Around 300 former pupils, staff and associates of Bunny Hill
Riding Centre came from near and far to celebrate the equestrian
centre's 55th birthday.
They travelled from all over the East Midlands and UK to attend
the event at the riding stables on the
Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border.
Travelling furthest was Clive Broadbent, who came more than
1,500 miles from Pennsylvania, USA, to join in the
celebrations.
Clive was one of the original performers with The Knights of
Nottingham jousting troupe based at Bunny Hill Riding Centre, which
is also marking a special anniversary this year by celebrating its
40th birthday.
Another guest was Bill Hammond, from the Vale of Belvoir, who
appeared in several films and TV shows riding on behalf of Bunny
Hill Riding Centre. He was Michael Elphick's double for stunts
during the filming of Boon and took part in the film Lady Jane
Grey.
"We were absolutely overwhelmed to see so many people at our
55th birthday reunion," said Sam Humphrey, who runs the riding
stables with wife Lou. "It was great to catch up with old
friends who we'd not seen for years, and we'd like to thank
everyone for helping us to share the special occasion."
A raffle at the event raised £495 for the Lincolnshire and
Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Trust.
The reunion included a lively display by The Knights of
Nottingham jousting troupe and music by folk band Growling at the
Badger, who are also members of The Knights of Nottingham.
Bunny Hill Riding Centre was launched by Sam's parents Freda and
the late Bob Humphrey in 1955. It has taught thousands of people to
ride since opening.
Among those who have taken to the saddle at Bunny Hill Riding
Centre are mayors and sheriffs of Nottingham who needed to be able
to ride a horse for official parades, Nottinghamshire-born actress
Sherrie Hewson, who played Maureen in Coronation Street and
currently appears on ITV's Loose Women, several Nottingham Forest
football players, and singer Micky Dolenz, who is best known for
his role in the band The Monkees.
The centre's horses have been used in many films, such as
Gladiator, Lady Jane Grey, and First Night, which starred Richard
Gere. They've also featured in TV programmes as diverse as Boon and
Rosie & Jim, and have appeared in several adverts for the likes
of Carling Black Label and Mars.
"We have taught thousands of people to ride here since 1955,
from very young children to older adults, and it's wonderful that
we are still doing so as a family operation 55 years later," added
Sam. "I would like to pay tribute to my parents for buying this
fantastic spot all those years ago."
Freda and many other members of the Humphrey family were at the
reunion to celebrate the milestone.