In addition, some really great photos were obtained.

On foot- Molly, Suzi Koene, Lachlan Thomas, Renee and Gary Chandler

Mounted- Alex Chandler, Ryan Decker, Maggie Koene, Jessie Koene, Lynn Koene, Ashleigh Thomas, Aidan, Keith Day, Terese Binns, Di Smith, Dawn Manning, Jordan Thomas, Ruth and Matthew Myers

On Foot: Renee, Dean McGuire, Chase Day, Charlie Day, Martin Godwin, Gary Chandler and- of course- Hugo!!!

Helpers were : Jessie Koene (on Foot), Neil Decker (Pooper Trooper), Ardyn Decker (photographs and moral support) and Jenny Rees.

As always, the RSL took great care of us- with the drinks and nibbles appreciated after the march. It was also a real treat to have Barry ride with us, he looked like he was having a good time too.

The team did an excellent job and a special mention needs to go to Dean who only attended four training nights and put in an outstanding effort. It was once again a very moving and thought provoking ceremony for those in attendance.

There were a large number of freemasons in attendance as well as a lot of guests from the RSL and general public. Our ceremony was well received and appreciated by all of. It was complimented by the lodge’s own ceremony of the vacant chair.

This ceremony is done each year to remember those lodge members who did not return. Southern Cross Lodge is a stout supporter of the Light Horse and this was demonstrated by a very generous donation of $634. This included an amount of $267 which was last year’s donation which for some unbeknown reason failed to be deposited (I think someone may have old-timers’. Yep me).

I would like to thank the team members for their efforts and the light horse members that came along to support.

The horses performed very well- with the parade going up the main street of Ballan, through a street market: there were vendor’s stalls, PowerFM, flags, music and even a bouncy castle! It all went so well that when we had finished our march up the main street, we went around the back and went through a second time!

As always, the feedback from the organisers was very positive.

The main contingent of the Troop headed up on Friday night, with others arriving on the Saturday. Once again we were given use of the wonderful RDA facilities at the Seymour Showground. The excellent yards and large shed make camping there comfortable for riders and horses.

On Saturday the main responsibility of the Troop was to be a presence around the Town and also to be part of the fair occurring at the Showgrounds. A small group (Keith Day, Chase Day and David Hutchinson) chose to stay around the fairground area whilst the main body of the Troop (Alex Chandler, Jessie Koene, Lynne Koene, Mark Campbell, Dave Rees, Dawn Manning, in the morning with the addition of Gary Chandler and Michael Whitehead in the afternoon, and the Pooper Troopers Ed Koene, Neil Decker and Brad Decker) paraded around the fairground and the town. The riders and horses were well received by the spectators. It was then back to camp for rest and sustenance before the choice of either an outdoor movie or beer & BS around the campground rounded off with some fireworks and a howitzer (much to the consternation of the horses!).

On Sunday Keith and Chase went home, but the Troop were joined by Maggie Koene to take up duties at Light Horse Park as part of two heritage tours. The day was long, and hot, and dry- but everyone performed well and the horses once again made a spectacular sight coming up the hill.

The feedback from the organisers was very positive and they were really happy with the performance of the Troop.

A big thank you to everyone who made the trip to Seymour, both riders and helpers, and also to Peter Day of Seymour Produce for donating the feed for the weekend.