2012 Autumn - The Fell Pony Society

Mrs Morton asked for clarification about what would happen to the information
held by the AHT if the Society moved to a new provider. Mrs Parkin explained
that there was already a system of exchange of information between laboratories
doing DNA profiling.
There had been a good start to the new year in the office, last year’s registrations
having been completed by mid-February, which meant that the 2011 Stud
Book was printed and available for purchase at the meeting. There had been a
further fall in the number of registrations, 422 in 2011, compared to 478 in 2010
and 547 in 2009 and taking the Society back to the level of 2005. The 2013 calendar
was also available and a new Christmas card. Schedules and entry forms for
the Stallion Show and the Breed Show could be downloaded from the website and
there were paper copies available at the meeting. Also available, following requests
from members at previous meetings, were the Council minutes for the previous
twelve months. Mrs Parkin asked members please not to remove anything
from the file.
On the financial side, the Society had received its grant from the Horserace Betting
Levy Board, and was very grateful to receive the same level of grant as last
year. The bank accounts are reasonably healthy, with the Trust Fund at just under
£9,800, the Deposit Account at £48,000 and £3,000 in the current account.
Finally, Mrs Parkin thanked Katherine for her hard work in the office, and Mary
and the Council for their help and support.
Miss Longsdon said the Society was extremely grateful to Elizabeth & Katherine
for running such an efficient office; there was a very fast turn round of paperwork
– way ahead of some other Societies. Miss Longsdon then thoroughly embarrassed
Mrs Parkin by telling members that it was her birthday on the following day, presenting
her with a bowl of miniature daffodils and encouraging members to sing
‘Happy Birthday’.
9 Reports from Sub-Committees
Mrs Robinson had nothing to report from the Conservation Sub-Committee.
There was no-one present from the Judges Sub-Committee.
Mrs Millard, Overseas Sub-Committee, reported that invitations to the Anniversary
Convention were being sent to the overseas branches, and separately, reminders
that they should submit their reports and accounts prior to being assessed
for certification for another year. There had been contact from the German
FN, the organisation which oversees and co-ordinates the German Stud Book
organisations and it was hoped that this might initiate consultation and progress
towards recognising how Fell ponies should be registered.
Miss Longsdon informed members that Henk Marsmann, who had been Chairman
of the Dutch Fell Pony Society for over ten years, had now retired, and that Joke
Postma had taken over from him. Relations between our two Societies had greatly
improved while he was Chairman and she hoped this would continue.
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