Volunteers are to be recognised at Aspen Cooling Osberton International Horse Trials (2nd – 6th October) with the Sally Wood Volunteer Award, created in collaboration between BEDE Events and longstanding volunteer Sally Wood.
The sport of eventing would not be possible without the support of its army of volunteers. Hundreds of individuals display their passion and support of the sport by giving up their time week in, week out, to enable events across the country to run.
Sally Wood, a long-time volunteer and supporter of BEDE Events, has been one of the many volunteers who is happy to go anywhere, do anything, and always with a smile and a word of encouragement for those she meets along the way. Having helped with roles as diverse as marshalling, fence judging, and even assistant stable manager, Sally wished to recognise the unsung heroes of eventing.
Sally was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January 2023 and was subsequently given 18-months to live. Having outlived her initial diagnosis, she wanted to create an award to honour volunteers, something she has very much enjoyed over many years.
The Sally Wood Volunteers Award recognises the amazing group of people, to give them an experience that might not otherwise be available to them.
Of the award, BEDE Events Director Anna Buntine commented: “Our sport, and indeed many others, simply wouldn’t be able to take place without a volunteer army to man the many different areas of the events. They are an amazing group of people who selflessly give up their valuable time to allow us to run great events for the competitors, always with a smile and a cheery word, not matter the weather. BEDE Events is very privileged to have a great volunteer team who we deeply appreciate and value enormously. Above all we’re deeply honoured to have Sally as part of that volunteer team and to be able to present this award at Osberton, alongside Sally.”
It is planned that the award will recognise a different volunteer each year and could be awarded for length of service, or an unsung hero, or someone who has gone above and beyond. The inaugural award will recognise a volunteer’s “consistent contribution and flexibility”.
The presentation will be made on Sunday 6th October, alongside the presentation for the international classes at Aspen Cooling Osberton Horse Trials.
Car passes for the event are available from £15 per car, to admit all occupants, via www.bede-events.co.uk/tickets
