February - villagevoices.org.uk

News from the Suffolk Punch TrustThis is the first opportunity I’ve hadto write since the Christmas Day giftdeliveries in Hollesley. To the peopleof Hollesley, we say thank you, for alovely welcome, wonderful food andrefreshments, and the carrots for ourhorses, Eric and Charlie, which theyenjoyed back at the stables.I hope you will join me in thankingthose who helped. All the people outon Christmas Morning are volunteers.Some were up at 3am to prepare thehorses. I think we should all raise acheer for Harry Pankhurst and hisfamily who coordinate things.Bruce Smith had his first ChristmasDay off in 28 years and our assistantgroom Tracey Pettitt took the horsesaround in his place. It was alsoTracey’s birthday on Christmas Day.All the volunteers had a great time andwe will see you again this December.Santa does his best to get as closeas possible to every house that hasa delivery, sadly this is not alwayspossible due to road layout andvehicle parking. Cul-de-sac’s are a realchallenge as there is not always enoughroom to turn the horses and cart.The welfare and safety of the horses,volunteers and public is paramount tous and we will always put them first.I can’t help but get excited about theyear ahead. The Suffolk Punch Trustawaits the decision from HeritageFebruary 2008 page 32Lottery Funding, which we shouldhopefully hear about in March.The year ahead looks to be a busyone. The diary is filling up fast withbookings for events, shows andweddings. We also have the SuffolkPunch Trust ‘Friends’ day at the studin the Spring. I hope you will comeand say hello when you are visitingsome of the Spring and Summershows and events. I always like tohear from friends and neighbours wholive in the surrounding villages. Don’tforget to visit our website and checkout the events page for 2008 at www.suffolkpunchtrust.org.I am looking into doing something thisyear with ‘A year in the life of a foal’in conjunction with Lesley Dolphin atBBC Radio Suffolk. I need a volunteerto help me with this project.We also need help with our website.It’s nothing too technical: just an extrapair of eyes and hands, if you haveinternet access and can spare one houra week please get in touch with me.Can I remind our neighbours that ifyou walk your dogs on the Trust’s land,please remain on the public footpathsand keep your pet on a lead. Werecently had a dog in the field wherethe sheep are kept. The sheep arenow in lamb and we would not wantanything to worry them.www.villagevoices.org.uk