The Tytherington Gymkhana Society was formed in 1966 to run a Horse, Gymkhana and Dog Show.  The event has become a huge success raising in excess of £25,000 over the past ten years for chosen local charities and village organisations.  The first event was held in Douglas Pearce's field behind the old village hall, now replaced by the village shop.  A dog show was included later in about 1972.  Eddie Pullin was the first chairman followed by Brian Crapper in 1976.  In 1980 when Pearce's field was no longer available the show moved to a field on Laurel Farm in Itchington owned by Jack Pullen .  It was then that money began to be donated to local charities, £200 in the first year.  Since then many charities have benefited.  In 1994 £500 went the the village community shop to help it get going.  In more recent years the show returned to the centre of the village at Boyts Farm and at the 45th show in 2013 £3000 was raised for the charity Paul's Place, a group based in Coalpit Heath which provides support for adults with physical disabilities, and for village organisations. 

How sad it is to report that as of February 2014 the Tytherington Gymkhana is no more.  It would seem that over the last few years entries for the Horse Show have been dropping and the costs of putting on the show increasing.  Also village shows like the Tytherington Gymkhana have been replaced by events at equestrian centres which are more geared up to run the events and cope with the demands of health and safety regulations.

Emily Lewis at the Tytherington Gymkhana 1983

Joanne Livall at the Tytherington Gymkhana 1983

Brian Crapper Chairman of the Gymkhana hands over a cheque to Avon Riding for the Disabled.

Gymkhana programme cover from 1980

Brian Crapper hands over a cheque to the British Heart Foundation.  In background l to r Cyril Brock, Beryl Brown, Jack Pullen, Jean Brock, Frances Castle, Ted Oakey  c 1975