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Five Minutes With... EA Volunteer of the Year - Marj England

Published on Thursday, August 1, 2013 in Five Minutes With Horsezone

Marj England has been volunteering at equestrian events since 1986 including the Melbourne International Three Day Event, Dressage and Jumping with the Stars and the state dressage championships. Marj has pencilled, assisted judges, gear checked and acted as a steward at countless events. 

She is now primarily focusing on giving back via catering to both guests and volunteers at numerous events.

We caught up with Marj to find out more about being a volunteer.

Marj, how did you first become involved with horses?

When I was young a friend of mine had a horse and I had a few rides on it, but I only really became involved in horses when my eldest daughter wanted a pony - that was nearly 40years ago! She started at Pony Club and in no time all four of my children were riding. I went on the Pony Club committee and started helping at the local Riding for Disabled group. At this point we were going to Pony Club plus attending Shows, One Day Events and Dressage competitions. My eldest son was a keen eventer, and I was on the inaugural Wandin Event Committee and helped at their events for a number of years.

Congratulations on winning the EA Volunteer of the Year Award – how did you feel about winning this award?

Winning the EA Volunteer of the Year Award was a real surprise and a great pleasure.

Which events do you volunteer at and what sort of jobs do you do?

My youngest daughter was more interested in Dressage, so I would often offer to pencil at events. This led to me going onto the Victorian Dressage Club Committee, and I have now been President of the club for a number of years. Eventing has continued to interest me also, and I have helped at the Melbourne 3 Day Event since the mid 1980's. 

Over the years I have been a penciller, jump judge, gear checker, caterer and hostess at both eventing and dressage competitions. More recently I have volunteered largely in the hospitality area of events, trying to ensure that the judges and officials are well fed and looked after.

What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?

Volunteering is something I enjoy because I like being involved and helping events run smoothly. As I get older my volunteering is slowing down a little, but I still get lots of pleasure from it and encourage others to do the same. 

Who would enjoy volunteering at horse events?

Volunteers are very important. Most horse events just wouldn't be able to be run without all the volunteers, and I strongly encourage everyone to join in whenever they can, even if its for a few hours. Most people are able to help in some way, young or old, fit or not quite so active.

How can people get involved with volunteering?

Contact your local club and get involved - you will be welcomed with open arms. You will meet people from all around the country and make some great new friendships.

When you’re not busy with events, how do you relax?

When I'm not at events I am busy with my grandchildren, the 6 year old has a pony so the interest may go on to another generation. I also enjoy cooking, sewing, knitting and gardening, there is always plenty of that to be done.

Thank you so much for your time Marj and we look forward to seeing you at future events!


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