Welcome

The first meeting for the Gippsland & Peninula area was at the Llanfairbryn Stud at Tonimbuk. Stud Proprietors, and founding members, Anthony & Suellen Deane have always been a great support to the Society and the RPG.
There was a map marked with all the RPG areas on it and guidelines for formulating an RPG were on hand.


The meeting was well supported with a Committee formed. The first Chairman was Mr Les Judd. Other committee or co-opted members in the early years included Suellen & Anthony Deane, Merv & Maree Pearson, Wendy Trimble, Judy Ritchie, Ian & Michele Baker, Shirley & John Woodville, John & Janet Petty, Denise Rule, Kaylene Estcourt, Joan McInlay, Maureen Lawson, Sue Walsh and Linda Hills. Many other members in the region attended over the years, all making a contribution to the promotion of the welsh breeds.


Early meetings were held at John & Janet Petty’s house at Bunyip, as well as the WPCS of Aust. National Office at 24 Main St Pakenham. It was an enthusiastic group, and among some of the first events were a Navigational Ride at Tonimbuk, Christmas Parties with Merv Pearson dressed as Santa, and a wonderful event, The Stallion Parade, held at Greg Higgins (Trentlyn Stud) Tynong North.
Never before had so many famous stallions been on view together. Stallions present included the Welsh Mountains, Waxwing Herod imp, Weston Pin Up Boy, Twyford Negus imp and Fairway Nigel. Amongst the Section B’s were; Weston Gigli imp, Keston Royal Occasion imp and Rotherwood Casino Royale imp. Amongst the cobs in attendance was the Section D, Rosnaree Cascade. A video of this parade was made by Ms Maureen Scott, and was available for sale. It was an important record of the best of the breeding stallions in Australia.


Another very well attended event was an Open Day at Owendale Stud. The Owen family generously gave their time to present their ponies. Helping to wash stallions such as Revel Playsome imp, Coed Coch Norman imp, Wernochlyn Pegasus imp and Sir Percy of Paxhall imp was a privilege


The G&P RPG held the first Welsh Foal Show, and possibly the first Foal Show of any breed in Australia, at Tonimbuk in 1994. The Judge was Mr Tony Oliver -Watkins. This began what is now a part of every show calendar for States all over Australia.
For the first couple of years G&P RPG continued to hold the Welsh One Day Event, but this was a difficult event to hold, due to the number of helpers required. Mr Ken Armstrong, an Honorary Life Member, supported the RDA classes at this event.
A Dressage Day was then held for a number of years, to replace the One Day Event. Again, Mr Ken Armstrong supported the RDA ring with medallions for the successful competitors. The Perpetual Trophy for the Dressage Day was the Ken Armstrong Trophy, now awarded to the National Young Judge winner. When Sue Walsh of Acheron Stud sadly passed away, a perpetual trophy for the Dressage Day, named in Sue’s honor, was purchased with donations from members.

A couple of very successful Private Treaty Pony Sales were held in the RDA pavilion at the Warragul Showgrounds . These sales were well supported, with successful sales taking place.


The Youngstock Show began many years ago, as well as Educational Days for new and enthusiastic members. There were Trivia Nights and chocolate drives. There was always time for some social events as well as fundraisers.


Over the years, many different events have been held but the Committee has always been enthusiastic and the events well supported by many members. The RPG continues to provide a great opportunity for members, especially newer members, to meet others with the same interests and enthusiasm.

Article written by Mrs Michele Baker.


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