Pam Wood’s HAPPA Journey
DATE
November 2, 2022
CATEGORY
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Pam Woods
On Tuesday 2nd November, was the funeral of Mrs Pam Woods. Our Head of Equine Operations, Amanda Berry attended the funeral. Amanda made a wonderful speech all about Pam’s HAPPA journey. We wanted to share it with you, so you could see how important Pam was to HAPPA.
Pam’s Journey
In 1972, an encounter at Beeston Auction would change the course of Pam Woods life considerably, from that day onwards, HAPPA took over her life. After agreeing to house an emaciated mare and foal, Nina & Frederick were the first HAPPA arrivals, at Greenbank Farm, Fence, Pam’s family home. For the next three years, Pam worked for HAPPA on a voluntary basis and by this time there were 10, HAPPA equines, at Greenbank, along with Pam’s much-loved, prize-winning donkeys. HAPPA was growing and a decision was made to move, HAPPA, North and with her father’s encouragement, Pam Woods offered the farm, as the Northern Rest Home, Headquarters.
At the time of the move Pam Woods was, Secretary, Office girl, Groom, Head Cook, and Chief, Bottle Washer rolled into one. When the phone rang in the office, the caller’s opening line was often ‘is that Mrs Wood’ not surprising, as her name was, part, and parcel of HAPPA. HAPPA was indeed her life.
At that time HAPPA’s financial circumstances, were very poor and her father, Leonard Simpson, became a Patron and very kindly helped to pay some of the bills and wages, until more funds became available. Thanks to Pam’s management, in 1984, HAPPA was in a strong financial position and was able to purchase its own premises. Pam attended a public auction in person and successfully secured the winning bid, HAPPA became, the proud owners of, Shores Hey Farm, in Briercliffe, Burnley, where it still operates today. Pam had taken the Charity from ‘Rags to Riches’ and her due diligence, had paid off. Pam excelled at raising funds, whilst operating almost always over capacity, she was successful at getting others motivated and grew a large band of support groups, which were scattered throughout the entire UK. Every summer, she would pack up her caravan and travel around supplying them with HAPPA merchandise and generating a profitable return.
Pam was the lifeblood of HAPPA and shone at raising its profile, throughout the 70’and 80’s Pam Wood was the name of HAPPA. She built up its membership and put it on the map as ‘Leading the Field in Equine Welfare’. A strapline it still uses today.
The summers were busy and hectic, with ponies to groom, Legislation to change, Funds to raise and Campaigns to get underway. Pam would most often put in a 14-hour day, to her it was totally worth it and gave her the greatest job satisfaction.
Pam ensured that HAPPA’s stable door will always be open and to this day her legacy lives on. A stalwart crusader Pam, paved the way for the future. In 1985 she successfully secured funding of £5,000, in partnership with Horse & Pony Magazine.
Allowing HAPPA to build, a brand-new, Horse and Pony Block, at Shores Hey Farm.
She then went on to source, high profile patrons, including the late Doreen Williams OBE, along, with Glam Rock Singer, Heartthrob, Alvin Stardust, who most of you here today, will remember, his number one single ‘My Coo Ca Choo’. Olympic Showjumper Graham Fletcher was roped in to officially open the Horse & Pony Block later that year.
Pam always had the future, of the Association, in mind and came up with ingenious ideas, to raise the much-needed funds. In 1985 she put on a holiday weekend and one of the reviews reads. “I wanted to drop you a short note to say ‘thank you’ for organising such a successful holiday weekend. I was apprehensive, after deciding to come alone, but I needn’t have worried. The folks at HAPPA, made it a most enjoyable few days. The love for the horses and ponies ‘sells’ the weekend as a must, for a yearly event and the meal provided at Greenbank on Sunday, was superb. Yours Truly Miss M K Fife Scotland.”
While she may not have been able to bring a person’s name to mind, Pam Woods could remember, every animal, who has ever been in HAPPA’s care. Bruno & Crumble, two adorable Donkeys, Miranda the Mule. A naughty Shetland called Wilbur, Tommy, Jennifer, and Winston three wicked Donkeys, full of mischief. These were just a few of her favourites, not to mention her beloved Red Shadow, fondly known as Copper.
Pam’s dedication and commitment were to be admired, in 1987, she announced her retirement after 12 years in the hot seat, it was time to find a more restful slot.
The tireless enthusiasm, Pam had for HAPPA, never wanned and in later years, she went on to write a book. ‘Tales with HAPPA Endings’.
HAPPA, really did, take over her life, and for her, there was no satisfaction, like taking a rib cage on legs and turning it into a pony again. Or gaining the trust and affection of a scared and damaged animal. Pam was never a stranger to HAPPA and frequented the offices regularly. She dedicated a period of time, to open a museum, at the Inn on the Wharf, where HAPPA ran its offices. She called in, whenever she could, always armed with cake. In 2001 the offices, moved up to Shores Hey Farm, and she would still visit for a cup of coffee and a chat and reminisce about the old days.
HAPPA are in debt to Pam Woods, and she was very much its heart. It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye.
Goodnight God Bless
Thank you Pam…..
