SEIB Outstanding Contribution Brings Joy
The 2023 SEIB British Showing World Awards held on December 2nd at Stoneleigh Park saw the showing community come together in a wonderful end-of-season party.
Two “outstanding” awards were presented: Outstanding Contribution, and Outstanding Achievement. The first of them, Outstanding Contribution, was awarded to BSPS stalwart, Joy Hall. She is photographed below with Richard Ramsay, representing sponsors SEIB, and Christina Vaughn, on behalf of Fullers Flowers who generously donated the bouquets.
Joy became involved with the BSPS over half a century ago when her daughter Karen started riding in lead rein aged six years old.
Joan Lee Smith, who was Chairman of the Area at the time, asked Joy to become BSPS Area 17 secretary, a role she undertook for over 10 years.
When they started in 1970, the BSPS Summer Championships were run for working hunter ponies only and were run solely by volunteers. Joy joined the show’s committee and later became Secretary of the Show. Since that time, the show has grown into the five-day success that it is under Joy’s stewardship.
In 1979 when the Society’s then Secretary Ronnie Grellis retired, the Society moved to Sawtry and Joy was asked to help set up the new office. A new secretary was employed, but only lasted three weeks in the job. Joy took the reins and stayed for the next 43 years, firstly as secretary, and later as Executive Officer.
For over 32 years, since it moved to Hickstead, Joy has provided hospitality at the RIHS, and she has officiated at HOYS for over 20 years. She’s also been instrumental in guiding the BSPS Council in everything it does. During her time, Joy has introduced many new initiatives to the BSPS including show hunter ponies, mountain and moorlands and intermediates.
It’s fair to say that Joy has been a huge inspiration to many others in the Showing World as her knowledge and experience is second to none, and her wisdom and advice has been sought and followed many times over.
Now that Joy is stepping back as Executive Officer, she’s looking forward to enjoying her retirement. Meanwhile at Showing World we hope that Joy can enjoy a well-earned rest!
Photos by 1st Class Images
