President's Letter - 12th March 2025

Dear Members,

March is a curious month for Cresta riders: some lick their wounds, others celebrate their victories; some talk to bank managers, others go dry; and whilst a very few linger in the mountains, the rest of us long for them, and already cannot wait for The Bartley Bear on 18th December 2025.

It was a glorious Season: the weather was as perfect as the great riders’ lines from Top, the Shuttlecock Dinner was as immaculate as its President, the end of term party honed to Red Coat Mills perfection. We celebrated some truly remarkable races culminating in an America’s record on the last day of the Season. Nothing though could surpass the drama of our blue riband, The Grand National, arguably the most exciting race for a generation.

We may all be heading into tobogganing hibernation, but Tilly MacDonald has outlined below some exciting off Season activities, the London Ball in November being the undoubted highlight, other than of course her and Archie’s new baby.

It continues to be the greatest privilege for me to be your President and to ride alongside such extraordinary athletes. Nevertheless, I have to repeat what I said at the end of term party…the most important ingredient for this Club is its Members. It is thanks to you all and your contributions on and off the Run that last Season was so special.

The Secretary will shortly distribute the list of new Member applications, many relatives of Members. As we discussed at the AGM, entry this year will be harder than ever. It is essential Members have full access and enjoyment of the Run, and next Season we will, as promised, curtail Beginners. That said, when Tilly opens the Beginners slots, Members please make sure you take advantage of the early notice she will give you.

To paraphrase the great knight Williamson, thank you again for your friendship, fear, fun and family last Season. I hope to see many of you in London in May, St Moritz in July, or Madrid, Greece or Sydney!

With all good wishes for Lent.

‍Off Season Events

‍Thankfully there are several opportunities for Cresta friends to reunite during the off Season:

‍7^th May 2025, 6pm ‍London Cocktail Party at the Cavalry & Guards Club - tickets available in early April

‍8^th May 2025 - Golf at Swinley Forest - booking via Ed Shipton available in early April

‍4^th, 5^th, 6^th July 2025 - ‍Cresta St Moritz Events – Alexander Schmidt, Tobias Schaer and Michael Bornhauesser are working on a fabulous itinerary of events which will include golf, mountain and road biking, and a classic car drive culminating in a Saturday night dinner and party. More information to be shared this Spring.

‍31^st October – 2^nd November 2025 - Cresta Halloween in Madrid – following sensational recent Halloweens in Zimbabwe and Iceland, this year we move to Madrid where Martin and Amaya Albers-Schoenberg and their boys will be showing us a spectacular time. More information to be shared very soon.

‍6^th November 2025 - Cresta Ball in London - the London Ball returns after a 3 year hiatus and the appointed Committee of Archie Kelly, Geordie Hilleary, Andrew Ward, Lara Robinson and Luca Kuhn have been working on what is set to be a brilliant evening. There will be a live auction conducted by Harry Rosebery, as well as a silent auction and/or raffle. Donations for prizes would be hugely well received in whatever form they may take. To discuss a potential auction or raffle lot, please get in touch with the Ball Committee via crestaball.london@gmail.com.

‍Annual Report 2024/2025

‍After another wonderful Season we look forward to bringing you the next edition of the Annual Report, which should hit doormats mid October. This summer it will be edited by Annabel Kettler whilst I am on maternity leave from May. The Club relies heavily on advertising to fund the Annual Report, and we welcome adverts of any kind. Please email Annabel.kettler@cresta-run.com should you like to enquire about advertising.

‍The Ice Sports Foundation – Super Sliders Prize Draw Donations

‍The Ice Sports Foundation – Super Sliders (ISF) is thrilled to be participating in the 2025 Sporting Chance Prize Draw to raise vital funds for their Bronze, Silver, and Gold Programmes. By donating you can contribute to supporting their mission to offer young people life-changing experiences through ice-track sports. More information on the prize draw can be found here, or follow this link to enter: Enter Prize Draw: 2025 | Sporting Chance Prize Draw. The deadline to enter is this Friday 14th March. Fellow Cresta Members Jeremy Elms, Tony Wallington and Michaela Pitsch are all involved in the charity and would greatly appreciate your support.

With best wishes,

Tilly MacDonald