< Previous80 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFARM & COUNTRY LINK - EQUINEIt’s a sad fact that a lot of riders will doubtless endure an accidentat some time or other. While often these, happily, have no lastingeffects, there are occasions when the accident will become thesubject of a legal case. Indeed, in the past ten years, since the caseof Mirvahedy vs Henley, there has been a steady flow of claims byriders for accidents in both negligence and under the Animals Act.So what’s likely to happen? Brenda Gilligan, Senior Solicitor atWilkin Chapman and author of ‘Practical Horse Law – A guide forowners and riders’, explains more...“Normally, to be liable for an accident causing injury, someonewould have to be negligent. The problem comes when a claim isbrought under the Animals Act 1971as well. This introduces theconcept of ‘strict liability’, where negligence does not need to befound for a claim to succeed. Basically, if the horse behaves in acertain way as set out in the Act and injuryoccurs as a result, then liability will be‘strict’. This means it is enough for theaccident to have occurred in a certain wayfor liability to follow and the Claimant tosucceed. Riding school owners in particularwere concerned that they could be sued incircumstances where they had apparentlydone nothing wrong.“Once cases began to appear in thecourts, the decisions seemed to be goingvery much in favour of the person makingthe claim. However, there have been somerecent cases suggesting judges are perhapsbeginning to have a better understandingof horse cases which has led to decisionswhich are very firmly in favour of theDefendants.“In one recent case, Lord Justice Lewisonsaid ‘I cannot help but express my concernabout the way the law is developing. Almostanyone who has ever ridden will have theexperience of having fallen off a horse,Is the tide turning when dealing withthe results of riding accidents?The risk factor080-081:Layout 1 7/12/12 13:30 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY81FARM & COUNTRY LINK - EQUINEFOR A CARING ANDPROFESSIONAL APPROACHTO ALL YOUR VETERINARY NEEDS•Pre-purchase Examinations •Endoscopy•Stables & Theatre •Tendon Scanning•Reproductive Ultrasound •Mobile Xray Unit.Estate Office, Boston RdSPILSBYTel: 01790 752227Heath Road Trad. Est.SKEGNESSTel: 01754 767444110 High StreetMABLETHORPETel: 01507 478182Fenwold VeterinaryPractice Ltdgetting up and re-mounting the horse... an individual whochooses to ride horses for pleasure no doubt derivesenjoyment from being able to control a powerful beast. Butinherent in that activity is the risk that on occasions thehorse will not respond to its rider’s instructions, or willrespond in a way the rider did not intend.’“Two recent cases illustrate the way the law may bemoving away from Claimants. In Goldmith vs Patchcott,Ms Goldsmith was injured when the horse she was ridingbucked violently and threw her off. She tried to argue thatshe had not known horses could buck so violently. Thecourt found she knew horses bucked and that was enoughfor her to voluntarily accept the risk of this one doing so. “In Bodey vs Hall, Mrs Bodey suffered serious headinjuries when she was thrown from a trap being driven byher friend Mrs Hall when the pony being driven suddenlytook fright and the trap tilted or tipped over. Mrs Bodey,despite describing herself as an experienced horsewoman,argued not only that the pony’s behaviour was as set outin the Animals Act, but that she had no idea that trapscould tilt if a pony spooked and she could be thrown outand injured. She said that she thought the only risk fromthat was when you were getting in or out of the trap. MrsBodey alleged this lack of knowledge despite having studiedfor an HND in Equine Studies, which included a carriagedriving module.“I found this quite difficult to believe, and indeed so didthe court. It found that Mrs Bodey would have been awarethat horses could take fright for no particular reason andthat, according to the judge, ‘she fully appreciated thatthere was a risk of injury from the trap tilting or tipping’.She had voluntarily accepted the risk.“So are we seeing courts encouraging rider responsibility?There is no guarantee of course that further cases will golike this, but it’s useful to build up a bank of case law asguidance. Each case is assessed on its own facts. These casesmay make claimants think twice before making a claimwhich could only be sustained due to the complexities ofthe Animals Act and which could not succeed in anegligence claim. As ever, if the worst happens, gettingadvice from a specialist solicitor will be hugely important.”080-081:Layout 1 7/12/12 13:30 Page 282 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYSOCIAL SCENELincolnshire Young Farmers recently gathered for their County Ball,bringing members past and present, old and young together in their poshfrocks and suits. The theme for this year was the carnival, with feathers andbright lights supplied by Peachy Productions, the Epic Centre at theLincolnshire Showground looked fantastic for a night of partying. As well as dancing and fun, the event also included a few brave memberstaking part in a fire walk, which raised money for RABI, the charity thatsupports the farming community. Well done to those who took part!The party began with a speech the county chairman and a grace from thenational chairwoman. The revellers then tucked into some sausage and mashand a pudding of vanilla cheesecake. People then got up to dance the nightaway to Brain Scape, a great band who were enjoyed by everyone!For more information on the Young Farmers’ events, visitwww.lincsyfc.org.ukA ball washad by all082-083:Layout 1 7/12/12 13:32 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY83SOCIAL SCENEThis is just a selection of photographs fromthis event…Visit www.lincolnshiretoday.netto viewand purchase copies of the photographsFrom only£5.95deliveredLincolnshireTodayTHE REGION’S FAVOURITE COUNTY MAGAZINEPHOTOS BY ANGELA COOPER AND MICHAEL FISHER082-083:Layout 1 7/12/12 13:32 Page 2NATURALLYLincolnshirewas one which was to last, having just reached its centenary.Charles Rothschild was the mastermind of a radicalscheme to safeguard wildlife sites worthy of preservation.The first meeting, held at the Natural History Museum inMay 1912, led to the foundation of the Society for thePromotion of Nature Reserves.The organisation’s first list of wildlife sites, published threeyears later, included four Lincolnshire locations – GibraltarPoint near Skegness, Scotton Common between Scunthorpeand Gainsborough, two parallel dykes near Huttoft andFreshney Bog near Grimsby.It took years more for county-based Wildlife Trusts to beformed, Lincolnshire’s being created in 1948 – but just asLincolnshire had featured in Rothschild’s first list, a centurylater the county is in the vanguard of the latest moves toprotect natural habitats.Lincolnshire is the home of one of the UK’s firstGovernment-accredited Local Nature Partnerships. TheGreater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership, launched inNovember this year, represents 38 organisations which havepledged to work together to achieve more for nature acrossthe county.The new partnership builds on the success of itspredecessor the Lincolnshire BiodiversityPartnership. Inaugural Chairman RichardChadd says, “Increasing pressure on ournatural environment, especially in highly-managed counties like Lincolnshire, leadsto innovative ways to conserve it for futuregenerations. The natural world needsprotection, not just for its own sake, butto maintain ‘life support’ systems for ourhealth and well-being, and for theeconomic stability of sectors which dependupon the resources ecosystems provide.”Peeping through the bedroom curtains to see anotherday under its dismal duvet of dampness presents acompelling argument to dive back under the coversfor just a few more minutes.But hang on, we’ve already passed the solstice andturned a corner. That’s when we see an end to short days,less getting up in the dark and less nightfall by mid-afternoon.Naturally, only the most wildly optimistic among us cansee that when chilled fingers are scraping ice from a frozenwindscreen, but it must be a welcome to the wildlife welive alongside.With the leaves gone, and hunger forcing animals andbirds to be braver than they might otherwise be, this is agood time to spot wildlife – which could be closer than youthink. Several of our readers regularly report on the deerthat enter their gardens.In winter the cold encourages birds to flock together toroost, partly because there is safety in numbers, and partlybecause they’re on the lookout for warmth. Of course you don’t have to go outside to watch wildlife,but venturing to the shed or garden centre to make orbuy a nest box for the garden will bring in morebirds, as will planting a shrub or two to providecover. Now’s the time to be thinking about anestbox – small birds will be looking forsomewhere to live from the middle ofFebruary. Why not do your ownsmall part for the county’s birdlife?Promoting diversity in the countyJust weeks after the Titanicembarked on its ill-fated voyageanother launch was made – but this84 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYLINCOLNSHIRE WILDLIFELincolnshireOur county is full of wildlife, with the combination of glorious coastlines, open skies, woodland and vastrolling fields we are sometimes spoilt in terms of natural wonders. Here, we take a look into what ishappening now in the depths of Winter and how historically, we have sought to protect our local wildlife.084-085:Layout 1 7/12/12 12:48 Page 112345Opposite. A field mouse (Apodemussylvaticus) feeds in a snowy field. Photo:shutterstock/Martin Fowler1. Lincolnshire is home to Britain’s mostnortherly population of Man Orchids. Photo:Stuart Pearcey2. Why not build or buy a nestbox this year?Birds will be looking for nesting spots fromFebruary. Photo: Peter Wood3. Seals are a regular feature of ourcoastlines, like here in Donna Nook. Photo:Peter Wood4. Winter is a great time to see birdlife, likehere in Theddlethorpe. Photo: Peter Wood5. Although some negative news about birdnumbers in the UK has been publishedrecently, our county is never short of ourfeathered friends. Photo: StockPhotoAstur084-085:Layout 1 7/12/12 12:48 Page 2star Freddie Tuilagi were onhand to promote the fun andexcitement of sport for all.Many of Lincolnshire’stop schools offerexceptional sportingfacilities. The Priory City ofLincoln Academy, forexample, was the first school inthe county to win the SportsLeaders Academy Award. The award,which has only been presented to seventeen other schoolsin the entire UK, is testament to the quality of sporteducation at the academy and the programmes in placeto encourage older pupils to get involved in the coachingand training of younger students. The sports leadership courses run at the school seestudents complete a range of participation,communication, coaching and organisational units, leadothers in sporting activities and become involved in thecommunity. Students from Year 12 and 13 help withprimary school activities and events and also atHartsholme House residential care home. Elsewhere in thecounty, the sporting success can be illustrated on anational scale – in 2009, William Farr School’s senior girlsfootball team won the English Schools FA Cup and theirsenior boys were national badminton champions in 2011.Elsewhere, North Lincolnshire Council has worked withthe School Sports Partnership and Scunthorpe AthleticsClub to bring the Sports Hall Stars scheme to fruition. Thesessions, which ran for several months this autumn atScunthorpe’s Pods, featured all the diverse elements of theathletics programme including running, throwing,jumping, discuss, indoor shot-put and sprint. The sessionswere endorsed by England Athletics and came about afterthe Athletics Club reported huge interest after theOlympics and had a long waiting list of kids wanting to86 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEDUCATIONIndeed, one of the major aims of the London OlympicGames was to encourage increased participation in sport,ensuring kids not only keep healthy but also learn how towork as a team and develop new skills. Elsewhere in thisissue we look at how the Sport Makers scheme shouldmake a difference throughout Lincolnshire in this regard.The Government has put together proposals to keepthe Olympic legacy going strong – including acommitment to putting competitive sport at the heart ofthe new primary school curriculum, extending the SchoolGames competition, and investing a billion pounds overthe next five years in youth sport to improve linksbetween schools and clubs and upgrade hundreds offacilities up and down the country.However many schools will benefit more from theenthusiasm and the energy by their own staff, andhappily in Lincolnshire much work is being carried out byschools, working in their community, to give kids asporting chance. Indeed, just before the Olympics, sportsambassadors from schools across South Kestevenorganised a mini-Olympics in Grantham. This is a hugelypopular annual event which this year was attended byaround 720 pupils – the biggest total ever. Sports starssuch as Paralympic swimmer David Morton and rugbyOn thestarting blocksWe all know the value of keeping active – but that’s something thatour schools play an important part in encouragingSchemes such asthe National CitizenScheme arehelping kids inLincolnshire getactiveThe Priory City of Lincoln Academy was the first school inthe county to win the Sports Leaders Academy Award“The Olympics appear to have had a greatimpact on our youngchildren keen to takepart in sport.”Cllr Carl Sherwood086-089:Layout 1 7/12/12 13:38 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY87EDUCATIONtake part in sport. Cllr Carl Sherwood says, “The Olympicsappear to have had a great impact on our young childrenkeen to take part in sport. The new Sport Hall Stars sessionsaim to do what it says – create sports stars of the future.”Across the county, sporting organisations are benefitingfrom funding from the “Places, People, Play” legacyprogramme from Sport England. The Club LeadersLearning Bus rolled into Lincoln and North Hykeham lastsummer to share with local community sports club waysthey can develop better business skills. Meanwhile, thanksto the Sportivate scheme, over two hundred projects havereceived funding since July 2011 to provide a host of sportssessions for those aged fourteen to 25.Lucy Blakey from Lincolnshire Sports Partnership says,“Funding is available for sports projects in Lincolnshire toencourage ‘semi-sporty’ teenagers and young adults to takepart in sport. Each county will receive Sportivate fundinguntil 2017 to allocate to projects to encourage youngpeople to be active. Sportivate is a great opportunity toencourage young people to get involved in sport but alsoprovides a huge financial incentive for sports clubs, schoolsand others, to deliver more sport across Lincolnshire.” Thedeadline to apply for the next round of funding for projectsthis Spring is the end of January.Events such as these don’t just provide fun and excitementbut also have obvious health benefits. Childhood obesitylevels are currently above the national average in part ofLincolnshire, so encouraging more young people, especiallygirls, to take part in sport is a major advantage. The county’sschools are certainly helping to promote this.Jeremy NewnhamHeadteacher, Caistor Yarborough AcademyHow long have you been in your current position?I have worked at CYA since 2006, initially as a DeputyHead, and became Headteacher in September 2008. What are the most important things about your academy?There are so many things about the Academy of which I am proud, but whatstands out for me is our truly comprehensive nature. In addition to the full academiccurriculum, students can study more vocational subjects at Riseholme College,participate in a wide variety of sporting activities, and our very brightest studentsexcel at the IGCSE Global Perspectives qualification. All students achieved five GCSEpasses this year, helped by our small class sizes.How can we find out more?We extend a warm welcome to everyone to come and see for themselves at OpenEvents. Daytime visits are recommended so that you can see us in action but there isalso plenty of information at www.caistoryarboroughacademy.org.uk.Chris ListonHead of Boarding, The Priory Academy LSSTHow long have you been Head of Boarding?I’ve been in this position since The Priory AcademyLSST boarding house opened in September 2012. Ihave worked in State boarding since 2004 and, from2008 to 2012, I headed up a senior boarding houseCranbrook School, Kent.What are the most important things about your boarding house?Without hesitation, the boarders. it is their wellbeing and happiness, and ourcommitment to ensure they can achieve their full potential, wherever that may lead.First-class pastoral care matches the first-class education and facilities at The Priory.How can we find out more?Our website - www.prioryacademies.co.uk/boarding - is a great place to start andhas lots of useful information. You can also contact us by telephone. Dial 01522889977, and ask for boarding.Andy StonesWilliam Farr School, WeltonHow long have you beenheadteacher?I have been a headteacher for two years. What would you say are the mostimportant things about yourschool?Without doubt, the most important thing about William Farr is its community.There is a wonderful spirit of compassion, tolerance honesty and friendship which yousense as soon as you come through the doors. The students achieve so much not justacademically but artistically, in the arenas of sport, music and drama and for charity.How can we find out more?If you want to find out more, you can visit our website atwww.williamfarr.lincs.sch.uk or call us on 01673 866900 and arrange to come andsee us.Meet the HeadLincolnshire has a great reputation when it comes to educational establishments andrightly so, with both traditional and modern schools providing a great deal of choicethroughout the county. Here, we meet some of the county’s Headteachers and ask what inspires them andwhat values they bring to their schools. With so many establishments embracingspecialisms and academies becoming a more popular option, this is a great opportunityto get to know the faces running schools. 086-089:Layout 1 7/12/12 13:38 Page 2For further details telephone: 01673 866900 Lincoln Road, Welton, Lincoln LN2 3JBwww.williamfarr.lincs.sch.ukWilliam Farr is the only 11-18 Church of England School in the Diocese of Lincoln. Its strong tradition of educating young people comes as a result of Teaching, Learning, Care and Guidance of the highest quality. Academic success and examination results at all levels of ability are outstanding and consistently among the best in the country.88 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYEDUCATIONWilliam Farr Churchof EnglandComprehensive SchoolWilliam Farr is the only 11- 18 Church of England School in theDiocese of Lincoln. Its strong tradition of educating young peoplecomes as a result of teaching, learning, care and guidance of thehighest quality. Academic success and examination results at alllevels of ability are outstanding and consistently among the bestin the country.Though they pride themselves on excellent teaching andlearning, this is not the only goal they strive to achieve. WilliamFarr aim to instil in every student a set of attributes, skills andvalues that will enable them to make informed choices, beresponsible and principled citizens and enjoy personal fulfilment.Through the unique Care and Guidance system, all pupils arerecognised as individuals and fully supported as they develop intopositive, confident, young adults, ready to take their place insociety. The school achieve great things but are never complacent– they always strive to do better.William Farr are proud of their students and believe if you takethe opportunity to visit, you will understand why.Caistor YarboroughAcademyCaistor Yarborough Academy is a mixed, 11-16 comprehensivein the Lincolnshire Wolds, taking students from over twentydifferent primary schools in Lincolnshire, North and North EastLincolnshire. All visitors notice the friendly, caring and supportiveatmosphere. It’s just like a large family and vertical tutorgrouping plays an important part in supporting this.‘Every One Matters’ at the Academy and there is a clearcommitment to raising standards for all. Year 11 students in2012 achieved 100% 5 A*-G including English, Maths andScience, 80% 5 A*-C and 50% 5 A*-C including English, Mathsand Science. The brightest students continue to achieve highly inchallenging courses – for example, physics.Student numbers at Caistor Yarborough are limited to 560 anda genuinely personalised learning programme is created.Behaviour is good and 90% of teaching was judged to be goodor outstanding during the latest Ofsted visit.All students are expected to aspire, and display the higheststandards of self-discipline and respect for themselves andothers. Respect is the key value in the Academy. Come and visitto see for yourself!Caistor Yarborough Academy“ I made exactly the right choice for my son – I can’t praise CYA highly enough! ” Year 7 Parent01472 851 383caistoryarboroughacademy.org.uk086-089:Layout 1 7/12/12 13:38 Page 3Robert de Cheney Boarding House is situated in the grounds of The Priory AcademyLSST, a top-performing State school in Lincoln. It provides a wonderful opportunity forSixth Form students to make a smooth transition, both academically and socially, fromschool to university and beyond.Why choose us? Academy and Sixth Form rated outstanding by Ofsted 99% pass rate at A-Level and 98% at GCSE (5 or more A*- C, including English & Maths) 83% first choice university success rate, with 27% of Y13 students obtaining places in the Russell Group and 40% in the 1994 Group New Sixth Form science centre including planetarium and debating chamber Stunning residential centre in Normandy Spectacular sports provision including pool, fitness suite, climbing wall, spinning suite, dance studio and badminton courts 60-metre indoor sprint track and 400-metre floodlit outdoor track Equestrian centre set in 90 acres of beautiful farmland Modern boarding comprising 60 single en-suite study bedrooms with Internet access and a common room on each floor Thriving CCF and DofE programmes Extensive range of clubs, societies and extra-curricular activities “Outcomes for students at The Priory AcademyLSST are outstanding in every aspect.”OfstedContact Mr Chris Liston, Head of Boarding l The Priory Academy LSST, Cross OʼCliff Hill, Lincoln LN5 8PW Telephone: 01522 889977 l Email: boarding@prioryacademies.co.uk l Visit: www.prioryacademies.co.uk/boardingRobert de Cheney Boarding House Sixth Form Boarding in LincolnThe Priory Academy LSST086-089:Layout 1 7/12/12 13:39 Page 4Next >