Tributes have been paid to a woman with a lifelong passion for horses who ran a children’s pony club for decades.
Iris Diamond, who lived in Prestbury with husband Professor Jack Diamond, opened the East Cheshire branch of the Pony Club in 1960 with friend Wendy Ashton, teaching children to ride horses at locations around Macclesfield
She also established East Cheshire Combined Training Group which has grown into a respected riding club. Iris continued with the pony club until her 80s, when she developed Alzheimers. She eventually moved into Astbury Mere care home in Congleton, where she has died aged 101.
Iris, who loved horses as a young girl in London and insisted on going to a school on the south coast where she could learn to ride, moved to Prestbury in 1958. She leaves daughters Sue Andrew, Marion Goddard and Ann Harrison, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Sue said: “The pony club was mum’s life. She kept working with the club for as long as she could, helping so many children who may not have had a chance to ride horses. Mum leaves a legacy that has brought enjoyment for thousands of riders.”
