Posted: 20th September 2019 | Back to news feed
This year’s Society of Master Saddlers’ AGM took place at Capel Manor College in Enfield and was very well attended with members travelling from all parts of the country.
As well as society business the day also provided the opportunity for members to have a tour of the college facilities and gardens which proved a fascinating insight for all. Capel Manor is the only college in the UK to run a full-time saddlery course.
The day started with AGM matters and reports from the President, Chris Taylor; Chief Executive, Hazel Morley; Treasurer, Steve Marks; Saddle Fitting Course Co-ordinator, Ian Hastilow; Saddlery Training Officer, Mark Romain; Development Officer, Catherine Morris and Press Officer, Tim Smith.
Said Hazel: “I am delighted to report that membership has continued to increase and now stands at 520. The category which continues to see the largest increase is that of Trainee Saddle Fitter with 31 people joining the Mentor scheme in the last 12 months. There were also 18 new applications in the craft categories. The new Master Saddle Fitter category saw 27 people upgraded and 11 craft members were upgraded to Master status.
“We continue to encourage CPD as part of membership and this will enable the Society to confidently advertise its membership as being up to date and educated in current thinking. The CPD sub-committee put together a comprehensive programme which included advanced bridle tips, leather carving, tool sharpening, challenging fits and whip repairs to name just a few. We encourage members to put forward their ideas for the 2020 programme.
“The one-day Bridle Fitting course is running well with both the 2018 and 2019 courses being fully booked. We wish to record specific thanks to Frances Roche who, along with her hard working sub-committee, has put many hours of work into co-ordinating both this course and the development of the bridle fitting qualification. The qualification was approved by City & Guilds earlier this year and we are currently developing an advanced course to prepare candidates for assessment. The first of these will run in 2020.
“The work on the review of the City & Guilds Saddle Fitting Qualification and approval of the Flocking qualification has been completed and the first assessments using the updated handbook and marking system took place in June. We were delighted to secure a successful application to be the End Point Assessment Organisation for the Level 3 Bespoke Saddler and Level 2 Leather Craftsperson.
“On the trade side we continue to encourage manufacturers to use our saddle fitting courses to gain exposure of their products and we are grateful to those who lend us saddles for these events. We also again held the Manufacturers’ Showcase in conjunction with the saddle fitters’ CPD day and a number of trade members took advantage of the opportunity to have a presence. Either myself or other officers of the Society have represented the SMS at a number of events and on committees during the past twelve months.
“I must report on the hard work of the board of directors, the Executive Committee, who meet six times a year to discuss and put in place SMS policies, directives and activities. We also now have eight sub-committees which cover various aspects of our work, the newest of these working on the research side to identify and disseminate relevant topics to members. I would like to express my thanks to all those who go the extra mile in helping me and the Society to function to its highest capability. Chris Taylor has been very supportive of me during his tenure, always being there as an ear and with regular contact phone calls.
“Another person deserving of thanks is Steve Marks who is standing down today as Treasurer after 11 years in the post, also carrying out the role of President in 2011. He has done a sterling job in keeping an eye on our financial situation and chairing the budget committee and we are indebted to him for the work he has done for the Society, both in this capacity and as Liaison Officer.
“We have another member of our team who is standing down today and that is Peter Lewis. Peter initially served on the committee as a representative of the Master Saddler Retail category, being President in 1988. He changed role to become The Saddlers’ Company Representative on the committee in 2005.”
Presentations were made to Steve and to Peter in recognition of their long service to the Society.
Photo: Peter, Chris and Steve
Added Society of Master Saddlers Development Officer, Catherine Morris: “Over the past 12 months the Society has worked to communicate more with the riding public and to listen more to the feedback of our members. We have worked more closely with ridden organisations, lifting our profile and building greater awareness of the importance of well-fitting saddlery - and the importance of including SMS members in the horse and rider care team.
“We continue to work closely with the BHS, training their Inspectors, sending speakers to their Conventions, and delivering talks to BHS Proprietors throughout the UK
“Our stand at the Pony Club Coaches Conference attracted a good level of interest, and we will look to work with their officials and volunteers over the winter months with CPD talks.”
Ted Boggis was appointed as the new President for 2019/2020 with Bea Blakeman stepping into the Vice President’s role.
To find out more information on The Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk
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