The Society is sad to report that Miss Laura Hutchins of the Bengad Stud passed away in her sleep at home on 22nd December 2020 aged 89 years. Born in Belfast, she spent part of her childhood in Devon. When Laura’s father retired from the Army, he settled with his family in Tasmania, where Laura trained as a nurse; later returning to the UK to pursue this career.

On her return she rekindled her friendship with the Gadsden family in Gloucestershire and the appeal of the ponies beckoned and led to a career change as Laura took over the running of the world renowned Bengad stud for Mrs Gadsden.

She joined the Society as a life member in 1971 and served on the WPCS Council for many years. The honour of Presidency was bestowed upon her in 2003 and she enjoyed a busy year, meeting members across the UK. She judged the Welsh Ponies Section B at the Royal Welsh in 1987 placing Cwmwyre Samantha Champion, and then in 1990 judged the Section A’s at Llanelwedd placing Waitwith Romance as her Champion.

We extend our sympathy to her dear friends and family.

Photograph by kind permission of Dr E Wynne Davies