In loving memory of Stuart Harding who sadly passed away on 20th July 2019
STUART HARDING 1943 – 2019
A much admired, respected, energetic, powerfully built and friendly New Forest character with a talent for organisation, Stuart Harding was born in Fawley where the Harding family are known to have lived since the 1740s. His father, Charles (1901-1966) and his mother Edith lived at Ricasole, Langley, near Whitefield Farm when Charles became gardener at the present Cadland House. His mother, Edith worked for Air Commodore and Mrs Quinell at Nelsons Place, Stanswood Road.
Stuart grew up in the post-war years and eventually, having tried farming, he became a postman in Purlieu. An interesting choice as Purlieu is a Norman-French word meaning ‘the outskirts of the forest’, a place free from forest laws’. However, Stuart became a practicing New Forest commoner for about 30 years eventually breeding pure bred ponies. His brand first appeared in the stud books in 1965, the prefix Darkwater officially added in 1969; the line continues. Stuart was a great supporter of the New Forest Pony Publicity Group and enjoyed manning the stand at shows.
He worked for Norris & Sons from 1980-2013, was very loyal to Fred Norris and much enjoyed doing the deliveries round the Forest. He would take his mother, Edith, to work with him and the staff looked after her while he was out on his rounds. His willingness to help anyone and everyone often resulted in a good meal! He made many friends who became useful contacts.
All this, and Commoners know how much time commoning takes, while delivering the mail on his bicycle, collecting the union dues, lending a hand when and where needed. His contacts were to prove very useful when he participated and then ran the very successful Tug of War Association – there are, sadly, none of these jovial groups now in the New Forest. The Mopley Riding Club grew out of the Fawley Riding Club; Stuart later became its Chairman, a position he held for over 30 years.
In 1962, Stuart became a tenant of the Cadland Estate, taking over from his parents. The Estate has supported the Commoners and the Mopley Riding Club for well over 50 years. Fawley Field is used when the stallions are taken off the Forest and for shows by the Club. It is a very happy partnership, the Club inspiring young people not just to ride and race well and safely but also teaching them courtesy, discipline and responsibility while having a great deal of fun. Above all they learn the ways of the Forest and respect for it.
Stuart was kind, patient and endlessly courteous to all. At the Club’s AGM, he would mention and name every contribution made by a member that year. This took time but was hugely appreciated before the prizes were handed out.
He will be remembered by all with affection and admiration for his kindness and competence. There are few today who are able do so much so well and so consistently for others.
I am grateful to several contributors; to Bob and Sue Lucas, Lesley Roberts, Christina Quilliam Jim Greenwood and Graham Parkes, Waterside Historians.
Gilly Drummond, President, Mopley Riding Club
Image -Stuart Harding presenting the ? Award for ? at the Mopley Riding Club AGM 2019
I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO ADD AN AMENDMENT TO THE ABOVE BIOGRAPHY.
Stuart was born in Dibden.
Some of the founding members have stated that Mopley Riding Club was founded after the tragic death of Albert Nicholas at Mopley Farm. The founders all rode Alberts Pony’s. Stuart did so much for the club over 30 years and he will be sadly missed.
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