LAST Sunday evening, around 60 Pony Club Branch officials in Northern Ireland gathered at the La Mon Hotel & Country Club to celebrate the retirement of Liz Lowry as Area 17 Representative and a presentation was made with much affection from all who worked with her over the years.

Fran Rowlatt-McCormick, District Commissioner of the East Down Branch and incoming Area Rep, made a presentation to Liz of a framed poem and flowers, while Hayley Cunningham, DC of the East Antrim Branch, presented her with a very special rosette. Not to be left out, Brian Lowry was presented with wine as a thank you for his support to Liz and Area 17 over the last 20 plus years!

Vanne Campbell MBE, one of the joint-DCs of the Iveagh Branch, made a speech about her experiences of Pony Club and congratulated Liz on her success as Area Representative. “Liz has been instrumental in putting Area 17 (NI) Branches of the UK Pony Club on the map and has attended so many tests, shows and championships over the years. She is a very familiar face to all of us and will be greatly missed.”

Memories for life

Liz later commented: “Many thanks to Fran for organising such a send-off. Many thanks to all the Branches, past and present DCs and coaches for travelling such distances on a wet November evening, and of course one of my predecessors, Olive Harvey, who supported me over the years. The 20 years went very quickly, all time well spent... it was wonderful to end my years as Area 17 Representative in such good company.

“I could not have done my job without all the support from the many volunteers that give to the members and The Pony Club. The memories are many and I can say I never regret a day in all those years. I have made lifelong friends with so many volunteers, members and parents. I have left all in good hands with Fran and the excellent team of DCs and their committees. I will always be anxious to know how things are and how well our members do when they compete at Championships across the pond.”

When we in The Irish Field first learned of Liz’s impending retirement, we contacted her and were pleased to learn that she will still serve on show jumping, officials and volunteers committees. “I will miss it very much I am sure, but I do want more time at home,” she continued. “The job as AR grew, don’t know how many fold, since I took it on. Fran, I know, will do a great job and it is all in safe hands, as the Branches are all doing well and headed by great DCs.”

Liz thanked me personally for the support and friendship shown over the years and I thank her in return; she was always willing to answer any query regarding Area 17. The Irish Field wishes Liz all the best on her retirement as Area Representative and hope she and Brian can enjoy many more years of supporting The Pony Club without the pressures and responsibilities of office.

Spring Festival

There is plenty happening at Branch level in Area 17 at present, while others are targeting the Barrier Spring Festival qualifiers in dressage, show jumping and arena eventing. In 2024, Northern Ireland will have its own dedicated Festival, which will be held over four days (March 22nd to 25th) at Castle Irvine, Necarne.