District commissioner of the Rochester Pony Club Angela Acocks has welcomed the donation and recognised the support as coming from another local club.
“A couple of years ago, the Elmore B&S team kindly donated some money to go towards putting in the yards for the ponies, before that we only had the original holding yards, which were not really suitable,” she said.
“It enabled us to put in those yards that are used in the Rochester Show, and our Gymkhana and the Pony Club rallies.”
The 10 yards were made up by local engineer Phil Fehring, and used the $3000 from the B&S committee, and some additional fundraising by the club.
“We have 25 members, and we are reliant on fundraising, so having the additional assistance from the B&S is an example of local clubs supporting local clubs,” Ms Acocks said.
“The Show Society also had a grant that put in the other 10 yards, so there are 20 here in total to use.
“Over the last three years, through grants and support, we would have put nearly $30,000 into the grounds, developing arenas, and putting a new kitchen in our clubrooms.”
Elmore B&S Committee president Tom Harney also celebrated the connection between the local groups.
“The Rochester Pony Club committee reached out and requested assistance, and our committee are always happy to help community organisations that are keeping kids and families engaged in healthy activities,” he said.
“This is why we do what we do: to give back to our local community, and make sure they have the best and safest equipment available.”
The Elmore B&S will be held on Saturday, March 12.
“At this point in time, there will be some changes to our event due to COVID — instead of our normal set-up, we’ll have the stage and crowd outside,” Mr Harney said.
“We’re looking forward to hosting a successful COVID-safe event, and we’re going to be doing all we can to keep everyone safe.”