Report of the Trustees Wood Green RDA
This has, by any measure, been a successful year for the group. We have offered in the region of 420 lessons and this equates, at the commercial rate at Northbrook, to £11,700 of benefit provided. Of course the benefit, and raison d’etre of the group, is not primarily financial and the lessons to both adults and children provide physical and mental therapy. In conversation with the Spring Common staff, who provide our child riders, it is clear that children with very complex behavioural needs become transformed by their experience of horses and for many of them it is the highlight of their week. The physical benefits of improving core strength, balance, coordination etc are also clear to see.
We have a very good body of volunteers in the group and while there are occasional sessions when we are a bit short we generally have sufficient and have never had to cancel a session due to having too few helpers. One additional aspect is that, over the past two or three years we have acquired a larger number of helpers with considerable equestrian experience and this has made running sessions considerably easier and great thanks should go to all of the volunteers for their dedication. Riders of all ages clearly value the rapport they develop with the helpers.
A major development, and improvement, this year has been in the coaching provision. Sessions can not run without a coach being present to conduct the lesson and it was therefore imperative that we were able to have a larger pool. It is excellent to report that Fiona Bayliss and Jeanette Soer are now qualified group coaches and that Sally Bowes and Paula Salvi are on the pathway to qualification. This has already taken some of the burden rom our existing coaches and has given us greater flexibility.
The groups finances remain in a healthy state as outlined in the Treasurer’s Report. Some problems with the transition of the banking facility have meant that we have not been able to follow up potential revenue sources such as Just Giving but it is the hope that this will be rectified soon.
Relations with Northbrook have generally been good despite one or two issues with tack and with difficulties in providing weight-bearing ponies at times. The staff at Northbrook have become more aware of the group’s competence and professionalism and this has led to a more collaborative approach. Relations with Spring Common have been excellent and their staff have been very helpful and communication has improved. This will be furthered by the designation of Jane Buckham as our Special Needs specialist to act as a conduit between the Spring Common staff and us, advising as to successful strategies etc. Dealings with the external agencies involved with the adult riders have remained good.
Looking to the year, and years, ahead an issue potentially on the horizon is the possible closure of Northbrook. This is not imminent but, as a group, we need to be considering contingencies if it were to happen. The Trustees have been assured by the owner that nothing will be sprung on us with short notice. It is a tricky environment for riding schools at the moment and this makes future planning difficult.
We will continue to encourage volunteers to go on training courses whenever appropriate and we had in-house training earlier in the year.
Notwithstanding the sound financial position, we also need to explore ways of raising money so that we can continue our policy of not charging our riders.
Sally Gray has resigned from the Trustees and as a volunteer. She was an enormous help to the group, volunteering with both adults and children and her presence is missed. We thank her for all she did.
Next year will probably be one of consolidation and continued development; let us hope for smooth waters in which to operate.
WOOD GREEN RDA INC CARRIAGE DRIVING GROUP
(Registered charity1074365)
Accounts for period 1 November 2023 to 30 September 2024
Balance Sheet at 30[th] September 2024
Capital Account at 31[st] October 2023 £99,202.13 Minus Deficit £5770.91 Capital Account at 30[th] September 2024 £93,431.22
Fixed Assets
B/forward 31[st] October 2023 £3910.02 Add None Less Depreciation £1282.66 Total £2627.36
Current Assets
Skipton BS £50,000 Virgin Money £36,157.79 Barclays £7,273.43 Fixed Assets £2627.36
Total
£96,058.58
INCOME
| Skipton BS Interest | £725.00 |
|---|---|
| £5719.92 | |
| Virgin Money Interest | £284.81 |
| £200.32 | |
| Gifts | £150.00 |
| £477.00 | |
| £533.48 | |
| T0TAL | £1159.81 |
| £6930.72 | |
| Defcit | £5770.91 |
EXPENDITURE
Northbrooke Equestrian Training Membership & Insurance Miscellaneous
DEPRECIATION
| DEPRECIATION | |
|---|---|
| Halter Straps | £8.64 |
| Weigh Scales | £566.40 |
| Fish Sticks | £95.40 |
| Halters | £18.20 |
| Hat Silks | £28.20 |
| Ann Items | £244.42 |
| Jump Poles | £79.20 |
| Alice Reins | £26.00 |
| Mount Block | £198.00 |
| Halter Straps | £18.20 |
TOTAL £1282.66