In 1974 it became quite evident that there was a need for a Dressage Club to be formed to cater for the needs of those equestrians wishing to compete in Dressage events. At the time there was already in existence the Darwin and District Equestrian Association (DDEA) which was the governing body for equestrian sport.
On 27 July 1976 a public meeting was held at the Berrimah Hotel of people interested in forming a Club to promote Dressage to provide uniformity in instruction and judging. This meeting was chaired by David Veal.
Unfortunately there is no record of who attended this meeting other than those who were elected to be the first Committee of the Darwin Dressage Club.
It was moved by Les Edwards and Seconded by Lesley Sullivan that a Dressage Club be formed. A draft Constitution, which was distributed to those present, was adopted with minor amendments.

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The inaugural Committee of the Darwin Dressage Club consisted of:

Patron Mr John England (Administrator)
President Mr David Veal
Vice President Mr Les Edwards
Secretary Miss Ann Bannatyne
Treasurer Mr Ralph Green
Publicity Officer Mr Graham Shulman
Senior Committee Mrs Nancy Bannatyne, Mrs Bernice Butcher, Mrs Lesley Sullivan
Junior Committee Miss Angela Green
Honorary Auditor Mr Robert Rose
Membership Fees were as follows:
Family Member $10.00
Senior Member $ 4.00
Junior Member $ 1.00
Country Member $ 2.00
The club had a total of ?? financial members during the first year.
Club Membership fees totalled $97

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As those present were keen to get things moving David and Pat Veal offered the use of Elizabeth Valley at Noonamah for training and competition days with the first e first training day of the Darwin Dressage Club being held at David and Pat Veal’s property at Noonamah on 1 August 1976.
And so the Darwin Dressage Club came into being and as you read on you will realise how this club has grown from strength to strength to become the Club it is today. Thanks to the PenDennis family who put together a slideshow (9Mb) of 30 years of DDC.
If you have any other historical information about the club please email in.
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