Huntingdon and District RDA
Chairman’s Report
July 2022-July 2023
This year has seen us return to a more normal post Covid life and we have provided 290 rides for 53 children ,quite an achievement for such a small group and a great tribute to our coaches and volunteers.
In August we held the Teresa Scot-Petrie fun day which was a great success and saw 4 children enjoy an extended morning of riding, pony care and picnic. Parents were in attendance and were amazed to see what their children had achieved, one family has continued with riding independently. It was particularly nice that Teresa’s husband and son were able to come along and see the pleasure their generosity had brought.
On the social front ,in September we gathered in the sunshine at Steeple Gidding for lunch and once again retired to The Wheatsheaf at Perry for our Post Christmas lunch. Thanks must go to Carl-Ann for organising both activities.
Coaches and volunteers have been keeping up to date with a variety of courses and on line learning modules and zoom lectures . Gill and Tracy have been re- approved as coaches and we are delighted that Mel is now well on her way to becoming a qualified coach.
We have complied with all the regulations and advisory notices that have been sent by RDA UK including the purchase of new riding hats to comply with the new standards and a review of all our policies .
Financially our funds are in a healthy state thanks to generous donations from Strangwood trust and the amazing donations we received last year from SDC and ClopWeston Angels Charity ball .
Our biggest problem has been recruiting volunteers, we only have 21 members so with 15. + and at least one coach required every session, it has been a little tight at times. Hopefully our recent attendance at the Bromswold Bikefest and interviews on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire will bring a few more potential volunteers along to see us.
All in all it has been another excellent year and a pleasure and privilege to see the amazing children from Samuel Pepys made such progress and have so much fun. It is a special treat to attend the school’s end of term celebrations to present the achievement cup and meet some of the parents, an experience I recommend to everyone.
Lastly, a huge thank you to everyone, especially Gill,Tracy and Mel for taking the sessions with such skill and enthusiasm, Marion for keeping the books straight and her calm and clear business guidance. Wendy for her secretarial skills and keeping the coffee flowing and Sue Sheard for continuing to take on the very necessary but often frustrating role of Safeguarding officer .Thank you to all the committee for their support and for sharing the responsibilities of keeping everything running . We are a great group and it’s such a pleasure to work with you all.
Jane Briggs 27/06/2023
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