May 8th, 2026 – Chairman’s Report and Trustees Annual report 2025 saw the Group “kick off” for the next 50 years, following last years 50[th] birthday celebrations. The unequalled passion and camaraderie of all remains unchanged, to be helped along by a dollop of fun thrown in for good measure. The welfare of our beloved equines will remain inviolable during the next 50 years inspirational service to our young heroes at Charlton Park RDA. I reported at our last AGM the intention of The Royal Borough to close the Maryon Wilson Animal Park. With strong representation around many reasons why the park should not be closed, including reminding that our RDA Group has been extant for 50 years, including stabling in the park, the proposal was not at that time taken forward. Disappointingly the Council again revived the closure issue early last year but happily the local community rallied around to finally save the animal park from closure. On the 7[th ] July our beloved Chief Coach and Trustee Carol Kendall, suffered an accidental and very serious fall in the animal park and was hospitalised as a result. Understandably, Carol was in a state of shock following the accident and for some time afterwards, when I kept in constant contact with her and her family. The necessary and extensive statutory reports and documentation was acted upon, including liaising and working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Subsequently both RDA National Office and the Insurers both confirmed that the Group Insurance was on a Liability Policy only and that consequently, there could be no claim for loss of earnings. With the permission of Carol, I asked RDA if there was any “Hardship Fund” for such circumstances, or no. A response was promised but was never forthcoming. I asked if there was any guidance and help available at all, they replied that they were unable to offer any assistance, as “the accident happened at the Group setting”. Both RDA and the Insurers sometime later made an extraordinary about-turn to confirm that – “RDA do after all have Personal Accident Insurance cover, which includes cover for volunteers” - this despite the earlier confirmation of the opposite from both RDA and the Insurers. Carol has since made a claim against the policy. There are most serious and important issues arisen from all of this. A meeting was requested between the Group Chairman and Michael Bishop, CEO RDA National Office. A further report to be made to the Trustees in due time. The Group’s laudable self-sufficiency in remaining one of the very few Groups that do not make any charges, inevitably means that fund raising never ceases Our happy fun raising team steered by Carol and famously backed up by Kevin Clarke, Xandra, Vicky, Kerry and Maddie and all the other team members, continued to perform remarkable fundraising feats too numerous to mention. Whatever donations, big, small or anywhere at all in between are all accepted with sincere thanks to everybody involved. Extra special thanks are extended to Greenwich Rotary Club and The Inverlever Trust and to All Aboard Shops, and to The Royal Borough of Greenwich for ongoing support of us providing Hut and stabling over the past 50 plus years at a peppercorn rent. The amazing and undoubted fnd raising donations are happily treasured away by our hardworking Treasurer James Hamilton Thanks are extended to him for his inspiring balancing act in keeping our Group accounts true and up to date. Sincere thanks are also extended to our Group Secretary Eleri Morgan – safely and expertly keeping our Group records in order. Our much-celebrated Christmas Dinner was held in November. Santa was happily persuaded to make an early appearance, giving him an opportunity for some early reindeer flying training before his busy time. Kevin Clarke was of course on standby with soothing nose cream, if required by leading reindeer Rudolph. We were delighted that her Worshipful the Mayor of The Royal Borough of Greenwich was able to join our happy throng. In conclusion I am happy to repeat what I have said in previous years… The unstinting loyalty and sheer hard work that the dedicated Charlton Park Group volunteers and helpers including my fellow Trustees put into the everyday working of the Group remains a true wonder, working together our happy family of volunteers, donors’ supporters, parents and carers, whoever and wherever they are, ensure we can continue to help local disabled children to reach their true life potential. John Furlonger- Chairman of Trustees **----- Start of picture text -----**
Charlton Park RDA 2025 Approved at AGM (08/05/2026)
(Receipts and Payments Method)
2025 (£) 2024 (£)
Receipts Approved Approved
Donations 6,541 8,938
Donations New Pony 3,750
Donation Head Office
Just Giving 8,874 14,788
Fund Raising 1,472 5,119
Sales RDA Goods 284 -
Total 17,171 32,596
Payments 2025 2024
Fund Raising Expenses 302 519
Operating Expenses 1,201 2,791
Travel and Training 977 1,393
Holidays and Outings - 167
New Ponies - 3,250
Ponies' Welfare 10,710 10,119
Tack and Equipment 206 1,535
Insurance and Alarms 8,232 8,758
Maintenance and Décor 981 1,136
Cost of RDA Goods 208 257
Total 22,817 29,925
Surplus (Deficit) (5,646) 2,670
Bank Balance 4,159 8,888
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## **Notes:** 1) 2025 figures reconcile exactly to the Bank Statements 2) Accrual vs Receipts and Payments methods differ due to uncashed cheques Cheques for £ 477.91 total written in Dec2024 were uncashed till Jan 2025 Cheques for £ 916.63 total written in De 2025 were uncashed till Jan 2026 On an accrual basis 2025 deficit would be £438.72 worse 3) There are no serious incidents or other matters that trustees should have reported, but have not done so.