Saturday 11th January saw the inaugural meeting of the Aintree Branch at Penny Farm, the International League for the Protection of Horses [ILPH] centre near Blackpool.   I arrived early, waiting in the upstairs meeting room that Tony Fleming, the manager of Penny Farm, had so thoughtfully prepared for us and pondered on the events leading up to this day.

I first joined the society as a Friend in July 2001, keen to improve my skills in equestrian art.  As things turned out, I became involved with the Aintree Branch during 2002 and in the autumn, with the help of Cyril Winfield, set about trying to contact the members in our vast area of the North West of England and North Wales.

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As I waited impatiently for the day at Penny Farm to begin, I wondered just how many would be willing to travel in the cold and icy conditions to our first meeting.  I need not have worried!  The striking poster that Nikki Moore had designed had achieved the desired effect.

We had invited everyone to bring art work and what a treat it was to have our own mini exhibition for the day as portfolios, and paintings of all shapes and sizes filled the room.  The arrival of Glynis Mills from the Yorkshire Branch was very much appreciated as she patiently put up with endless [probably repetitive] questions from us all!

And the day itself?  Having worried about trying to fill the day, within the first hour it became obvious that it was going to be a challenge to fit everything in to what was rapidly turning into a 'tight' schedule!  Tony Fleming gave a moving and informative account of life at Penny Farm and of the ILPH.  Interspersed with anecdotes, his talk during the tour of the Farm left members alternatively amused at one moment and then horrified at the next by the grim realisation of what people working at the front line of equine cruelty and neglect have to cope with.

After the tour we held a short meeting and then for lunch we all piled into the tea room to enjoy a very welcome selection of hot soup, rolls and cakes with steaming mugs of tea and coffee.

In the afternoon, Anne Sweeny, a Chartered Equine Physiotherapist gave a most informative talk and demonstration, in her own inimitable style, on horse anatomy and the physiotherapy regimes she applies to all equines at Penny Farm.

To complete the day, a further meeting was held; this time of members only, to discuss the aims of our branch.  Lots of enthusiastic members and ideas!  Long may it continue.

What a grand day out!

Anne Corless 
at Penny Farm