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Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN
Photography by PicturedPassions
Dear Editor A thank you letter to Alec Banner-Eve and Andy Cork. On Thursday 11 August I was lucky enough to represent Young England against Young Scotland in The Whitbread Trophy, a title Scotland have retained for four years. I first found polo just over three years ago when Alec BannerEve gave me my first lesson. I have loved the sport ever since. Coming from a non-horsey background I have had to learn everything from scratch which I would not of been able to do without the amazing support from everyone at Silver Leys Polo Club. Kate, has taught me more than I even knew there was to know about horses. Alec has been my mentor since day one and I would never have got where I am today without him. He has been much more than a coach and gone way beyond what I could have hoped for to help me reach my goals. I have also been truly thankful to the Chairman of Silver Leys, Andy Cork, who on many occasions has helped me – from wise words, to even letting me use his lorry and play his horses. It was thanks to Andy and again his kindness in supplying me horses for the match that I was able to play on Thursday. I cannot express how thankful I am to Alec and Andy and how I will always be grateful to them. On Thursday with Alec coaching, Andy’s horses and my exceptional little sister Lois (watch out she’s a talent for the future) helping groom and spare hold I was as ready as I could be. After a shaky first two chukkas we were down 4-1. But with half-time coaching and the support and encouragement from Phil Seller on the pitch we came out with new determination. Within a minute of the third chukka, I scored my first ever England goal. Half-time was our turning point and amazingly we went on to win 6-5. Phil was an amazing lead for our team and Millie and Edward played out of their skins, I am so proud to have been part of such a talented team. Obviously as well as my sister, I need to thank my mum and dad too, who have given up more than you can imagine to support me in my dreams. It goes to show no matter where you come from, with determination and the help from incredible peers anything really is possible! Thank you too PicturedPassions for the great photos.
Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk wL etters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane,
Archie Turner playing for Young England in The Whitbread Trophy
Archie Turner To read more from The Whitbread Trophy, please turn to the Youth pages
Archie Turner was part of the winning Young England team
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Q: Louis Hine made history as the youngest player in The Coronation Cup at 16-years-old, his father Andrew also represented England in this iconic trophy, in which years did Andew Hine win The Coronation Cup with England? A: Turn to page 76 to check your answer.
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Polo Times, September 2022
www.polotimes.co.uk