Huntingdon and District RDA
Chairman’s Report for Year June 2020-June 2021
Covid 19 has curtailed normal activities for Huntingdon and District RDA along with the rest of the UK and indeed World.
The last AGM was held on 25[th] June by Zoom and a year later almost to the day, we were able to welcome the children of Samuel Pepys School back to Northbrook Equestrian Centre for their Tirst riding session in over 12 mths.
In the interim period the trustees were able to meet via Zoom and Tinally in person to discuss the recommendations and requirements issued by RDA UK and the government to fulTil the criteria for safe restarting of riding sessions.
In March Northbrook E.C. was in serious Tinancial trouble and it was agreed to purchase new rugs for our RDA ponies to assist and help in a small way to make sure there was an establishment for us to return to. This small gesture was greatly appreciated by Andrea and David.
Northbrook survived and on 17[th] June with risk assessments, check lists, consent forms and Covid precautions all duly completed and approved by RDA UK we were able to hold a “ dry run” at Northbrook before welcoming two groups of three children back to ride, the smiles on their faces proved all the navigating red tape had been worthwhile. The four sessions we were able to run went smoothly and the riders all left pleased with their rosettes and having gained conTidence and made progress even in the short time available.
We are very fortunate that all our volunteers have been willing to return and have welcomed a further three volunteers with two more waiting to join in September. This will allow us considerable Tlexibility when we increase the number of riders next term.
Thank you to everyone for staying in touch, putting up with my numerous emails and believing in the values of RDA.
I am sorry to deliver this report by Zoom yet again but having had a volunteer recently test positive for Covid and with the uncertain effects of unlocking against a rising incidence of Covid 19, it was felt, following discussion with RDA UK that this was the safest way to meet the requirements of our organisation and the Charity Commission
Let’s hope that when we return in September service is a bit more back to normal.
Jane Briggs Chairman Huntingdon and District RDA 20[th] July 2021
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