Time to put pressure on MPs to head off sale of English woodland

The opposition debate was the first chance for MPs to vote on forest sell-off plans and considered the motion: “that the Government’s intention in the Public Bodies Bill to sell off up to 100 per cent of England’s public forestry estate is fundamentally unsound.”

You can find out how your MP voted and how to contact them on the BHS website, www.bhs.org.uk.

Mark Weston, director of access, safety and welfare at the BHS, said: “To date, the British Horse Society has not received any assurance that the permissive access that equestrians enjoy in many of our public forests in England will be preserved.

“It is, therefore, imperative that equestrians continue to lobby their MPs to save our access for future generations.”

FORGET about the February weather and plan ahead for sunnier times. The White Rose Polo Club is preparing for the start of its fifth competitive season in April and looking forward to some of its major tournaments for this season.

First is the Summit Cup, a two-day tournament to be held on June 11 and 12.

A number of Yorkshire sides take part in this and last year saw the addition of a Pro-Am tournament in which beginners, supported by professional players, competed against one another.

Teams from the White Rose Club, which is near Market Weighton, head to Castle Howard on June 26 for the annual Castle Howard Cup. Visitors can take along a picnic or watch from a VIP marquee alongside the pitch.

On August 13 and 14, the White Rose Club hosts the Yorkshire Open. Yorkshire sides compete against teams from across the UK. Last year’s competition attracted teams from as far afield as Ascot.

Spectators are welcome at all the events. More information will be available nearer the time at www.whiterosepolo.co.uk.

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