Everyone involved in eventing is all too aware of the importance of volunteers for the successful running of events. One of the most stalwart of the army of volunteers we have at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is Amanda-Jayne (known as Mandy) Davey.

Mandy is a ticket collector, and until now has never watched a single part of the competition. Instead she is on duty, working on Kennel Gate from Wednesday through to Sunday. This afternoon, however, she will watch the show finale in the main arena, having been presented with tickets by Event Director Hugh Thomas and his wife.

Mandy’s daughter Charlotte Baillie wrote to us originally: “I was wondering if we could do a surprise something for my mum Amanda-Jayne Davey (Mandy). This will be her 40th year working at Badminton, on the Kennel Gate. She always has a smile on her face and I’m sure she says ‘ticket please’ in her sleep weeks after Badminton has finished. Even my 30th birthday couldn’t stop her from standing at her post, and I wouldn’t ask. She loves Badminton, it’s her second home.”

Enjoy the afternoon, Mandy – and happy birthday Charlotte.