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Letter of the month

The writer of letter of the month wins a bottle of British Polo Gin @britishpologin 18 years and over only Letters Write to the editor in the following ways: w letters@polotimes.co.uk w Letters, Polo Times, Hill Farm Studios, Wainlodes Lane, Bishops Norton, Glos GL2 9LN

Dear Editor A thank you letter to Alec Banner-Eve and Andy Cork. On Thursday 11 August I was lucky enough to represent Young England against Young Scotland in The Whitbread Trophy, a title Scotland have retained for four years.

I first found polo just over three years ago when Alec BannerEve gave me my first lesson. I have loved the sport ever since.

Coming from a non-horsey background I have had to learn everything from scratch which I would not of been able to do without the amazing support from everyone at Silver Leys Polo Club. Kate, has taught me more than I even knew there was to know about horses.

Alec has been my mentor since day one and I would never have got where I am today without him. He has been much more than a coach and gone way beyond what I could have hoped for to help me reach my goals. I have also been truly thankful to the Chairman of Silver Leys, Andy Cork, who on many occasions has helped me – from wise words, to even letting me use his lorry and play his horses. It was thanks to Andy and again his kindness in supplying me horses for the match that I was able to play on Thursday. I cannot express how thankful I am to Alec and Andy and how I will always be grateful to them.

On Thursday with Alec coaching, Andy’s horses and my exceptional little sister Lois (watch out she’s a talent for the future) helping groom and spare hold I was as ready as I could be.

After a shaky first two chukkas we were down 4-1. But with half-time coaching and the support and encouragement from Phil Seller on the pitch we came out with new determination. Within a minute of the third chukka, I scored my first ever England goal. Half-time was our turning point and amazingly we went on to win 6-5.

Phil was an amazing lead for our team and Millie and Edward played out of their skins, I am so proud to have been part of such a talented team.

Obviously as well as my sister, I need to thank my mum and dad too, who have given up more than you can imagine to support me in my dreams.

It goes to show no matter where you come from, with determination and the help from incredible peers anything really is possible!

Thank you too PicturedPassions for the great photos.

Archie Turner

To read more from The Whitbread Trophy, please turn to the Youth pages

Archie Turner playing for Young England in The Whitbread Trophy

Photography by PicturedPassions

Archie Turner was part of the winning Young England team

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Quick Question

Q: Louis Hine made history as the youngest player in The Coronation Cup at 16-years-old, his father Andrew also represented England in this iconic trophy, in which years did Andew Hine win The Coronation Cup with England?

Tournament List 2022Tournament List 2022

StartStart FinishFinish Tournament Tournament

Chukkas 7pm Tues & th April 30th Sept Thursday 12th May 30th April 30th Sept Thursday 12th May Handicap Club Chukkas 7pm Wed & Fri 4 Goal Club Chukkas 7pm Tues & Club Chukkas 7pm Wed & Fri ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW Polo Pony Class 4 Goal Club Chukkas 7pm Tues & Club Chukkas 7pm Wed & Fri ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW Polo Pony Class Tournament List 2022 ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW th May 15th May14th May 15th MayStart Polo Pony ClassRecoleta Memorial CupRecoleta Memorial CupFinish Tournament Handicap Memorial Cup st May 22nd May21st May 22nd May3rd Sept 4 Camelot Bowl Camelot Bowl th Sept The Carpe Diem Trophy -2-2 Goal -2-2 Goal Camelot Bowl th May 28th May 29th May Mar del Plata Silver Tray29th May Mar del Plata Silver Tray10th Sept 11th Sept The Royal East Berkshire Agr Ass Trophy & BBQ

-2-2 Goal-2-2 Goal Mar del Plata Silver Tray -2-2 Goalnd June Thurs 12pm Aiglon v Gordonstoun Polo Tournament & BBQ2nd June Thurs 12pm Aiglon v Gordonstoun Polo Tournament & BBQ17th Sept 18th Sept Carlitos Polo Pony Bronze Polo Touramant 4 Goal Aiglon v Gordonstoun Polo Tournament & BBQrd June 5th June HM Coronation Platinum Jubilee Cup & BBQ3rd June 5th June HM Coronation Platinum Jubilee Cup & BBQ24th Sept 25th Sept Don Carlos de la Serna Memorial Trophy -2-2 Goal HM Coronation Platinum Jubilee Cup & BBQ th June 12th June Spring Premiere Polo Pony Trophy11th June 12th June Spring Premiere Polo Pony Trophy1st Oct 2nd Oct Esperanza Cup -2-2 Goal-2-2 Goal Spring Premiere Polo Pony Trophy -2-2 GoalSunday 12th June QUEENS CUP FINAL GUARDS POLO CLUB th June 19th June Help 4 Heroes Polo Tournament Sunday 12th June QUEENS CUP FINAL GUARDS POLO CLUB 18th June 19th June Help 4 Heroes Polo Tournament 22 GOAL -222 GOAL -2 QUEENS CUP FINAL th June25th June GUARDS POLO CLUB 26th June MADEVA POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ26th June MADEVA POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ 22 GOAL Help 4 Heroes Polo Tournament 2nd July 3rd July2nd July 3rd July -2-2 GoalCanadian Bear Challenge Trophy (Canada Day) Canadian Bear Challenge Trophy (Canada Day) MADEVA POLO TOURNAMENT & BBQ 9th July 10th July Tai Tai Polo Tournament9th July 10th July Tai Tai Polo Tournament

4 GOAL