Our riders practiced their tests for inter-schools competitions next month and we called the younger riders through some tests as well. They then played a dressage version of Musical Chairs. By this time everyone wanted to go faster so we headed to the barrel race. 

After some speedy runs the riders came up with an idea to do the barrel race in pairs then in a team of four. This required slowing down, plenty of skill and communication and soon the four became a team of nine.  With tall horse and smaller ponies the riders had to work hard to keep in line and it was a great exercise. While the Mums were with the riders our devoted Dads cooked us all lunch. It was lovely to all sit around and have lunch, complete with a glass of bubbles and chocolates.  A big thank you to our kitchen crew, it was nice to be spoiled.

Imagine our little town of Bogan Gate on market day with a morning tea, with more people visiting than the population of the town? This was the super scene last weekend. The markets had mixed stalls with local vendors with olive oil from the Bogan Gate farm and hand made craft from the Bogan Gate Craft Shop. The biggest wow of the event was when the Antique Motor Club booked in for morning tea.

Taking the number of people booked in to 240 plus all the people that were passing by. The club added a spectacular display 140 antique cars all line up. As I moved around listening to the stories from travellers of where they came from and the places they have passed through on there journey.

They all seem to be having a great start to the weekend. As far I could tell everyone was having a great day. I would like to say a big thank you to the volunteers that make these events run so smoothly.

A very big thank you to some local super hero’s, you see GaGa who is Maltese cross fox terrier. On a normal day GaGa is normally a resident of Bogan Gate and last Monday went out exploring. The puppy, finding itself completely lost and with a never give up attitude the puppy kept searching not knowing that it going the wrong way. This story comes to an end when a couple of locals Zac and Stevie travelling out near the Black Ranges at Yarrabandai, found the puppy so far from home and gave it a ride. Reuniting the puppy with a very worried owners.

A very surprising visitor to Trundle last Monday, was Wendy Woodhouse the daughter of Rev. Woodhouse former rector of St Augustine. After being away from Trundle most of a life time about sixty years. She came back to take a trip down memory lane. She requested permission to be photographed in front of the old rectory. Wendy worked at John R Bourke and performed with Trundle Music Society in its glory days. She shared many memories from so long ago. A very happy visitor to Trundle and the people of Trundle wish her safe a travel home.

It was wonderful to arrive in Armidale for the first week of May for the CWA conference. The event was held at New England Girls College. Beautiful buildings, stables, yards, gymnasium, swimming pool, lawns but the steep walks in every direction. The Anglican Cathedral rang out their wonderful peals of bells, the cathedral St Mary and Joseph full of marble masterpieces rang to the voices of 800 members and supporters.

Armidale provided a warm welcome and the kindest SES and taxies to safely guide us about. -by Jeanette Williams.