Friends and family gathered at Lettershuna Arena and Stables, Fasnacloich near Appin, at the end of September for a Memorial Show to celebrate the life of Ethel Johnston and raise funds for Cancer Research.
Ethel lost her second battle with cancer on September 5 and it was her wish the training show ‘must go on’.
Family and friends volunteered to organise the event to pay tribute to a lady who was the driving force behind the provision of show jumping tuition and training shows at the arena. In the run-up to the show, riders offered to raise funds in a variety of ways for charity.
One sourced pink hat silks to sell to riders, another took professional photographs for donations while other riders and friends provided baking for the stall Ethel’s family had organised. All proceeds went to Cancer Research.
Despite the weather, the turnout of competitors was good and everyone enjoyed their day. One mother wrote on Facebook: “Lovely to see a smile on the faces of so many children enjoying their ponies. Ethel Johnston you were sorely missed, but your family,
friends and Nigel did you proud.”
Another winner of an adult class wrote: “This is for you Ethel. Well done everyone who made today the success it was.”
Following the show, Andrew Johnston, Ethel’s husband, said: “Thank you all for joining us here today. Ethel would have been delighted with the turnout of ponies, horses and riders. Thanks also to the parents and helpers for making this possible.”
Even after she had stopped riding, Ethel made sure the jumping coach returned
regularly and riders of all ages benefitted from regular show jumping clinics and annual training shows.
Freelance coach Nigel Springer travels from the north of England to the area regularly to provide expert coaching for horse and rider. Mr Springer works with yards, riders and horses at the top of the sport throughout the UK.
Ethel’s family have links to Appin going back centuries and Ethel had a strong sense of community.
Well known in sporting circles from Fort William to Campbeltown, Ethel was also respected as a mum, a sports woman who enjoyed riding, squash, rugby, tennis, hockey, as well as many other sports, and as an employee – latterly at Scottish Sea Farms Limited.
Following her death, tributes from employers, sports teams, friends and the wider community flooded social media.
Scottish Sea Farms wrote: “Her indomitable spirit will be very much missed, but it will always, always be remembered.”
The turnout at Ethel’s funeral and this memorial show speaks volumes of the lady many held so dear. Her family thanks everyone who has paid tribute to Ethel, sent messages of support and condolence and who helped raise more than £500 for Cancer Research at the show.
Featured image: Katie Macgregor and George. Photograph: Jessica Crighton Original Art. NO_F44_EthelJohnstonMemorial Show_23_7417