Our History and Life Members
The “Tall Timbers” Centre was founded in 1972 by Mrs Pearl Batchelor, OAM, and was operated at her riding school in West Pennant Hills. The first group of children to start riding were from Northcott Society and Crowle Home.
In 1976, due to impending development, 5 acres with a cottage (which was occupied by the first Coach/Horse Manager), with horse yards, was purchased in Kellyville in North West Sydney. Shortly after arriving in Kellyville, “Tall Timbers” began leasing the 25 acres backing on to the property, from the Government.
Over the years a further 10 acres was purchased and an amenities block, indoor arena and stable block were added to the already existing yards and outdoor arena. This made a total of 15 acres owned by RDA NSW and 25 acres leased.
At the end of 1999, once again “Tall Timbers” moved and again this was due to the major development taking place in Kellyville. This time it was to Box Hill where it is hoped that RDA will be able to settle for many, many years and that suburbia will not once again push the Centre further out!
The improved facilities were officially opened on 26th April 2008 by Sonya Phillips, Mayor of Baulkham Hills Shire Council.
LIFE MEMBERS
- JOYCE HARVEY date unknown
- MARGIE RANDALL JULY 1995
- GRAHAM RANDALL JULY 1995
- SHIRLEY SCOTT NOVEMBER 1999
- JOAN EDWARDS NOVEMBER 1999
- JAN MORAN DECEMBER 1999
- RAEMA WALKER DECEMBER 1999
- JENNY DENBY MAY 2000
- LESLIE PICKERING MARCH 2001
- DOUG DENBY MARCH 2001
- MARY ARNOLD MARCH 2001
- ROBYN GIVEN APRIL 2002
- KAREN O’NEILL NOVEMBER 2006
- WENDY MORELAND NOVEMBER 2006
- JANET MUSPRATT NOVEMBER 2007
- KERRY SOUTER APRIL 2008
- PIP LOVELY NOVEMBER 2010
- CARMEL NORRIS DECEMBER 2011
- JOHN NORRIS DECEMBER 2011
- CHARLIE AQUILINA NOVEMBER 2013
- NICOLE KING MARCH 2015
- CHANIDA THEW MARCH 2021
- KIRSTY HARDMAN DECEMBER 2021
- FRAN PRUDAMES MARCH 2024