHALLENGE TROPHY

Congratulations to the team of Pat Guerin riding Zhiwah and Chant, Terry Madden riding Medraar, Helen Newton riding Ley Lader and Sharna McClelland riding Fan Tan.

The presentation will be at the Cheshire Forest Frolic. (Not sure which day).

More details will appear in the next edition of the Newsletter due shortly.

Chris Taylor

Added - 21/02/2010
 

ADVERTISEMENTS OVER 3 MONTHS OLD

Many of the entries on our advertisements page are very old and, although I ask advertisers to let me know when an advertisement is no longer required, I suspect many of them are in fact redundant. There may, of course, be many good reasons for not letting us know they are no longer required.

With a desire to make sure the Advertisements page is as useful as possible I propose to treat every advertisement as "Time Expired" after 3 months and remove contact details and prices. The current (live) advertisements will stay at the top of the page above the others.

If someone wants their advertisement to stay "live" they will have to ask for this to be done every 3 months. The date that each advertisement was posted is shown and I will see if it is feasable to add a date when it will expire.

It is possible that it will be more convenient to trawl through them once a month - in that case all items posted, say, during January will expire at the end of April so they all get at least 3 months.

I hope to start the tidying up process shortly.

You can contact us by clicking here.

Chris Taylor

Added - 16/02/2010
 

THE KENTUCKY SPONSORSHIP FORM

As many of you realise we are looking at methods of raising money to help the costs of our team at the world championships in Kentucky in 2010. If we are sending a team, plus one or two individuals then it is imperative that we send the best team and also the best prepared team as possible.

These members are representing Endurance in Great Britain and we feel it is important that we support them in every way we can, especially with the costs of transport. A figure of £20.000 is the calculation to send each member there, so we need to be raising about £120,000. Even more important is the exposure that Endurance will get at home if we can achieve this, leading in the future to a greater membership and further sponsorship.

In order to raise funds all E.G.B. members are asked to get themselves sponsored for every kilometre they ride at NCR.s, CR.s, or ER.s during the months of February, March and April.

The form is self explanatory. On the front of the card write down your own details, and then the name, address and telephone number of your sponsors and include how much per km they are sponsoring you for. (either 1p per km, 5p per km or 10p per km). On the back of the card write down the date, venue and distance for each ride you have competed at and get it signed by the ride secretary on completion of the ride.

I feel in these three months the average member will be riding approximately between 100 and 200 kilometers, some maybe a little less and some many more. Aim to get at least 20 sponsors onto your cards and hopefully each member could make between £200 and £400. Having collected your sponsorship money then send your completed cards back to the EGB Office (address below) with the appropriate money by the end of April. If you complete your card early then extra cards are available from headquarters, from Robert Blane (01845 526185) or can be downloaded from the links below.

There will be a special prize for the individual who raises the most money and also for the group who does likewise.

Good luck. Keep smiling. And here’s to winning the world championships.

Click here for sponsorship form in Word .doc format.
Click here for sponsorship form in pdf format.

Endurance GB,
National Agricultural Centre,
Stoneleigh Park,
Kenilworth,
Warwickshire CV8 2RP

Added - 13/02/2010
 

PILATES FOR HORSE RIDERS
at Hixon, Staffs.

Members living near to Stafford (or prepared to travel there) may be interested to know that Sarah Light Charted Human and Veterinary Physiotherapist is starting a series of six weekly classes entitled Pilates for Horse Riders.

She tells us that class sizes are limited.

Further details can be found on the attached poster here.

Or visit her website www.staffs-vetphysio.co.uk.

Contact Sarah -
Telephone: 07969 770872
Email: sarahlight@staffs-vetphysio.co.uk.

Chris Taylor

Added - 12/02/2010
 

CANCELLED
STARTER FOR '10

I am sorry to report that this event has now been cancelled due to lack of entries. My apologies to those who are disappointed. Chris Taylor

We appreciate that, due to the adverse weather, many of you may not be as advanced in your preparations for the coming season as you may have hoped. As a result you may be considering attending the Starter for '10 but have delayed making an entry to see whether the weather improved enough to allow you to "catch up".

Unfortunately, we have now reached a position where if we don't have sufficient entries we shall have to consider cancelling this event. So, please, if you are intending to enter now is the time to contact Michelle.

If we don't have sufficient entries (or at least firm promises of sufficient entries) by next Monday (8th February) then the event will be cancelled.

You can contact Michelle at:-
Michelle France,
1, Poplar Street,
Chorley,
Lancs. PR7 3EN
Telephone: 01257 265601
Email:
franny@madhouse40.freeserve.co.uk

Added - 05/02/2010 Updated - 08/02/2010
 

ARTICLES ON HYDRATION/DEHYDRATION

Lucinda Stapleton has very kindly supplied us with two fascinating articles on hydration and dehydration in relation to our sport.

You can read the articles by following this link to the Articles Index.

Lucinda is very passionate about the subject of hydration and has written these articles in an attempt to educate people about dehydration in horses. Although she has recently embarked on a new venture with Horse Quencher the articles are not commercially-orientated.

She used to write for various magazines and newspapers and has been concerned with the cold weather we have just had and the increased incidences of impaction colic due to horses not drinking enough.

I am very grateful to Lucinda for making these articles available to us and am sure they will throw more light on this very important aspect of our horses welfare for many of us.

Chris Taylor

Added - 07/02/2010
 

FIRST AID COVER AT EGB RIDES

Set out below is a copy of the latest First Aid Guidance.

This replaces the First Aid advice given in the Health & Safety document for ride organisers held on the EGB web site.

FIRST AID COVER - Guidance on Emergency First Aid Cover at Endurance GB Ridden Events

The Health and Safety of all people involved in or affected by activities organised by Endurance GB is of paramount importance. Hence suitable and sufficient Emergency First Aid coverage is an essential mandatory component of all Ridden Events (ie National and Training Rides). The level and extent of cover is a matter to be determined by the Ride Organiser through the normal Risk Assessment process which will take into account inter alia location and duration of event, terrain and hazards of route, numbers and experience of participants and public, proximity to Professional Medical Services and Facilities.

The minimum requirement for all Ridden Events is that a Qualified Competent Person holding an in date First Aid at Work Certificate from an Approved Provider is available on the Venue. Suitable arrangements must also be in place to ensure that Professional Medical Services can be contacted swiftly when needed. The use of more than one individual is encouraged whenever possible. In addition, as the level of assessed risk increases the use of Paramedics and Doctors is strongly recommended.

EGB H & S Representatives: 30 October 2009.


Chris Taylor

Added - 05/02/2010
 

ONLINE UPGRADE FROM ASSOCIATE MEMBER TO FULL MEMBER

Did you know that in addition to entering many rides online you can also upgrade from Associate Member to Full Member online?

The EGB website has recently enhanced Membership Renewals on the web within the EGB website to allow Associate Members to upgrade to Full Membership.

Associate Members who wish to do this should:

    i) Go to the Members Only area of the EGB website and enter their allocated EGB membership number and use their postcode as a password.

    ii) Click on “Apply for your website account password”, where they will be asked to enter their name, postcode and email address.

    iii) They will then receive their password by email if their name, postcode and email address they enter agrees with the records held by EGB, else they will receive their password by snail mail.

    iv) The Associate Member can then login to their Members Account and upgrade to Full Membership. A 50% discount on Joining Fee will be applied if they are upgrading their Associate Membership within the current membership year. As you know they can also register horses at the same time.

Hopefully this will make it easier for Associate Members to upgrade if and when they wish to do so.

Chris Taylor

Added - 05/02/2010
 

4 FOR THE NORTH COMPETITION 2010

Hi from the rules and administration committee.

Firstly, thank you for registering and competing in this competition in 2009. If you didn’t where were you? The aim of this competition is to move away from ‘the most distance covered at speed’ method of celebrating success and using an adaptation of the French Formula, rewarding the thinking rider and to promote good preparation and skilled riding. Riding at a speed suited to the terrain, avoiding elimination by the vet and finishing with a low final heart rate (for the horse that is), will achieve the best results.

As you know the progress of the competition through the season is publicised regularly through the website for EGB, and you can plot the progress of all the entrants throughout the season. In 2008 we had contestants from EGB and SERC in Northumberland, Cumbria, Durham, Dumfries, Scottish Borders, North East Yorkshire and Lancashire. The prizes sponsored by Bedmax were superb. The winner of the 2009 Bedmax Trophy was, Robert Newall riding Pocket, who received an engraved trophy and an embroidered rug, 2nd Phil Rice with Jewel from Lancashire, who received an embroidered saddlecloth and 3rd Julie Martin with Solitaire’s Star from North East Yorkshire, who received an embroidered waistcoat.

The winner of the 2009 Cottee Trophy was Angela Johnson with her horse Bright Destiny, who received an engraved trophy and an embroidered rug, 2nd Paul Axcell on Ash and 3rd Barbara Austin riding Bonnie Lass.

As you will know the competition is open to anyone countrywide who registers with the administrator by e mail as soon as they are planning their rides (no entries in retrospect). The competition this year follows the same successful format of the best of 4 rides counting towards the trophy points.

It costs nothing to enter, and you gotta be in it to win it!

Jackie Axcell has agreed to be the administrator of the competition for this season. Our marketing and PR person, has and will keep the sponsors, Bedmax and Classic Upholstery & Foam, fully aware of the promotional coverage of the competition. The same companies are also sponsors for the shaving beds at the Hexhamshire Trophy Ride and Best Condition for the 64km Competitive Ride.

Click here for an application form in pdf format.

Best wishes and good luck on the trail in 2010.

Folding Stead Farmhouse
Shield Hill
Haltwhistle
NE49 9NW
Grid Ref: NY715648

EnduranceGB Northumberland & Tyneside Group

Added - 05/02/2010
 

ANNUAL AWARDS - II

Don't forget to fill in your Group Trophy and Help Registration Form for 2010.

Cheshire Group Trophy Registration form in Word .doc format updated Jan 2010.
Cheshire Group Trophy Registration form in pdf format updated Jan 2010.

You need to register using this form to qualify for the Group Trophies.

Don't forget to order your tickets for this year's Awards Presentation Evening and Meal on 4th February from:-
Pat Guerin
The Laurels,
Brick Bank Lane,
Allostock,
Knutsford, Cheshire
WA16 9LZ
Tel: 01477 534194
Email:
pat.guerin@talk21.com.
See Social Events for more details of the evening.




Added - 24/01/2010
 

ANNUAL AWARDS
Members enjoying their meal in 2008         Anna Collins (Maizie) presented The Showgirl II Trophy by Liz Finney in 2008

It's that time of year when members are asked to send their Distance Cards to Pennie Drummond so she can identify the annual award winners for our AGM and Presentation evening on the 4th February 2010.

Distance cards should be submitted to Pennie by 31st December 2009.
Please complete the following before forwarding:
  • Include a copy of your Mastercard(s) for your competitive events (National points for placings and gradings are now included as well as distance).
  • Please include distance totals in Kilometres.
  • Remember to include the ride where you helped and mark this with an H in the Ride Type column and 32 km in the Distance column.
  • To qualify for the Group’s Trophies you MUST have helped at a ride. All members will receive annual or accumulative awards as appropriate.
  • Remember only 4 charity or non-endurance rides to count. Please indicate on your card which ones have been included in your total should there be more listed. All Bridleway Groups rides count. Sport Endurance rides are not recognised and do not qualify for inclusion.
  • If you wish for confirmation of safe receipt please include an SAE or an email address.
  • Cards received after December 31st 2009 will only qualify for annual kilometre rosettes/accumulative awards.
  • Address for Pennie: Pine View Farm, 69 Northwich Road, Cranage, Nr Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 9LE.
  • Ensure correct postage is used - Pennie will NOT collect any items from the sorting office should an insufficient notification card be received.
Don’t forget you lucky people who won trophies last year to ensure that they are engraved and clean.
Please contact Pennie to arrange for their safe return to her..




Added - 22/11/2009
Updated - 27/12/2009
 

EQUITHON SUCCESS - £10,800 RAISED FOR CHARITIES

Click for a larger image         Click for a larger image
Pictures courtesy of www.thefotografer.co.uk.

We are very lucky in Cheshire that throughout the late summer and autumn months there are a number of endurance and charity donation rides to prolong our riding season – so the Cheshire Group took a bit of a gamble with introducing a new type of endurance ride as a charity fund raising event into the riding calendar at this time of year.

Designed in parallel with our counterpart two legged running events, the Equithon was the UK’s first sponsored horse riding charity challenge to ride either a full (26.5 miles) or half (13.2 miles) marathon distance, either by riding as an individual rider or in a team of 4 riders....if a marathon can be achieved on two legs, then why not 4?

Seven charities were preselected from which the riders could choose up to two to support and raise sponsorship for. The charities supported by this first event were:
  • HAPPA;
  • World Horse Welfare;
  • The Brooke;
  • Spinal Injuries Association;
  • Christies;
  • Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Imagine Appeal; and the
  • North West Air Ambulance.


The ride intended to accommodate a larger number of riders than the Milton Green pleasure ride held in the same area and so the hunt began for a larger venue to host the event. This hunt began last January! Given the wet weather over the last couple of summers it proved impossible to secure a large field from one of the local farmers. Through a couple of acquaintances working for Grosvenor Farms the concept of the event was put forward to his Grace, the Duke of Westminster and to our delight (and relief) he very kindly allowed us to host the event on the former aerodrome on the Eaton Estate south of Chester and allow us to ride through part of the Estate grounds. We could not have hoped for better!

In addition to the meadows, deer park and woodland on the Eaton Estate, the riding route utilised bridleways of the Bishop Bennett Way, stubble fields, hunting tracks, meadows and other permissive bridleways over private land. There were plenty of opportunities to let the horse stretch their legs – including one meadow that was nearly ¾ mile long! The 26.5mile route had approximately 19 miles of off road riding –quite an achievement.

The event day was Sunday 13th September. The spell of warm weather had just begun. We were blessed with a lovely sunny and dry day and the ground conditions for riding could not have been better. 120 riders arrived on the day to ride the event. Approximately 75% of these riders had either done very little or no endurance riding and generally participated in other riding disciplines or shorter distance pleasure riding.

A fantastic array of horses and ponies came including Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Warm Bloods, Irish Draft, Halfinger, native breeds and coloured cobs. Edleston Equestrian Academy, Nantwich brought their South American Criollo horses to take part in the team events. Size...ponies to 17hh! Not quite as international as the horse breeds, most of the riders came from the Cheshire area – however, the event did attract riders from as far as Buxton, Derbyshire and Chorley, Lancashire. A couple of riders travelled from as far as Dumfriesshire, Scotland to participate. The atmosphere at the venue was very relaxed and despite a couple of occurrences throughout the day (generally to be expected), the day ran very smoothly on the whole. The riders filtered out onto the course from 9.30am onwards and all made it safely around the course. Helpers out on the course commented that it was riding very fast...coupled with the good going, it was obvious that the riders had invested time into their horses to get them fit for the event. The contrast on the faces of some of the riders from showing a little anxiety at the start to smiles of achievement at the finish was wonderful to see. The horses too came in alert and in great condition.

After vetting, the ride results were as follows:
Class PositionRiderHorseTime
EquithonElite RiderWinnerVicki PlackettBay Dhalami3hrs 2mins
 Elite RiderRunners UpSharna MacClelland 3hrs 18mins
 Elite RiderRunners UpSuzanne ChamberlainNight Owl3hrs 30mins
 Open RiderWinnerKay ChapmanChessgrove Cavalier3hrs 22min
 Open RiderRunner upJune MorlandThomas4hrs 14mins
EquithonElite Team ChallengeWinnersNicola WoodheadMuzcovzdo3hrs 20mins
   Sue NorcropEmily 
   Gill ComleyDaniel Dee 
   Linda BrewerEcclesbourne Gold 
EquithonOpen Team ChallengeWinnersLaura BairdPituffa3hrs 39mins
   Isabelle DellerFatima 
   Adam MorganUpa 
   Mark DouglasCherruq 
  Runners UpSue CrossFoley4hrs 1min
   Joanne LangrishTom 
   Ann LangrishBert 
   Susan BenthamShannon 
Half EquithonElite RiderWinnerCathy KynastonOzzy1hr 48mins
 Elite RiderRunner UpCarol TaylorEbony VI1hr 48mins
 Open RiderWinnerAmanda CorryVelvet1hr 24mins
 Open RiderRunner UpNicola PeplerMischief11hr 44mins
Half EquithonOpen Team ChallengeWinnersJason MorganJack1hr 46mins
   Ellen MorganCarrun 
   Samantha ScalesBeano 
   Roz LoftsZac 
Half EquithonOpen Team ChallengeRunners UpJackie AsquithGold Crest2hrs
   Louise WilliamsMartha 
   Joanne DarcyDiamond Fox 
   Julie Ann RobinsonGrande Finale 


The ride proved to be a huge success: happy riders and happy horses and, through the fantastic efforts by the riders to raise sponsorship, an amazing £10,800 has been raised for the charities.

Comments returned:

George VII from the Cheshire Horse web site: “I had a great day, one of the best rides I've taken my "trusty steed" to. Thought the ride was fab and the event well organised, and it was great to meet like minded, friendly riders, all out for a good time with their horses. Will be there next year if the event is going to be held. Well done to everyone”

El&ol from the Bridleways website: “We had a great time the event was very well organised”

Henryhorse from the Bridleways website: “I thoroughly enjoyed this ride - Thank you for organising it. The route was really well marked. My lad finished with the lowest heart rate of the season so far so he's obviously fitter than I realised”

The Cheshire Group would like to take this opportunity to thank their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of Westminster for their generosity by allowing us the aerodrome and privilege of riding through the Eaton Estate; staff of the Eaton Estate and Grosvenor Farms for their time, help and support for this event; local landowners and Cheshire West Council.

For their generous sponsorship and provision of prizes, we would like to thank the following:
  • ABC Together Ltd;
  • Crewe Saddlery Ltd;
  • Hallwood Feed Store;
  • Chevalian Equine Spa;
  • Landtech Solutions Ltd;
  • Nantwich Saddlery;
  • Youngs Animal Feeds Ltd (Sweetmeadow range);
  • Chelford Farm Supplies;
  • Living Venture Restaurants;
  • The Handy Range;
  • Cheerbrook Quality Farm Foods Ltd; and
  • Malcolm Jones.
For the provision of services in support of the event, we would like to extend our thanks to:

  • Vets, Rhiannan Holmes and Catriona Moon;
  • First Aid Services;
  • Lucky Horseshoe Club;
  • Thistle Catering;
  • Oswestry Toilet Hire; and
  • Blue Print Studios.
Finally, and on a personal note, I would like to thank Liz Finney, Maggie Maguire and Jane Evison for their time over the last 9 months to help organise this event; members of the Cheshire Group and friends for their time to help out before, on and after the event. We would not have succeeded without you all – thank you.

Steph Wagstaff Bethell

Added - 30/11/2009
 

CADENCE EXHIBITION - 21-22 November 2009

Click for a larger image
The Cheshire Group Stand

A big thank you to everyone who came up to say "Hello". We met many riders who are thinking of trying Endurance Riding and answered as many questions as we could. If, for any reason you missed us, have forgotten (or are confused by) something we said or you have another burning question you wished you had asked please send an email by clicking here and we'll do our best to help.

We would, of course, be pleased if you decide to join us but, if you are still unsure if Endurance is for you, we would invite you to visit us at one of our events to see what goes on or even maybe help a little if you wish. We don't think you'll regret it.

Please keep an eye on our What's On page to keep up with next year's events as they are firmed up.

Finally, as always, a big thank you to those who manned the stand.

Just a minute - what's this?
Mary King changing disciplines?

Click for a larger image of Mary King driving round the arena

Chris Taylor

Added - 22/11/2009
 

ANDRAYA HISCOCK
Human and Equine Physiotherapy and Pilates


Click for a larger image
Andraya (in pink top) with Nina

We recently drew your attention to Sarah Light, a human and equine physiotherapist based in Uttoxeter.

We can now introduce you to Andraya Hiscock (BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, HPC, Post Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy, Category A member ACPAT) who lives in Stockport. Andraya provides specialist freelance physiotherapy services for horses, dogs, cats and other animals across the north west and the UK from her base at Brookhouse Farm, Brookhouse Lane, Congleton. Horse and Rider Assessment, Physiotherapy Pilates Principles for Horseriders and the new Hydrotherapy for Horseriders are services provided and developed especially with riders in mind at Brookhouse Farm.

Contact Andraya by telephone: 07971 879 430;
by email: andraya@animalphysiouk.com; or
visit her website at:- http://www.animalphysiouk.com/.

Chris Taylor

Added - 22/11/2009
 

TRICIA HIRST - MARATHON LADY

Group member Tricia Hirst has sent this message:-

"Having done the London Marathon this year and having just returned from completing the New York marathon, I have just had my entry accepted for my next challenge - The Comrades marathon which is actually an Ultra marathon 56 miles in under 12 hours. This takes place in South Africa every year and you can read all about it at www.comrades.com/. Runners come from all over the world and out of the 20,000 runners they only accept 5,000 first time novice runners each year. These places were taken up within 27hrs of the opening date.

I am hoping to raise funds for two causes. The first is the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre which many of you helped me in raising £3,700 for them when I ran London. I know many of you, like me (my brother has MS), are touched by people who have this disease and the MSRC sorely needs our funds. Please look at my webpage www.justgiving.com/Tricia-Hirst.

Also next year, as many of you know EGB are going to try and send a team to the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. However, because we are not an olympic sport we have to raise a lot of funds ourselves. I have always strongly believed that money should not stop anyone putting their name forward to compete on a British team. So any money you can spare would go towards the team effort to enable anyone who is selected to have the opportunity to go and fly the flag for us. If you would like to help in this way and sponsor me on my endurance challenge please send me a cheque made out to EGB and send to me at:
                                                                   Cefn du Bach, Meifod, Powys SY22 6YF
or give it to me at the AGM. I will then make sure it goes directly towards helping the British team. We would be very grateful no matter how much or how little you can afford.

Thank you."


Well done and best of luck from all of us Tricia - Chris Taylor

Added - 22/11/2009
 

DO YOU HOLD A FIRST AID AT WORK CERTIFICATE?
(Or are you interested in obtaining one?)

Liz Finney would like to hear from anyone who already holds a First Aid At Work certificate or anyone prepared to take the necessary steps to obtain one of these certificates.

The holders of such certificates understand the importance of having this type of experience and could put it to good use as a First Aider at one of our rides (though hopefully not too often).

Please contact Liz on 01565 633310 or by email: liz@endurancegbcheshire.co.uk

Chris Taylor

Added - 15/11/2009
 

WARNING - UNEXPECTED PLAITS IN MANES AND TAILS

A horse owner at Bryn Bedw,Llangynhafal was surprised recently to find a strange small plait in the mane of one of her horses.

The following tale (which could explain this strange event) was sent to me in good faith and I pass it on to you in the same vein:

On Monday (2 Nov) night my friend’s horse was stolen from a field in the Guildford area. The people who took her sawed through a wooden post and rail fence to get out and this happened between 3pm and 6pm in the afternoon.

The police were informed and so were the microchip company who circulated her details to all the ferry ports etc.

As you can imagine the owner was completely distraught.

Late Tuesday (3 Nov) afternoon she received a phone call from the police to say her horse had been found in Holyhead, Wales. She was tied to a railing at the ferry port and the ferry to Ireland had gone without her. So today she is driving to Wales to pick her up.

Several things have come to light in this story:

1. A week ago her horse had a small plait in its mane when she went to get her in from the field. She describes it as very small, almost like a tangle. She disregarded it as kids messing about (her horses are out in a field with others). However, this is how people mark horses to be stolen later i.e. one person marks them, another then comes later and knows which one to take.

2. The ferry port at Holyhead do not check horses passports or microchips. This horse was travelling without a passport.

3. The police believe the reason this horse was left behind was because she was microchipped. Although the UK is lax about passport and microchip checking, it is apparently more common for horses to be scanned on entering Ireland. The people who take them will scan them and dump them if they find a microchip. This horse also had a large obvious scar so this may have been a contributing factor.

The police told her that horses being dumped at a ferry terminal is not uncommon and they usually turn out to be stolen. They have had horses left in a lorry on the actual ferry!

This story has a happy ending for H and E, but it makes you wonder how many other stolen horses were on that ferry to Ireland.

The owner has asked me not to give any more details because of the police investigation that is on going, but has given her permission for me to relay this story, mainly to highlight:

1. If you find your horse with a small plait in its mane or tail please do not ignore it. I thought it was common knowledge that people knew about this, but several people I've spoken to since were not aware of it.

2. If your horse isn’t microchipped please consider doing it. The owner of this horse describes her as ‘nothing flashy, just a normal 14.2 bay mare’ so please don’t think it couldn’t happen to you.

Please do not ask me to provide more details regarding the horse or owner as I can’t, but please spare a happy thought today for H and E who should be having a (probably very emotional) reunion in Holyhead later on today.

Please forward this email onto any other horsey people you know. The more people who know about plaits and microchips the better...


So, along with all the other security measures you take, please keep a look out for the appearance of a small plait in any of your horses manes or tails.
Mention this to anyone with horses who may not appreciate the possible reason for a plait suddenly appearing.


Chris Taylor

Added - 15/11/2009
 

JACKIE THOMPSON CHARITY RIDE
September 2009


L. to R. Ann Pomfret, Leanne and Albert Thompson with grandsons Jake and Connor, Mr Hassan, and Christine Harding, Dark Peak Bridleways Assoc.

Christine Harding has written to thank all Cheshire EGB riders who supported the Charity Ride organised by the Dark Peak Bridleways Association in September in memory of Jackie Thompson.

Thanks to match funding from Barclays negotiated for the organisers by Ann Pomfret, they were able to present a cheque for £1,400 to Mr Hassan, Jackie's consultant at The Christie, which will go towards research into ovarian cancer.

Picture shows L. to R. Ann Pomfret, Leanne and Albert Thompson with grandsons Jake and Connor, Mr Hassan, and Christine Harding, Dark Peak Bridleways Assoc.

Well done to all riders, Barclays and the Dark Peak Bridleways Association for organising the event.

Chris Taylor

Added - 02/11/2009
 

HELEN NEWTON at COSFORD GRANGE
on 27th September 2009


Helen Newton with Ley Lader at Cosford Grange

Sue Evans writes:-

I attach a photo of mine of Helen Newton at the Cosford Grange Ride on 27th September 2009. Helen and Ley Lader completed and passed with flying colours on the 80Km CR.

This was Helen's (Vadeer gelding) Ley Lader's first attempt at 80 kms and they were delighted to pass and fly the Cheshire Flag.

Well Done Helen, you both looked really good on route and I'm so pleased you liked the miles of canters on this new competitive ride. The ride added an 80kms class at the last moment to accommodate Helen and a few others.Thanks for coming we hope to see you all again next year.

Well Done.


Added - 25/10/2009
 

CADENCE EVENT AT AINTREE
21st & 22nd November 2009

Last year the Group had a stand at the Cadence event held at the Aintree International Equestrian Centre where we explained the pleasures of Endurance to anyone who stopped by. It was seen as an ideal chance to bring Endurance to the attention of a horse orientated audience that might have very limited knowledge of what we do.

Cheshire Endurance Group are manning a stand for EGB again this Year at this prestigious event. Last year the exhibition was very successful and attracted many people. It is the largest of its kind in the North-West.

As there is racing at Aintree on the Saturday and this year Mary King (amongst many others) is performing in the ring on both days there should be an even wider and larger audience to tempt into the Endurance world.

So, if you are at the event, whether you are an experienced endurance rider, someone who is just starting out in the sport or, maybe, someone who is thinking about giving it a whirl do stop by and say "Hello". We will be pleased to talk Endurance to anyone who wants to ask a question, tell us of an experience (good or bad) or just be friendly.

It's a great sport and we want to share it with as many visitors as we can.

If any of you are willing to spend an hour or so on the stand we would welcome your help.

Ticket prices are reduced by 20% if you purchase them in advance on-line and at the time of writing this is the programme of events in the ring each day:-

  • 9AM - SHOW OPENS
  • 9.30 - 10.30 MARY KING
  • 10.30 - 11.00 ASTRID BOLTON, SPORT HORSES
  • 11.00 - 11.30 MIKE JONES, DRESSAGE
  • 11.45 - 12.10 WEST LANCS DOG DISPLAY TEAM
  • 12.30 - 1.00 EQUINE VAULTING
  • 1.00 - 1.30 ASTRID BOLTON, SPORT HORSES
  • 1.30 - 2.00 MIKE JONES, DRESSAGE
  • 2.15 - 2.45 WEST LANCS DOG DISPLAY TEAM
  • 3.00 - 3.30 EQUINE VAULTING
  • 3.30 - 4.30 MARY KING
  • 5PM - SHOW CLOSES


  • For more details of the event and advance tickets visit their website here.

    Chris Taylor - updated by Maggie Maquire

    Updated - 25/10/2009
     

    HELPERS REQUIRED PLEASE
    at the Congleton Ride - 1st November 2009

    Pat Guerin reports that she is short of helpers for this ride.

    Please note - This is your last chance to help at a ride in 2009 in order to qualify for our wonderful selection of Cheshire Trophies.

    Please also remember, if we don't all help from time to time then these rides can't be put on. It is in our own long-term interest to help whenever we can.

    Please contact Pat on 01477 534194 or
    Email: pat@endurancegbcheshire.co.uk

    Chris Taylor

    Added - 04/10/2009
     

    KATY MELLOR
    at Pony Club Championships

    It gets even better!!!

    Katy Mellor, a Cheshire Group Junior member, came 2nd in the Intermediate Section at the Pony Club Championships at The College Ride near Bedford on 20th September.

    April Ngei from Lancashire was the winner.

    So congratulations to you as well, Katy, and to all your helpers.

    Chris Taylor

    Added - 03/10/2009
     

    SHARNA McLELLAND
    at Pony Club Championships

    Brilliant. Here's a chance to report on another local young rider achieving success.

    Sharna McClelland riding Fan Tan came 1st in the Open Individual Pony Club Championships at The College Ride near Bedford.

    Hopefully Sharna will pen a few words to tell us of her ride when she has a moment.

    Congratulations to you, Sharna, and to all your helpers.

    Sharna's ride report has now been added to our Ride Reports page and this is what she writes:-

    My name is Sharna McClelland. I first started EGB riding at the end of May 2009, where I qualified for the Pony Club Novice Individual Endurance Championship with my horse Fan Tan but since qualified to open level.

    The championship was held at Bedford on the 20th September the day after my 15th birthday where I completed a 40km ride in the minimal time of 2hrs 13mins, winning first place in the Open Individual Championship, and achieving my first ever grade one rosette. The prizes were fantastic thanks to Carr & Day & Martin and my horse is still only at novice level.

    It’s a discipline we both love and enjoy a true partnership made in heaven.

    Chris Taylor

    Added - 27/09/2009 Updated 03/10/2009
     

                            PROPOSED NEW GOVERNMENT "TAX ON HORSES"       Click to visit BHS website
    BHS Press Release on Opposing This Measure

    Karen Lewty has sent us the following Press Release relating to a proposed new Government "Tax on Horses":-

    Horse riders take action as new campaign website and e-petition to the Prime Minister go live.

    Horse riders across the UK are joining together to urge the Government to think again about imposing an unfair “tax in all but name” on every horse owner in the UK.


    The “Rethink the Horse Tax” campaign, launched today by a coalition of organisations representing a broad cross section of the UK horse industry, is calling on riders, breeders and veterinarians to make their voices heard by visiting a new campaign website – www.RethinktheHorseTax.org – and take action by writing to their constituency MPs and by signing an online petition to the Prime Minister.

    Campaigners are further concerned that plans to create a new agency will place mounting costs on horse owners at a time when Government support is needed to help boost rural economies and encourage wider participation in outdoor sport.

    Under the plans, horse owners would be charged on the same basis as keepers of livestock farm animals such as sheep and pigs – despite the fact that a significant proportion of horses are kept for leisure and sporting, rather than commercial activities, paid for from of income that is already taxed.

    Veterinary surgeons have also made it clear that plans to create a new agency responsible for animal health could needlessly complicate the process of managing outbreaks of animal disease animal health, putting at risk the clear single line of command essential in the event of a major disease outbreak. A lack of clarity over the roles of the four Chief Veterinary Officers in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland in the proposals has also been highlighted as a major concern by the campaign.

    And campaigners have further highlighted the fact that the new body would spend much of its time collecting charges from people who own just one horse (65% of horse owners), meaning that the cost of physically collecting the charge will almost outweigh the charge itself – an estimated £2.3m would be needed to collect just £4.5m from horse owners under the plans.

    With costs of £14.3m to set up and millions more to maintain the new body in the coming years, campaigners have made it clear that the proposals do not represent value for money for either the equine community or the taxpayer.

    Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the British Equestrian Federation said: “Through this campaign the horse community has an opportunity to make its voice heard and send a strong message to the Government on cost sharing. The proposals just don’t make a convincing case on how hitting horse owners with new costs and extra bureaucracy will benefit either the equine community or taxpayers in general.”

    Mark Weston, Director of Access Safety and Welfare at The British Horse Society, said: “We need to make sure that politicians in Westminster are made fully aware of the potential damage that these proposals could do to the horse sector, and the lack of any perceived benefit that they would bring to the millions of Britons who enjoy horse riding each year.”

    NOTES TO EDITORS:

    About the Rethink the Horse Tax Campaign:

    Rethink the Horse Tax is a not-for-profit campaign led by a coalition of organisations representing all parts of the UK horse industry, encompassing horseracing, leisure riding, competitive sport, professional breeding and veterinarians. Organisations behind the campaign include:

  • The British Horseracing Authority (BHA)
  • The British Equestrian Federation (BEF)
  • The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA)
  • The British Horse Society (BHS)
  • The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)
  • The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA)
  • The National Trainers Federation (NTF)
  • The Racecourse Owners Association (ROA)


  • For further information on the campaign please see: www.RethinktheHorseTax.org

    Petition to the Prime Minister:

    Further information on the Governments proposals:
  • Defra’s proposals are available to view here: www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/new-independent-body-ah/index.htm
  • Under the proposals, horse owners would be charged an annual fee of £10.50 per animal (as set out in Defra’s Impact Assessment).
  • Legislation which will bring the creation of the new quango into law was announced in the Government’s legislative agenda in July 2009. The new Bill has yet to be debated in the Houses of Parliament.


  • Chris Taylor

    Added - 29/09/2009
     

    HARRY INGRAM
    at Sherwood

    Congratulations to Harry Ingram and his helpers for coming 4th in the 120km Endurance Ride at Sherwood.

    Well done to you all.

    Chris Taylor

    Added - 23/09/2009
     

    MORE HELP REQUIRED FROM CHESHIRE GROUP MEMBERS!

    Your committee members have repeatedly asked Cheshire Group members for help at events, and it has been very obvious this year that only a few members are willing to offer help.
    If we had to rely solely on members volunteering, our rides this year would not have run. We need at least 10 helpers to run any competitive event, and usually require about 20, depending on the number of stewards needed out on route.
    The events have run as organisers have phoned round friends and family to assist. All our rides have been organised by committee members or former committee members.

    Steff Wagstaff-Bethell spent almost nine months organising the country's first Equithon, which raised over £8,500 for charity and brought endurance riding some excellent publicity. We had about 4 volunteers from Cheshire members out on the day, apart from committee members.

    We need more ride organisers. That is why the Snelson ride didn't happen and the Wirral ride, booked for July 3rd 2010, needs someone. Muriel Taylor is the secretary and I am happy to work with a new organiser, but my commitments as chef d'equipe for the British team take too much time for me to be the official organiser for next year.

    We are also having a stand at the Cadence exhibition at Aintree on November 21/22nd weekend, where again we need help. It is another good opportunity to promote the sport.

    Thank you, all of you who have helped this year, we really do appreciate it.

    Those who haven't, please think when you can offer a few hours of your time to promote the sport you enjoy, and to make sure we can run the rides and other events for your benefit.



    Liz Finney

    Added - 16/09/2009
     

    Equithon 2009
    Photographs


    161 Lisa Pritchard, 160  Laureen Roberts on Megandene, 163 Janice Ratter and 162 Louise Barson on Conor approaching the finish

    All the photos I took around the venue for this event are now available at:-

    http://muriel3.fotopic.net/

    They were taken while I was involved with other duties so are of variable quality and I wasn't able to catch everyone.

    A small selection of these will be added to this sites "Photographs" page in due course.

    The official photographers shots, which I am told will have unique and impressive backgrounds from around the Duke of Westminster's estate, will shortly be available from his website:-

    http://www.thefotografer.co.uk

    Chris Taylor

    Added - 14/09/2009
     

    Robin Hood Ride, Southwell
    Shelby France in the finishing straight at Southwell

    Michelle France writes:-

    We went to the Robin Hood ride this weekend and Shelby did the 80kcr. As you can see from the attached photo taken on a camera phone Shelby had a racing finish and won. You just had to race in when you are on such a fabulous race track with an ex racehorse.

    We had a great weekend, no rain which was the biggest shock, even the bright thing in the sky came out on Saturday. Saffi came out off the stable on Sunday morning full of beans and raring to go again, she was most disappointed when we loaded her on the trailer to come home.


    Well done Shelby.

    Added - 08/09/2009
     

    North West Inter Regional Team

    Pat Guerin writes:-

    A big THANK YOU to our North West Inter Regional Team from myself and Flick for a valiant performance at the weekend. It was a lovely venue and challenging route for all distances. We had quite a few problems but still managed 4th place out of seven and the team morale was fantastic. Thanks to all for your co-operation and support and roll on next year.

    The Cheshire Team members were Harry Ingram, Mary Korn, Shelby France, Kathryn Watterson, Katy Mellor and Sally Mellor. Well done all of you.

    Pat


    Added - 11/08/2009
     

    Endurance World Online

    I received the following message which endurance folk may be interested in:-

    Please read the 37th issue of www.enduranceworldonline.com and international e-magazine. No payment required, just open the web site and read reports on endurance rides around the world. If you have missed the previous issue no problem Each issue is archived for 24 months.

    Chris Taylor.

    Added - 20/07/2009
     

    Two Foals Stolen

    Jane Thirsk, Watch Officer, Cheshire Police has circulated the following message:-

    "STOLEN FROM CRANFORD 2AM TUESDAY

    There are 2 foals out there 7 and 8 weeks old and two mares full of milk, distraught home here. I don't know whether to dry them up or risk mastitis hoping the foals are found.

    IT IS SO SO SO IMPORTANT THAT YOU TELL AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN EVEN IF THEY DONT HAVE HORSES AS PEOPLE KNOW PEOPLE THAT DO PLEASE!!!! I WOULDN'T ASK IF I WASN'T DESPERATE."


    Please contact Jane Thirsk on 01244 612725 if you have can help in any way at all.

    Chris Taylor

    Added - 07/07/2009
     

    WIRRAL RIDE
    Photographs

    The photographs I took (all 259 of them - good and bad) on Saturday 4th July are now available at http://muriel3.fotopic.net/.
    They were all taken along the Wirral Way.

    I will add a selection suitably annotated to our Photographs web page as soon as possible.

    Don't forget the official photographers photographs will be on his web site http://www.thefotografer.co.uk on Monday 6th July.

    My apologies to anyone I missed.

    Chris Taylor

    Added - 04/07/2009
     

    Inter Regional Championships 2009
    THE TEAM

    Pat Guerin and Flick Edmeston are pleased to announce that the following riders have been selected to represent the North West Region at the Inter Regional Championships at Barbury Castle on the weekend of August 8th/9th 2009.

    100 km ER Rachel Rolfe   adv
    80 km ER Harry Ingram   (YR)   adv

    80 km CR Shelby France   (Junior)   adv with open horse
    80 km CR Linda Reeves   adv
    80 km CR Bethan Reeves   (Junior)   adv

    65 km CR Brett Corcoran   (Junior)   open
    65 km CR Molly Corcoran   (Junior)   open
    65 km CR Gee Corcoran   open

    50 km CR Diane Gillings   open

    40 km Kathryn Watterson   novice
    40 km Katy Mellor   (Junior)   novice

    Congratulations and best wishes for a successful and enjoyable competition.

    Added - 30/06/2009
     

    CHESHIRE FOREST FROLIC 2009 – THANKS

    Carol Goodwin wrote:

    Dear Pat

    Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed the Kelsall Hill ride on Sunday - it was our first ride with Endurance GB and it was very well organised and the route was very well marked, and the view over Cheshire by the radio masts was stunning. We had intended to do the whole weekend but were unable to do so because of Sue's family engagement on Saturday evening, but if you do the weekend again next year we hope to be there! Many thanks for a job well done.

    Kind regards
    Carol Goodwin & Sue Harris
    Harley & Gnashie

    110 Carol Goodwin with Harley and 111 Sue Harris with Gnashie in line for the farrier

    Niki Burns wrote:

    Dear Pat,

    I want to say a huge thank-you to you and all the volunteers for a fantastic day. Despite my "over-competitive" horse, I had a really great ride - once we got some miles under-hoof, we both really relaxed and enjoyed the journey! I don't think I've ever had so much off-road and good going in one ride. As we made our way round I become more conscious about how many people had given up their time to make it such a well-organised and pleasurable ride for us riders - we are truely spoilt. You know, I didn't even have a map (nor had I ever looked at it, since my friends from whom we had to part company with had all the details and you know, I didn't go wrong even once!!) THANK YOU!!

    Niki Burns & Skye

    107 Niki Burns with Skye at the farrier 107 Niki Burns with Skye trotting up before the start

    Added - 07/06/2009
     

    CHESHIRE FOREST FROLIC 2009 – Awards
    The Cheshire Group of ENDURANCE GB would like to thank our generous sponsors
    Baileys Horse Feeds & Estate Supplies of Ashley
    for donating a wonderful selection of prizes.

    2 Day 84 km CTR
    1st 1 Mary Korn with Dinmoor Dougall approaching the finish Mary Korn - Dinmor Dougall
    2nd 14 Sue Headland with LTF Kalisha (followed by 9 Sue Taylor Green with Moon Magician) approaching the finish Sue Headland - LTF Kalisha
    3rd 2 Kath McGee with Foxghylls Folly (followed by 3 Penny Pearce with Oakthwaite Suddara) approaching the finish Kath McGee - Foxghylls Folly
    4th 3 Penny Pearce with Oakthwaite Suddara (followed by 2 Kath McGee with Foxghylls Folly) heading for the start Penny Pearce - Oakthwaite Suddara
    5th 11 Gail Andrews with Vlacq Gilfae approaching the finish Gail Andrews - Vlacq Gilfae
    6th 4 Diane Gillings with Novah approaching the finish Diane Gillings - Novah

    SATURDAY - Delamere Forest

    42 km CTR
    Alan Brown - Bakst
    Brett Corcoran - Aja Chantelle

    32 km CTR
    Tricia Hirst - Vlacq Diamond Sparkle
    Bethan Davies - Zuleika

    The Eld Trophy - Best Shod Horse
    Vicki Drury - Irishtown Yerman

    Best Turned Out
    Senior
    Cathy Wain - Zarra Mandees
    Elizabeth Paul - Toiseach Feasgar
    Junior
    Hannah Fulford - Fred
    April Ngei - Yealand Hoopla

    SUNDAY - Kelsall Hill

    43 km CTR
    20 Cheryl Wallace with Wrightfield Omar approaching the finish Cheryl Wallace - Wrightfield Omar
    31 Yvonne Harrison with Autumn Storm trotting up at the first vet inspection Yvonne Harrison - Autumn Storm

    32 km CTR
    37 Liz Finney with Ravensdale Singer approaching the finish Liz Finney - Ravensdale Singer
    49 Kath Watterson with Midsomer Lady at the farrier Kath Watterson - Midsomer Lady

    Best Shod Horse
    Davina Suthren - Caffrey

    Best Turned Out
    Senior
    Patricia Kelly - Rock of Cashel
    Alison Crawford - Gucci
    Junior
    Amber Sole - Roxy
    Katy Mellor - Angelina Ginny

    Many thanks for the prizes to Heather Warburton from Estate Supplies Country Store, Bailey's Horse Feeds and Sue Evans (the ELD TROPHY).

    Also many thanks to all the helpers for making the ride possible.

    My apologies for not having snaps of all winners - Chris Taylor.

    Added - 02/06/2009
     

    CHESHIRE FOREST FROLIC
    Day 2 (Kelsall) Photographs

    The photographs I took (all 225 of them) on Sunday 31st May at Kelsall are now available at http://muriel3.fotopic.net/.
    They were all taken at the venue and clearly won't be a patch on the professionally taken photographs.

    I will add a selection suitably annotated to our Photographs web page as soon as possible.

    Chris Taylor

    Added - 31/05/2009
     

    New Impulsion Magazine now Online

    The British Equestrian Federation (of which EGB is a member body) has issued the following Press Release:-

    The third issue of Impulsion, the official magazine of Equestrian Team GBR, is now online at www.impulsiononline.com.

    Inside you will find an eclectic mix of articles and stunning photography as well as exclusive details on Team GBR Ontrack which officially launches this July in partnership with the equestrian Olympic and Paralympic teams via British Eventing and their Gold Medal Club, the British Show Jumping Association and British Dressage.

    Team GBR Ontrack will be open to riders and non-riders of all ages and will help to improve the enjoyment of being around, owning and competing horses with the specific aim of raising the profile of equestrian sport in the UK and the funds needed to help potential medal winners train, compete, and achieve their goals.

    There is also the usual great mix of features including an interview with infamous equestrian stunt specialist, Vic Armstrong; a fashion shoot with World Class Development rider Lara Griffiths; The Pony Club celebrating their 80th anniversary and an insight into a unique African Safari.

    As promised, since the last issue, there has been some work behind the scenes so the quality of the magazine is simply stunning. Pictures are crisper, type is easier to read and there is added zoom in functionality. There is also a new picture gallery, which includes a selection of our favourite shots including those from Badminton 2009.

    We recommend that new visitors to Impulsion read the 'How to use VCAB' guide in the top menu bar of the magazine to get some handy hints and tips on reading Impulsion.

    We hope you enjoy the new issue and that it inspires you to join Team GBR Ontrack – register now to receive priority joining information as soon as it is available and to be in with chance of winning our fantastic competition.


    It is a free read of horsey things in general but I couldn't see much relating to Endurance on a quick flick through.

    Chris Taylor

    Added - 14/05/2009
     

    STEINMARK FIRE OPAL

    Just a couple of photographs of Steph Wagstaff-Bethell's new foal Steinmark Fire Opal.

                                                                   Steinmark Fire Opal                Steinmark Fire Opal with foster Mum Golden Russet
                                                                                  Left click for a larger picture

    Sadly Steff lost Carla during the birth but, more happily, Opal has been successfully adopted by her foster Mum Golden Russet (seen in one of the photos).

    Chris Taylor

    Added - 10/05/2009
     

    News Archive

    A new page called News Archive has been created to store old news items. The intention is to remove items from this News page to the News Archive as soon as they become irrelevant. This should help keep the News page current and quicker to load - 2/5/2006
     


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