Sport
Here’s to good old Chinwag!
Ah, the mince pie and port evening before lockdown
January 2 was the next big thing after Christmas and New Year – and that was the Port and Mince Pie game at Gillingham Hockey Club. Originally there were 45 plus people wanting to play and consume substantial pies afterwards in the Social Club, so four teams were organised with goalkeepers. Weather looked good and everything organised, until Boris had his input and restricted travel. Even though WINNERS’ ENCLOSURE: Owners Ruth and Ron Turner with Chinwag. Below: The Boot at Tisbury most were in Tier 3, no crossing of county borders The veteran landlords of a was encouraged. Tisbury pub are celebrating Undeterred, the club’s in lockdown after their horse Stephen Way put another won consecutive races within message on Facebook saying four days. only Dorset-based players Ruth and Ron Turner have could turn up: 39 did, so that run The Boot Inn for 44 was three teams plus subs: years and have always thanks to Jess Hussey and owned horses themselves, or Lauryn Burch for playing in as part of a pub syndicate. goal for all three games. Their latest is Chinwag, a and been placed twice, 14-1. The horse is trained by Great fun was had, port and six-year-old hurdler who earning a total of £13,309, Neil Mulholland near Bath beer was drunk and mince won at Wincanton on Boxing possibly a tad more than the and was ridden at Wincanton pies eaten all sociably Day – Ruth’s birthday – then couple paid for him. by Harry Reed. distanced, a very social followed up with another “We had a great day at Millie Wonnacot was in the beginning to 2021. Well win at Taunton. Wincanton. He’s a big horse saddle at Taunton. Ron and again Boris got involved and The pub locals may not have but very easy to ride,” said Lockdown 3 happened, end Ruth bought Chinwag as a been able to toast their Ruth, who still rides out semi-retirement present with of hockey for the foreseeable success but as owners, Ruth future. Sworn-In, the first horse they sons James and Oliver now and Ron were able to attend GHC is going from strength bought in 2005 with regulars, taking more of a role at The both meetings and see their to strength. If interested in and which won its debut race Boot. playing, contact Stephen horse win by three lengths at odds of 100-1. As with all pubs, a big Way on 07786 894586 or each time. Chinwag’s starting price at celebration is on hold until visit the Facebook page GHC Chinwag was first raced in Wincanton was 11/2 – but after lockdown: in the Players and Members and November 2019 and in his Ron managed to back him a meantime they are serving ask to join. 10 races he has won three couple of days beforehand at takeaway food at The Boot.
Help needed to shape and develop youth football in Dorset The Dorset FA Youth Council is looking for volunteers aged between 16 and 25 from all over the county to represent children and young people and to help shape and develop football in Dorset. “Our current vision is to support and empower a diverse workforce of young
people to influence change through football,” says a council statement. “The Dorset FA Youth Council projects will impact on The FA National Game Strategy; provide a platform for young people to support the development of grassroots football and build a network of children and
young people in Dorset. “The Youth Council not only looks to develop and represent football within the county but to also develop its members’ professional skills and offer a unique opportunity to be a part of Dorset FA, create and deliver projects and gain support from those already working
within the game.” Successful candidates will need to be committed to attending and actively participating in all Youth Council meetings and work of the group. The application deadline is February 15: dorsetfa.com/ volunteers/young-volunteers 75
