Local Heroes

LOCAL HEROES RAISING MONEY FOR THE NEW PAVILION FUND
ARE YOU SUPPORTING AND SPONSORING THEM?

GRAND FUND RAISING AUCTION
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We are delighted to be able to confirm that the Grand Fund Raising Auction and 'Retro' Dinner held on Saturday combined to make a very successful day. Approximately £7,000 was raised on the day. We hope to benefit even further from Gift Aid as a result of us now being officially registered as a Community Amateur Sports Club.

Captain Cutter, wheeler-dealer extraordinaire, and his team did a fantastic job to make the day possible. Malcolm's verbal and gavel skills had to be witnessed to be believed. His Auction Assistant, Steve East, immaculately turned out in white coat and grey flat cap, modelled the auction lots with flair and aplomb. The support team on the admin desk were a picture of efficiency and the bacon rolls, tea and coffee really hit the spot!

Malcolm & George in control ..... Master Gavel Man in action ..... Liz and Jean doing the paperwork ..... Malcolm's beautiful Assistant, Steve, demonstrating the latest in modern transport ..... and Master Gavel Man again, about to clinch a deal!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who generously donated the various lots and all who gave their support and spent their money at the Auction.

David Rose Reports On His Great Point-to-Point Adventures In Aid Of The Pavilion Fund

David Rose aboard 'Dramatic Quest' (stable name 'Bobby')

Outing Number 2 - 9th April 2007

Having arrived at Aldington, a miniscule hamlet approx 5 miles south west of Ashford, my trainer and I embarked on walking the course. They had used an aggravator on most of the course to alleviate some of the firmness of the ground. However, it was firm for most of the course. Having debated the pros and cons and the fact there were only four runners it was decided to give it a crack.

For the first time in four attempts I incurred no overweight penalty. Riding at 12 stone meaning my actual weight was 11st 3lbs. I was over 13 stone in Sept 2005. Claude Rains - ask Ponsford.

On the way to the start numerous spectators offered their support for no. 3. I just hoped they had not invested their money on me with the bookmakers (in which case they are as barking as I am ).
Off we started. My immediate reaction was that they setting off too fast but hell, what do I know?!
We jumped the first with no problem bringing up the rear by 4/5 lengths, That's how things stayed for a circuit and a bit with my fellow jumping superbly, not touching a twig.
The last fence down the back straight is an open ditch which again he jumped with aplomb. But at this time I was at the end of my tether with strength being drained from every limb and sinews stretched to painful extremes. As we went round the end turn any remaining strength ebbed away and the next thing I knew I was hitting the ground at approx thirty miles an hour.
I admit that the next twenty minutes is all but a blur. I vaguely recall getting up and walking to a car to take me back to the changing room but I certainly don`t remember the journey. The Doctor examined me and I responded in my usual jokey way - APPARENTLY!. I soon regained my senses and a bottle of Bollinger aided the celebrations of the furthest I have travelled on my horse to date.
Needless to say my body is not as young as it thought it was. I walked and slept as if I had splints in every limb and other places I dare not mention.
So my ambition to ride and complete a race is still there for the taking. Whether my body, my ambition, my trainer, my horse and my wife will allow me I don`t really know. There is another race at Penshurst Sat 21st April I have earmarked so watch this space.

It would have been easier and safer to have bathed in a tub of baked beans for this pavilion.
David

Outing Number 1 - 25 March 2007
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
Just to enlighten you to what happened at approx 2.03 on Sunday. I missed the start and was several lengths behind the other four runners going to the first fence, which we (the horse and I) jumped well all be it slowly. Then he really began racing and flew the second and the third and was catching the others up quite quickly then we came to the fourth with the others only a dozen lengths in front. We were really motoring but within 7/8 yards to the fence he decided that a change of direction was required. Unfortunately his swerve which Phil Bennett would have been proud of, catapulted yours truly into the wing of the fence. I made such a mess of the wing the fence was missed out by the remainder next time round. ` IS THE HORSE OK` I hear you shout, yes he is OK. Apart from being a bit sore, bruised and a very painful thumb so am I, thanking you for asking.
So regrettably I only jumped 3 fences, but thank you for sponsoring me in aid of Outwood C.C. new pavilion. Please send cheques to me or Malcolm Cutter whoever you know best.
Just another thought, I plan to ride again at Aldington, south of Ashford on Easter Monday so if any of you wish to try again to sponsor me for Outwood C.C. new pavilion please don`t let me stop you.
Regards, David

Tony & Wendy Reason Return From The Annapurnas To Claim Their Pavilion Sponsorship Money

We did it, but not without a struggle.
As part of our trip to Nepal, we ventured on a trek from Pokhara around Lake Phewr in the foothills of the Annapurnas. There were 13 in our party and we had 27 - yes, 27 - Sherpas, Guides, Cooks and Porters, who without the benefit of all our modern gear, carried all the equipment and generally looked after us. It was a humbling experience.
We trekked for four days, up to 7,000 feet, through rain and hailstorms; up rocky steps, across

rope bridges and down slippery slopes; through forests with wonderful bird life and the occasional orchid and rhododendron; and through remote mountain villages. We slept out in tents with no proper sanitation and it was freezing cold at night.
And did we enjoy it? You bet we did. It was a stunning experience, particularly on days 3 and 4 when the skies cleared and the Annapurnas showed themselves in all their majestic glory. The people in the villages were so welcoming and their hard lives read into their faces which were so full of character.
So for all of you who supported us by making a donation for the Cricket Club Pavilion rebuild fund, we would like to say a big thank you. It was the spur that kept us going when the going got tough.
We will keep the sponsorship fund open until the end of April; so far we have raised nearly £400.
Tony & Wendy Reason