Friday 19th November 2021
Page 7
TAKING ON NEW CHALLENGES Recently the Royal A&P Society (RAS) has seen some changes among its Executive members. This has allowed them to see if people ‘at the table’ are doing the things that interest them and they have the right skills for the job. During their discussions around this, it became clear that local Melissa Jebson had three areas of passion – sheep and cattle (noting she and her husband have a sheep stud at Charing Cross and have not long dispersed their Shorthorn and Charolais cattle studs), and equestrian. Melissa was keen to continue with the Tri-Nations
Equestrian Youth team and also has an interest in being the National Equestrian Judge’s Convenor (a position that has been vacant for some time). On that basis, she has taken over as the Golden Fleece Working Group Chair and the Executive temporarily offered her the role of National Equestrian Judges’ Convenor. She will hold the latter position until June 2022, at which time she or anyone else interested that may have put themselves up for election for the position, can be voted on by the members for the next threeyear term.
Melissa is a well-known face to many members up and down the country and a conference regular. She rode successfully for many years showing ponies and horses, and in Round the Ring Hunter jumping classes. A car accident in 1993 finished her riding career and led her into judging. She holds RAS Grade 1, Tutor Judge status and has judged throughout New Zealand including the New Zealand Horse of The Year, and the United Kingdom. She was also joint Manager of the Tri-Nations Youth Equestrian team in New Zealand in 2017 and the United Kingdom in 2019. Melissa said, “Having been an active member of the Central District Tutor Judge’s group for many years, I am passionate about judging and encouraging Judges in their role. I feel that I offer guidance and support to our current and candidate Judges, and advocate when necessary on their behalf. Our District Judge Convenors need support and encouragement as they bring on new Judges and support upgrading Judges.” “I am approachable, have strong knowledge of the role of the Equestrian Judge and the functions of the RAS. Having sat on the Darfield High School Board of Trustees for nine years, I feel I have the ability, to be honest, and fair in all decisions. I look forward to working alongside all our Equestrian Judges across New Zealand,” Melissa concluded. Congratulations Melissa, very well deserved!
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Min Cookson Ph: 03 341 4301 M: 027 249 5417 E: min.cookson@xtra.co.nz Licenced under the REAA 2008
Chaos Reigns! House prices continue to rise, making it really hard to get into the market. If you are lucky enough to have a home, perhaps it is a good time to consolidate rather than take the big dollars in the hope you can upgrade to better, because the market just may outrun you. Building new comes with the risk of not being able to secure a fixed price contract that your bank is happy to work with, and delays through Lockdown and supply need to be factored into your budget. With interest rates trending upwards, you may want to look hard at locking your floating loans in now. Factors to consider when choosing a fixed term are possible sources of lump-sum payments, how long you are happy to stay in that house, possible transfers or needing to look elsewhere for work. Chaotic and uncertain times seem to have become the norm in our world. With pandemics and all, it is hard to see a clear pathway forward sometimes. Keep Calm and Carry On!
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