Saturday, November 2 sees the 70th Anniversary of the Glen William Gymkhana at the Glen William Hall grounds.

An event which has been regularly organised by the Anglican Parish of Clarence Town is not just a fundraiser, but a social occasion.

This will be the first year the event is run under the banner of the Anglican Parish of Dungog.

"The Sports" as it was originally known was first run in Clarence Town for many years recalls long serving committee member Sue Flannery.

"It is unsure when the event actually began," said Mrs Flannery.

"Then it alternated between Clarence Town and Glen William and finally in 1949, it came to Glen William and has remained there."

The name change came when The Reverend George Fisher was Rector of Clarence in the 1970s and suggested that it be called a "Gymkhana".

"However, the oldies still affectionately still refer to it as 'the Sports'," said Mrs Flannery.

The format has remained pretty much the same over the decades with Open Horse events such as - Maiden, Open, Consolation and Relay Flag races, Bending Race; Barrel RaceBall Race.

Once there was even a Cigarette Race; Bag Race; Go-as-you-please Race; Thread the needle Race; Open Hunt (6 jumps); Potato Race; Throwing at the wicket; Stepping Race; Throwing the Broom, Rolling Pin and Brick.

But whatever the events on the program there has always been a lot of fun for both competitors and spectators.

There's also the stalls - an abundance of cooking, produce, plants, hand-made craft goodies, raffles, cold drinks, afternoon tea (with delicious sandwiches, scones and slices .

"The kids absolutely love the Hoopla - and this year we will be having a Jumping Castle for their entertainment as well," said Mrs Flannery.

"It's a great event."

The committee is grateful for the support of the owners of the property to allow "The Sports" to keep running , with this year's thanks to Tim Phelan.

"We were always very blessed to have Clarence Town Pony Sports Club come along and have Coral and Charlie Leayr run the junior events in conjunction with the Open events," said Mrs Flannery.

Three years ago, it was decided to begin in the morning with the junior events and then hold the Open events, as usual, in the afternoon.

"Our dependable announcer, Doug Boorer, has given us his time on these Saturdays in setting up his PA system and announcing for us throughout the event.

"There's a lot of fun, some disputes as one can imagine, but mainly a lot of good laughs and friendship has occurred at the marshalling table. "

The committee has faced a few interruptions over the years - extreme heat, extreme wet and Equine Flu - but they continue to deliver the community event.

Mrs Flannery said the committee thanked all those who work so hard for this event.

"A huge thanks to our amazing sponsors, without whom we could not continue: Dillon and Sons of Dungog; Bowe and Lidbury; Brown's Butchery; Amy Allen; Lois and Barrie Edwards; Fay and David Spicer; Larry Gorton; Lyn Witt and Janice Patfield; Gina Kiem; Hidden Valley of Dungog; Ray White Real Estate; Charlie and Coral Leayr; Tim Phelan; Horseland.

"We hope riders and community alike will join us on Saturday 2nd November to celebrate 70 years of sportsmanship, enjoyment and community spirit."

Ponyclub events to begin at 10am with registration from 9am.

The Open Events program will start at 1pm.

For more information please phone Donna 0428255944.