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• 1512 ML Vol. 35 No. 45 SINGLE COPY — $2.00 (includes GST) SUBSCRIPTIONS — $200 pa (print) $120 pa (digital)
THURSDAY, 2ND JUNE 2022
P: (02) 6842 1844 E: info@coonabarabrantimes.com www.coonabarabrantimes.com
COONABARABRAN – THE ASTRONOMY CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA
NORTH WEST
Equestrian EXPO
COONABARABRAN - FRIDAY, 3RD JUNE TO TUESDAY, 7TH JUNE 2022
Meet the team keeping the Expo dream alive This year marks the 30th anniversary of Coonabarabran’s highly regarded North West Equestrian Expo, which has grown steadily each year since its inception in 1992.
Harry Clifton, Brenda Grant, Kylie Deshon and the late Bob Fenwick all received life memberships from the North West Equestrian Expo earlier this year.
During the past three decades of competition, countless riders, teachers, managers and parents have come and gone, but the one thing th at re m a i n s c o n s t a nt is the team behind-thescenes. With more than 500 par ticipants from over 120 schools, organisers have their jobs cut out for them. In light of the hard work that is poured into t h e e v e n t e a c h y e a r, four volunteers were recently recognised with life memberships. B r e n d a G r a n t , Ky l i e D e s h o n , H a r r y C l i f to n and the late Bob Fenwick were all granted the honour for their tireless work over the years. M rs G ra nt pa i nte d a p icture of how s p ecia l the Expo was to her. “I love the cold mornings and rainy days o n th e cros s co u ntr y,”
Mrs Grant said. “I enjoy meeting people from across the s t a t e w h o m a ke t h e i r annual trek to Expo. “ I e n j oy t h e camaraderie of the students , working with a dedicated group of people, the support of the community a n d , l a s t l y, t h e s e n s e of achievement and ex h a u s ti o n at th e e n d of Expo.” Mrs Deshon said although the Expo competition days were long, it was all worth it in the end. “Seeing the smiles on faces, great sportsmanship, and the ma ny friends hips either forged or renewed year in year out is very special,” Mrs Deshon said. “ It ma kes th e few t i r i n g d a y s ex t r e m e l y worthwhile - I consider myself very lucky to be
involved. “ Fro m w o r k i n g w i t h the committee and head stewards who a re each so dedicated a n d p a s s i o n a te a b o u t their own disciplines , to working with the wonderful parent volunteers, and then, of course, dealing with the happy students.” Bob’s legacy Sadly, just last month the Coonabarabran community lost a great supporter of many local organisations, including Expo, with the passing of Bob Fenwick. The Expo committee spoke highly about M r Fenwick’s dedication to th e eve nt a n d h ow h e would be recognised moving forward. “ Bob’s involvement with Expo spans the history of the event,” said E x p o p re s i d e n t , Kev i n Sharp. “As a parent, his son
competed in the first Expo and then later on his grand-daughter. “ Bob was always a willing worker, assisting i n m a ny fa c e t s o f t h e organising and running of Expo. “He served in many roles including r i n g m a s t e r, p a r a d e organiser and committee member, however, it is the team barrel race that is his most lasting legacy. “Thousands of riders have co m p ete d in th i s event since its inception and it truly reflects the team aspect of E xpo, which is part of the event’s mantra. “ It gives the Expo committee great p l e a s u re to re c o g n i s e Bob’s contribution by naming the Team Barrel Race in his honour." From 2022, the event will be known as The Bob Fenwick Team Barrel Race.
The North West Equestrian Expo Committee appreciates the support and sponsorship offered by the following major sponsors:
1 - Coonabarabran Times, Thursday, 2nd June 2022