## **Riding for the Disabled Newry Group, AGM Tuesday 27[th] June 2023 Drumneath Road, Banbridge 12.30pm** ## **Attendees:** Dee Gallagher, Rose de Courcy-Wheeler, Anne Grant, Alison Suffern, Pauline O’Neill, Lucia Flanagan, Kirsten Dunbar, Isobel McLoughlin, Charmaine Halliday, Helen McAuley Janet Liggett. ## **Apologies** Lorraine Hutchinson, Majella McParland Deidre opened the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and passed on apologies by those who had notified her of their absence. ## **Co-Ordinator Report** This was presented by Alison Suffern. We were delighted to have returned to normal this year and St Josephs Newry were available to avail of a full year’s riding. They started the year with the older pupils and brought the children in 6 week blocks, usually 6/7 children each session. By the end of the academic year the younger children were brought out, this ensured that they were more settled and able to enjoy the outing. The children were taught by Lorraine and Rose, and having a 6 week block meant that the children could work to a lesson plan suitable for their capability. The most efficient ‘boot room’ team kept to the system of weighing and measuring on arrival and keeping the riders hats and boots in individual bags which speeds up the whole process and makes it easier for the children to follow. We are indebted to Lorraine for the use of her marvellous ponies, and the appearance of cats, pigs and alpacas add to the children’s fun and work wonders for de-sensitising. In all 32 sessions were attended by the children. Unfortunately this year St Josephs, Bessbrook couldn’t attend – the new class there was having trouble settling but next academic year they plan to come back in September. We were delighted to welcome new volunteer Kirsten to the group and sorry to say good-bye to Will Glendinning and wish him all the best for the future. Majella had kindly written an article for the magazine on last year’s activities and will do a similar article for this year. May I thank everyone for their help all year, I hope you have a good summer and look forward to seeing you all in the Autumn – start date Tuesday 19[th] September. Do please pass the word around, we always need some more volunteers. The year ended with the AGM and end of year lunch kindly hosted by Alison Suffern The above report was read and accepted as an accurate account of the year’s activities. **Proposed:** Pauline O’Neill **Seconded :** Dee Gallagher ## **Financial Report** Rose de CW reported on the accounts. The account is in a very healthy state at the moment. We received a generous donation from the Newry Business Charity Group and another from Glen Poker Night. Another kind donation came from a Committee member’s friend who also donated some spare tack. To reflect the increased costs we raised the amount given to Lorraine to £35/hour – this obviously is well below the going-rate and we thank Lorraine very much for giving of her time so freely and the use of the facilities. Our only out-goings were for the use of the ponies and some new hats and grooming kits. Lorraine is also on the lookout for a good second hand saddle for Eliza. We still owe the HO for membership levy and insurance but the invoice hasn’t arrived yet. Next year the running costs will be higher as there will be a double session each Tuesday. We have applied for a grant from the Education Authority but there has been no response yet. The financial statement was proposed by Helen McAuley and seconded by Isobel McLoughlin ## **Fund-Raising Committee** Anne agreed to continue her role as heading the Sub Committee, together with input from other volunteers. Rices Pub has been booked again for a Pub Quiz night on Friday 29[th] September 2023. Unfortunately the Open Garden had to be cancelled due to the ill-health of a family member but Horace de CW has been selling the marmalade and honey he planned to sell at the Open Garden, this looks to have raised in the region of £500.00 This means we can survive with only the Pub Quiz unless a novel idea is suggested by anyone! ## **Election of Office-Bearers/Committee** Election of Chair Person: Deirdre Gallagher Proposed by Lucia , seconded by Helen Election of Treasurer : Rose de Courcy-Wheeler Proposed by Alison, seconded by Deidre Election Of Secretary: Deirdre Gallagher Proposed by Rose , seconded by Kirsten Election of Group Co-Ordinator: Alison Suffern Proposed by Helen, seconded by Pauline Health and Safety Officer/Safe-guarding : Anne Grant and Pauline O’Neill Proposed by Rose, seconded by Isobel **Election of Committee Members** No further changes to the Committee have been made **There having been no further business, the chairperson thanked everyone for attending.** **Meeting closed at 1.30pm and lunch began.**