The 70 Mile Riding Arena Committee is looking forward to a busy and fun 2024, according to committee lead Lori Spencer.
“We are looking forward to welcoming local riders and groups to the arena. The arena is available for drop-in or group rentals. We are excited to be co-ordinating with the South Cariboo Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of BC, led by Moray Kennedy, to brainstorm for fun events and fund-raising.”
The riding arena committee members had a meeting on March 19, and they discussed their Spring plans.
“We want to make more improvements to make the facilities great for group and individual use so we will apply for grants.”
These improvements include outdoor water hydrants to water horses and the arena footing; overnight paddocks to accommodate trail riders, clinics and events and a concrete manure pit for composting.
The 70 Mile House Community Club has purchased a C-Can for storage and the Arena Committee will share it for storage, Spencer said.
The committee also wants to build a concession and an announcer stand, she noted.
“A local builder has offered to provide volunteer labour if the committee purchases the material.”
Noting there are a lot of things on the committee’s wish list, Spencer said “we would love to do it all this year, of course, but first we need to find the money.”
If anyone would like to use the 70 Mile Community Club Riding Arena, email 70milehouseridingarena@gmail.com.
“We really want more members,” Spencer said.
Applicants sought
for student bursary
The 70 Mile & Area Community Fund group is looking for students to apply for a bursary.
A $500 bursary is available for the continuing education or skills training of residents of Watch Lake, Green Lake, Pressy Lake, 70 Mile House, 83 Mile and surrounding areas.
Consideration will also be given to those who can show a close connection to this area.
This bursary can be used by any student, young or old, for further education or skills training.
Proof of registration for an upcoming course will be required.
To apply, write a letter of 300-500 words stating goals, education plans and your connection to the area. Include any volunteer, extra-curricular activities and community service.
Send applications by June 15, 2024 to the 70 Mile & Area Fund, c/o S. Wheeler; Box 29; 70 Mile House, B.C.; V0K 2K0.
For more information, email seventymilecommunityfund@outlook.com.
The bursary started after 70 Mile House Elementary School closed in 2000 and there was more than $3,000 left in the Parent Advisory Committee and 70 Mile Trackers (Cross-country Ski Club) accounts, which was held by the Seventy Mile Access Centre (SMAC) Society, until the school volunteers figured out what they wanted to with the money.
In 2011, a group was formed to find a way to start handing out bursaries, and the members talked to the Kamloops Foundation, which offered guidance and suggested the group apply to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) for funding.
The 70 Mile Community Fund Society was formed and the money was put into the Kamloops Foundation, now called the BC Interior Community Foundation (BCICF) which invested the funds.
With donations, the fund jumped up to $9,000. NDIT doubled the amount and within four years, the society had $19,151.
This would allow the society to provide an annual bursary for people in the school’s catchment area using just the interest made on the money put into the foundation.
Needing a third party to start handing out a bursary, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) came on board and the fund was administered under the 70 Mile and Area Community Fund Society’s mandate and started giving out bursaries in 2013.
At first, the bursary was $300, but now it has been bumped up to $500.
There have been 23 bursaries of various amounts and one grant given out since 2013 because sometimes the group had more than one applicant and the funds were available.
Group secretary Sue Wheeler noted that in the years they don’t have students apply for bursaries, they will consider providing funding to a fire department or other community clubs.
To learn more, join the society, or to donate, email for information to seventymilecommunityfund@outlook.com