This was the finale` for the group, the Christmas lunch and awards presentation. This attracted 80 group members and their guests, and all had a wonderful time in the beautifully tranquil surroundings of an old Manor House known as the Holbrook House Hotel.

The hotel was decorated with Christmas trees, the log fire was lit and  likeminded  friends  gathered  to have a good time. The  hotel staff made us feel really welcome and did a really good job ensuring that we were well served, fed, watered and well alcoholed!

The morning commenced with a welcome drink and get together in the hall and drawing room, providing a human buzz of conversation and laughter. It was fantastic to see so many people, some who had travelled long distances to be with us, in the relaxed atmosphere away from ponies and the anxieties of the show ring.

A lovely three course meal followed of the usual Christmas Food and drinks, party poppers and Christmas crackers provided amusement, especially some of the gifts!

The  annual auction was conducted by Mr Robert Venner of Greenslade Taylor Hunt from the Bridgwater Auction Centre. There were some fantastic items to be purchased including a free range goose, free range leg of lamb, fresh  festive fruit and vegetables, Christmas items, embroidered fleece jackets, an original oil painting of Lockinge Shetlands which really pulled in the bids and Thank you to David Hodge who generously bidded to eventually take the lovely painting home.

We must again thank everyone who generously gave us such wonderful items to sell and also to everyone who bought from the auction and tickets for the raffles

We were also able to celebrate the birthdays of two of the attendees who enjoyed a different kind of birthday party.

Not only was this our Christmas Lunch but it was also the event to host the presentation of the awards to the winners. These awards are the culmination of everyone’s hard work and devotion to their ponies and to the breed.
As we all know, showing our ponies at group shows, at local and County level shows and the National Breed Show promotes the breed, enhances general knowledge of the pony, and the wonderful things that we can all do with them.



The Award Winners were:

• Junior Young Handler: Stephie Hill
• Reserve Junior Young Handler: Katie Hill

• Senior Young Handler: Anthony King
• Reserve  Senior Young Handler: Joseph Bolt

• Best Senior Miniature  Pony: Wytchlife Maximus – Sarah & Erica Cooke
• Best Junior Miniature  Pony: Wytchlife Melini – Mr & Mrs P Gerring

• Best Senior Standard  Pony: Champlers Elsa – Mesdames D Pickett &
• Mrs A Sargeant
• Best Junior Standard  Pony: Foxsedge Liquorice – Mrs C Walker-Davies

• Best ridden  Pony: Wotknotts Carruthers  & Shannon King

• Winner of the accumulator Award: Quietcorner Daisymay – Mrs P Thompson