Oldham & District Riding Club www.ODRC.co.uk

Friezland Arena

Friezland Arena is managed by Friezland User Group (FUG), a body made up of representatives from riding organisations (including O&DRC) and other interested parties in cooperation with Oldham Countryside Service. O&DRC has the use of the Friezland Riding Arena for two Sundays and four Wednesdays every month, a facility which is the envy of many.

Update: February 2012

In the current economic climate it is perhaps unsurprising that Oldham Council (OMBC) are working to reduce their costs. As a result they are seeking to remove all council-owned leisure facilties from their books by negotiating lease agreements with their users.

Negotiations have been on-going between Friezland User Group (FUG) and OMBC since early 2011 regarding the possible terms of such a lease. The aim is to transfer responsibility to FUG for the cost of repairs and maintenance of Friezland Arena.

The threat is that if such a lease has not been agreed by March 31st 2012, the arena will be closed. Oldham Riding Club has, however, received an indication that, so long as progress towards a lease agrement is being made there should not be "too much of a problem if we haven't reached a solution by then".

Negotiations are continuing

We only have this preferential entitlement because O&DRC members undertake to supervise the arena for 1 hour per day throughout the year, checking fencing, picking up litter and reporting any maintenance requirements to the Countryside Wardens.

FUG Representative:
Arthur Prowse
fug @...
01457 870407

Countryside Wardens:
Brownhill Countryside Centre,
01457 872598

Each year a number of volunteers share this daily task. If you are able to join this valiant team at any stage, ring any member of the Committee or our FUG representatives.

In order to prolong the life of the artificial surface on the arena, droppings must be removed by riders before leaving the arena - take a plastic bag in your pocket, collect droppings, then simply empty the bag over the fence amongst the trees.

A very popular event is the FUG Family Horse Show which is run by our very own Victoria Tibbot. A recent innovation is also their TREC event which tests the rider's control of his/her mount. FUG also rounds off the year by organising the annual Horsemen's Carol Service.

Contact our FUG representatives if you want to find out more or offer your help towards maintaining the Arena. As well as competing at our shows, you can also use the arena for your own schooling, provided it is not closed for regular maintenance or for an organised event (such as those put on by ODRC, Saddleworth Pony Club or FUG). To find out about availablility, have a word with your local riding instructor, the Rangers at Brownhill Visitor Centre or the FUG representatives

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Horsemen's Christmas Carol Service

At Friezland Arena, off Manchester Road, Greenfield

8th December 2012, meet 11 am for 11:30 start

Followed by mulled wine and mince pies, with carrots and rosettes for the horses

"All creatures great and small" are welcome to attend this event but must be accompanied by their owner

Tickets £2 available from Brownhill Countryside Centre, Wool Road, Dobcross Tel 01457 872598

Friezland User Group

Friends of Friezland enables you to
Use the amenities and keep them maintained, helped by a
Group of people dedicated to their on-going success

Do you enjoy riding on well maintained surfaces?
Do you enjoy competing at various events at Friezland?
Do you enjoy teaching or being taught at Friezland?

If the answer is YES, please become a FRIEND OF FRIEZLAND and help the Friezland User Group to maintain the fantastic site at Friezland.

By becoming a FRIEND OF FRIEZLAND you will be helping towards the maintenance costs of

the arena
Fencing and gates
The grassed areas
Car parks

and receive

10% discount for on-site events
Information about forthcoming events

Please send a cheque for £10 (Adult) or £5 (Junior 16 and under) made payable to Friezland User Group

Send (with your name and address) to Senior Ranger, Brownhill Countryside Centre Wool Road, Dobcross, Oldham OL3 5PB 01457 872598

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