Hills District Harness Club

Last updated January 2012:
The Hills Club lost one of its most loyal and hardworking members – Kath Smith, when she passed away early in November. Kath was a wonderful member and her enthusiasm, quick wit and great sense of humour will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences to Max, Anne, Phillip and Shirley and Peter and Gail.
The Hills usual October activity is the Safety and New Horse/New Driver Day but this year it had to be cancelled at the last minute due to the wet state of the grounds. It was disappointing as several new and long time members had horses ready to bring to the day.
The annual Hills Club Trivia Night in November, organized and run by Eddie Dobbin, was again a great success, with more than thirty members and friends in attendance. It was good to see a number of new members there to try their knowledge against Eddie’s wide ranging trivia questions.
November 20 saw the running of the National Show Driving Championships at Hawkesbury Showground. Despite uncertain predictions regarding the weather, the day was fine. Competitors and spectators did however, have to contend with hot conditions and gusty winds later in the day. Many Hills members competed including Dennis and Andrea Casper, Bob Goodchild, Mary Grant, Karen Silvester, Ailsa Adams, Gay Bostock, Lynne Buckingham, David and Julia Cranwell, Bob West, Paula Forrester, Sandy Hunter, Emily Thompson and Kim McGregor as well as multiple members Amanda Kettlestring, Barbara Smith and Christine McGregor.
There were mixed emotions for the McGregors at the show as, although Kim did very well with their mare Lulu, they were still getting over the death of their prized gelding Kabir, only two days before the show. Kabir was Supreme Champion Non Hackney Horse or Pony in Harness at this year’s Sydney Royal.
Many Hills members and friends helped run the show including Janet Muspratt, Eddie Dobbin, Joy Harris, June Malmberg, Rosalyn Faddy, Roz West, Ron Bostock, Margaret and John Moore, Barbara Ricketts and Jenny Fawbert. The three show ring judges – Carol Fitzpatrick, Nola Robertson and Warren Ricketts worked hard all day, together with their stewards Mannes and April Klein Nulend and Keri Izzard, whilst Alan Ongley, Peter Fitzpatrick and Belinda Casper took many photos.