Veteran television actor Martin Clunes visited the Akrotiri Saddle Club recently in his role as the president of the British Horse Society to officially recognise the outstanding achievements of the club over the past 12 months.
Clunes, who is perhaps best known for his part in the television smash hit Men Behaving Badly, is a well-known equine enthusiast who owns 14 horses of his own and was clearly delighted to officially recognise the ASC as an independent partner of the BHS – the first Forces club to receive the honour.
Only one year ago the ASC was on the verge of closing down but thanks largely to the outstanding work of its members, it has been reborn and is now seen as an integral part of the Akrotiri community.
Speaking to delighted members of the ASC, Clunes paid a glowing tribute to all of their hard work: “I know saddle clubs are closing down everywhere as the Forces feel the pinch, as are riding clubs all over the country (UK) but it is absolutely right and proper that the BHS supports this and I hope it will be a partnership of support and encouragement and I know that it does mean a lot to the BHS.”
Graham Corey, the Chief Executive of the BHS said: “We have allowed them to hitch their horse to our rail and they will survive and even thrive not because they have good facilities but because they have the people who are prepared to put in the effort and the enthusiasm.”
Explaining the remarkable turn around in fortunes for the once struggling club, Jenny Naylor, the ASC secretary said: “It has been quite epic really and there has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears that has gone into it and that is by everybody that works here, the volunteers and even the partners of those that work here.”
During his three day visit, Clunes also paid a visit to outstanding Riding for the Disabled organisation, which has been in operation for four decades.
The RDA, which operates from the stables in Happy Valley, has a well-established set-up that caters for the military and civilian community on island.
“What a lovely chap, we have really enjoyed his company,” Nadia Earl, an RDA instructor said. “It is great for us to get a little bit of attention and for the children to have something as exciting as this come along, it has been a really, really wonderful afternoon,” she continued.
But it wasn’t all about the horses during his visit; Clunes was also put through his paces on the parade square alongside soldiers from Episkopi’s Resident Infantry Battalion, the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.
Clunes, a great sport as he was yelled at for an hour by the Regimental Sergeant Major, said: “It was a huge honour because I know what they have to go through and the places they have to put themselves in and some of the things they have to do.”
It is safe to say that although the telly funnyman has now left the island, his visit will live long in the memory of those involved and the partnership between the ASC and the BHS will continue to grow and benefit the BFC community for many years to come.