A brand new role has been created at RDA UK’s National office in Warwick. We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and experienced Trust fundraiser to join us in 2018, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to significantly contribute towards our major new project to build the first ever RDA National Training Centre and to increase our annual income overall, in line with our strategy. If you are a confident fundraiser with a proven successful track record in writing high quality bids and applications then this is the ideal opportunity for you. Apply by email direct to satkinson@rda.org.uk sending a covering note explaining why you are an ideal candidate along with a current CV.
Closing date is 26 January 2018, interviews will be held Friday 2 February 2018.
This role is a full time, 2 year fixed term contract and the successful applicant will be tasked with raising in the region of £150,000 per year for the duration of the contract. To find out more download the Job Description
We are recruiting! Trusts and Grants Fundraiser vacancy
ICAP Charity Day supporting RDA
RDA has been chosen as one of the beneficiaries for the ICAP Charity Day on 5 December. ICAP have chosen to support RDA’s National Training Centre appeal, so funds raised on the day will take RDA a significant step closer to its fundraising target.
RDA supporters Clare Balding, Alastair Stewart, Anneka Rice and Natasha Baker will be at ICAP on the day to promote RDA’s work and hopefully close some deals too.
“I am delighted to be representing RDA at the ICAP Charity Day,” said Clare Balding. “Over the years this inspiring day has raised almost £135 million for charities like RDA and I’m looking forward to helping them add to that total on 5 December. RDA helps 25,000 disabled children and adults all over the UK and we grateful to ICAP Charity Day for everything they are doing to support our work.”
Paralympian Natasha Baker said: “I’m really excited to support the RDA, a charity very close to my heart at the TP ICAP charity day on the 5th December. I’ve been told the experience of being on a trading floor is electric, maybe I can secure a deal and make some money for a great cause.”
ICAP Charity Day
The Charity Day was founded in 1993 to grow its charitable giving programme through an innovative fundraising initiative that would make a significant difference to charities. Made possible through its unique position in the financial markets, the Company and its brokers committed to donating all revenues and commissions on one day a year, to a select group of charities around the world to guarantee that they would receive a sizeable contribution to fund much needed projects and initiatives. Now in its 25th year, ICAP, its customers and partners have collectively raised nearly £135 million to date and supported more than 2,200 projects worldwide.
About ICAP
ICAP is a leading markets operator and provider of post trade risk mitigation information services. ICAP matches buyers and sellers in the wholesale markets in interest rates, credit, commodities, FX, emerging markets and equity derivatives through voice and electronic networks, post trade risk mitigation and ICAP’s information services, provides data across all key asset classes and offers innovative solutions for real-time, end-of-day and historical products. ICAP is a TP ICAP company. For further information visit the ICAP website
RDA AGM: Chairman’s Report
Thank you to all members of RDA for working together to continue to provide the best possible experience for our participants.
This year 5,000 endeavour awards have been given out by groups to their riders, carriage drivers and vaulters. These awards focus on each participant’s needs and achievements and are just one example of RDA focusing on ‘what people want’.
This approach has been used when reviewing the coaching pathway to come up with a plan reflecting what coaches want to take RDA into the future as leaders in our field.
We are excited about the plans for our National Training Centre at Lowlands and now that we own the site and have planning permission, it is great to see progress being made on fundraising and on getting the building project underway next year with plans to complete in spring 2019.
Thank you to everyone who is supporting fundraising efforts. It was brilliant to have support in all parts of the UK for the Big Ride project and to feel the unity of purpose across RDA for our plans.
I am delighted to report another strong year for support given to existing RDA groups. This has included:
200 workshops being delivered to 1,400 volunteers on
governance, safeguarding, customer service and disability awareness;
we are also expanding e-learning options.
On the coaching front there were, 18 National training days and countless regional and county training days;
Groups need funds. I am pleased to report that RDA National has given groups a total of £190,000 in grants to help them help even more disabled children and adults and provide them with the best possible experience.
Focussing on helping new groups is showing results and it is pleasing to have 20 new groups currently attending workshops and in the process of setting up, and 7 new groups that have joined our 474 groups in the UK in the last year.
Our participants have once again achieved great things. Proficienty tests have been updated this year, so that riders can continue to be rewarded for their achievements.
The standard continues to go up at our 3 day National Championships. It was exciting to see support for the showing classes in their first year so great that the classes were split for initial judging.
Many congratulations to the para dressage team, who with new faces representing GB retained their 100% gold record. It was heartening to hear Suzanna Hext say in our RDA magazine after winning 3 gold medals that
‘Being part of your local RDA brings exciting opportunities to compete in the future.
Dreams really do come true.’
What we do in our RDA works. Therapy is provided through horses. We see improvements in our participants’ and their families’ lives, but of course we need to measure the impact so that we can tell others about this. RDA’s outcomes tracker is now widely used in the UK and in 8 other countries including Australia and the USA.
We have a lot to look forward to in RDA and are currently asking for ideas on how best to celebrate RDA’s 50th year in 2019!
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers at group, county, regional and national level and to our excellent staff at National Office and to everyone who has helped RDA over the past year.
Sam Orde, Chairman, RDA UK
RDA AGM: Princess Anne and Alastair Stewart champion the needs of the individual and celebrate expert volunteers
RDA has held its 48th AGM, Chaired by RDA President Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The Princess was present for the full day’s programme before chairing the formal business of the AGM.
In her President’s Report, The Princess acknowledged the changing landscape RDA is working in, the need for evaluation and how RDA has responded to that challenge; the fundamental principle of putting each individual’s needs first and of working with the person rather than the label of their disability. She recognised the experience and expertise of RDA’s coaches and volunteers – and how those skills can come together in the vision for RDA’s National Training Centre.
Broadcaster, journalist and RDA supporter Alastair Stewart OBE opened the morning’s proceedings with a talk on the Importance of RDA. In his open and frank address, he reminded delegates of the power they have to change lives when they ask: “What can you do? What would you like to do? What do you dream of doing?” He praised volunteers and RDA’s collaborative approach to meeting participants’ needs: “We don’t look down at people. We look across at each other. And together we look up and decide what we can achieve.”
RDA rider, East Region Participant Rep and Para-Vaulter Lizzie Bennett likewise spoke from the heart when she gave her presentation on ‘Why RDA is Important to Me’. Having achieved more than she ever thought possible through her riding and vaulting, she explained how RDA has helped her overcome the isolation and fear that disability that cause.
Sam Orde, RDA Chairman, inspired delegates with tales from her ‘Big Ride’ Challenge, which raised £40,000 for RDA groups and the National Training Centre. In her Chairman’s report she commented: “. It was brilliant to have support in all parts of the UK for the Big Ride project and to feel the unity of purpose across RDA for our plans.”
In an interesting and informative presentation, Barry Horne from English Federation of Disability Sport revealed the results of their research into the motivations and barriers for an active lifestyle experienced by people with disabilities. Representatives from CELT at The Clwyd Centre North Wales explored the wide range of educational and therapeutic opportunities that exist with horses as a catalyst and motivator for change.
Claire Milican, Director of Activities and Fiona Harris, Coaching Coordinator both at RDA UK presented the details of the Coaching Pathway review, which will ultimately lead to changes in the training and qualifications journey for the charity’s coaching workforce around the UK.
“Our AGM should be a reflection of where we are as a charity, an exploration of the challenges we face as we strive to be better, and an inspiration for all of us as we look forward to another extraordinary year,” said Ed Bracher, RDA Chief Executive.
“This meeting was all that and more and I am grateful to all our fantastic speakers for entertaining, informing and challenging us. The work we are undertaking on our coaching pathway and our National Training Centre; our commitment to evaluating our activities and listening to our participants; the skill and expertise of our volunteers – all these things have been acknowledged and celebrated. We continue to have the invaluable support of Her Royal Highness, not just in chairing our meetings but her regular visits to groups all over the UK, her unfailing interest in and scrutiny of our activities and her instinctive understanding of all the good that RDA achieves.”
Resolutions (all passed):
1. To appoint Sayer Vincent as Auditors of the Association in respect of the accounts for the year commencing 1 April 2017
2. To elect Lindsay Correa as a Trustee of the Association, with specific responsibility for volunteer development
3. To elect Sally-Anne O’Neill as a Trustee of the Association, with specific responsibility for activities
4. To confirm the re-appointment of Ms Jacqui Scott as a Trustee of the Association, with specific responsibility for fundraising
5. To appoint Judi Singer as an Honorary Life Vice President of the Association
6. To appoint Anne Dunham OBE as an Honorary Life Vice President of the Association
Awards:
Hon Life Vice Presidents: Judi Singer and Anne Dunham OBE
Susan Dudley-Smith Award: Stephen Henry Dale, East Park RDA
Birt Spooner Cup: Margaret Morgan
Loriner’s Education award: Lyncombe Lodge
President’s Awards: George Masson, Maryculter Driving group; Sarah Baker, Herts & Essex Border group; Kath Hatwell, Essex County Chairman
Buy a Brick campaign launch for National Training Centre
As RDA’s National Training Centre plan gains momentum, the charity has launched a ‘Buy a Brick’ fundraising campaign to encourage as many supporters as possible to become part of the project. The virtual bricks have a suggested value of £30 or over, and every buyer over £30 can leave a message of support which will be included in a celebratory book.
“This is a great way for people to become part of the creation of our Training Centre,” said fundraiser Catherine Stuart Yapp. “This isn’t just about an actual building. The Training Centre represents an important step in the future success of RDA for generations to come, and I hope our supporters from the wider RDA family will want to give their support.”
To ‘buy a brick’ visit www.rda.org.uk/buyabrick
First RDA National Coaching Awards recognise excellence in equestrian coaching
RDA has recognised the work of five outstanding Coaches in its first ever Coaching Awards. The winners are: Karen Thompson of Kesteven RDA for Coach of the Year; Joanne Orr of Ballyward Carriage Driving RDA for Driving Coach of the Year; Rebecca Hewitt of Berwickshire RDA for Vaulting Coach of the Year; Joyce Truscott from Upminster RDA for the ‘Extra Mile’ Award and Greg Block from Chigwell Riding Trust for High Performance Coach of the Year.
Coach of the Year, Karen Thompson was praised for her ability to build confidence and self- belief in her riders. Awards organiser and RDA Coaching Coordinator, Fiona Harris said, “Karen’s sessions are delivered with encouragement and positivity. She is dedicated to her work as an RDA Coach and always shares her knowledge and experience. Her leadership has created an RDA group which truly embodies the motto of the RDA ‘it’s what you can do that counts’.
“We are delighted to have launched these awards which recognise coaches like Karen and the other winners, whose dedication and unrivalled expertise is making a real and lasting impact to our riders, carriage drivers and vaulters.”
Presented by Paralympian Sophie Christiansen OBE, the awards ceremony took place as part of the charity’s annual Coaching Conference, where coaches from RDA’s 500 groups around the UK, as well as Regional and County Coaches, come together to share their experiences and learn from others.
Also receiving awards on the night were RDA Fellow and Chairman of the Coaching Committee, Sue Adams-Wheeler, who was presented with the RDA Presidents Award and Sister Mary Joy Langdon of Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, who has been awarded a Fellowship of RDA.
£40,000 ‘Big Ride’ boost for charity build project
Riding for the Disabled Association Chairman’s epic journey ends in triumph
A fundraising campaign for RDA has reached its triumphant conclusion, with £40,000 raised for the charity’s National Training Centre and local groups. The ‘Big Ride RDA UK’ involved RDA Chairman, Sam Orde, undertaking a series of distance horse rides and carriage drives around the UK, accompanied by hundreds of the charity’s disabled riders, carriage drivers, volunteers and supporters.
The 18 big rides have notched up thousands of kilometres from both horses and humans, with over 750 people taking part overall. The money raised will go in part towards RDA’s National Training Centre project, with the rest to the individual RDA groups and regions that took part.
Sam’s final ride, featuring RDA riders and volunteers from the West Mercia region, ended at Lowlands Farm in Shrewley – the site at which RDA will develop its National Training Centre.
From Princess Anne to Game of Thrones – 6 months of highlights for RDA Chairman
It was barely spring when RDA Chairman Sam Orde set off for her first Big Ride in April at Abbots Ripton, Cambridgeshire. Six months, 18 rides, 750 participants and £40,000 later, Sam’s adventures have taken her around the UK, meeting hundreds of RDA’s disabled riders and volunteers.
Among her many highlights she has been hosted by RDA President, The Princess Royal, at Gatcombe; tried her hand at carriage driving in Dorset and Northern Ireland; had a mounted police escort in London; ridden the Ridgeway in Wiltshire; joined an endurance competition in Scotland; visited the location of Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland and been welcomed with Welsh cakes and traditional costumes in South Wales.
“RDA members and supporters have done brilliantly, joining forces to have a wonderful time riding over 2,500 km in our stunning UK countryside to raise funds for RDA’s exciting, new National Training Centre,” said Sam. “Every contribution – from a disabled child riding their first km in open countryside to those flying along tracks and beaches at canter – has been inspiring to watch. We have all had the most fun possible raising £40,000!”
About the National Training Centre
Sam’s RDA Big Ride is raising money for the RDA National Training Centre. The Centre – to be built at Lowlands EC, near Warwick – will bring together, train and inspire the charity’s volunteers and coaches from around the UK.
Project Patron and RDA President HRH The Princess Royal said: “RDA has built a world class reputation on the strength of its expertise, coaching and horsemanship. These are strengths that must remain at the heart of everything we do in the coming years. The Lowlands project will ensure we can maintain our high standards and develop our training programmes to ensure the best possible experience for RDA’s riders and carriage drivers long into the future.”
The Centre will offer RDA activities to disabled people in the local community and include stables and grazing for 20 horses; indoor and outdoor arenas; training and conference facilities; some overnight accommodation and offices. As a working yard with indoor and outdoor arenas and classrooms, the Centre will provide the ideal environment for hosting practical training sessions; workshops and demonstrations as well as events and competitions. The focus of training will be putting riders’ and drivers’ needs first, and this message will be at the heart of everything that happens at Lowlands.
You can still sponsor the Big Ride RDA UK at https://mydonate.bt.com/events/bigride2017/432482
Big Ride heads out on Pennine Way
North West Region near Burnley on Sunday 1 October
With the tail end of hurricane Maria due to reach the UK, a careful eye was kept on weather forecasts as this Big Ride approached and the decision was taken to go a little earlier in the day. RDA members from Seaside Venture, Pendle and Pegasus RDA Groups gathered in a farm yard between Burnley and the Pennine Hills before 6 riders and 7 walkers headed out to find the Pennine Way. Riders used RDA North Region’s new mobile ramp to mount, which can be pulled behind a car and had been brought in especially.
Several riders were on young horses and were pleased with how they settled and enjoyed the 7 km ride. This included Pendle Group RDA rider Karen who had competed at the RDA Championships on 5 year old Blaze who she has owned since a foal. Karen explained how much Blaze has helped her recovery from a stroke. Regional participant representative Sarah Underwood soon made a happy partnership with King, borrowed from regional endurance rep Sarah Metcalfe.
The views from the Pennine Way and back past Coldwell Reservoir were stunning and the weather just rather windy until the last hill when the threatening storm started to edge in. The group of walkers were mainly from Pegasus RDA Group and included one of their riders, Fiona and her family and RDA Young Volunteer of the Year Megan. We were all delighted to return to hot soup and tea.
RDA President HRH The Princess Royal hosts Mid West Big Ride
Gatcombe Park on 30 September 2017
What a treat to be in the beautiful surroundings of Gatcombe Park for this Big Ride. With a 2 and 5 km route passing through Gatcombe Woods and a longer 14 km route starting at Highgrove and finishing at Gatcombe, there were plenty of options for RDA riders, volunteers and supporters to enjoy this stunning countryside – there was something for everyone.
Lyncombe Lodge Group set off as a group to clock up 10 km with two of their coaches riding with their 3 accomplished RDA riders. Wellow RDA Group brought 8 ponies for their riders. They described how much they had enjoyed riding out in the countryside, particularly going through the woods with quite a number experiencing this for the first time. Several of their 17 volunteers explained that they could not have organised the day without their ‘linch pin volunteer Anne Allen who puts hours and hours into their group’. Julia a blind rider from Dauntsey Group was last to go on the shorter routes. With her own horse lame, luckily Julia was able to borrow a horse that had just finished the longer ride. Full marks to Caroline from Dauntsey Group who having ridden the 14 km route then walked and ran next to Julia on her horse.
Lots of volunteers organised by County Chairman Rachel Vaughan-Johns helped out as stewards and made sure the day went smoothly. Two Groups Summerhouse and Clavenham & Winford who could not bring riders had volunteers stewarding and Sarah Hadley came from RDA National Office. Three young volunteers from Wellow Group walked 6km as part of their YELA and to add funds to the Big Ride for the National Training Centre Project.
Volunteers stewarding at Gatcombe were pleased to have a chance to talk to the Princess Royal when she came past them on a morning ride, before the Princess returned later in the day to present rosettes and certificates to happy riders. We were delighted that multi medal winning para rider Anne Dunham came to chat to riders at the finish.
Lucy an RDA rider from Wellow Group was pleased to complete the longer 14 km route on her young horse, which settled beautifully as she took the lead alongside regional chairman Lizzie Blair. This group of 14 had a couple of experienced Beaufort Hunt members along to help keep us on the right tracks including Pammy Jane Farquhar and Jane Tuckwell who helps run Badminton Horse Trials. Talland RDA organiser Caroline Longsdon was on a lovely dun horse bought to hunt with grandchildren. Sam and deputy chairman Sheila Saner were lucky enough to be on horses leant by past RDA Chairman Jane Holderness Roddam, who later came to the finish to catch up with RDA friends. Volunteers from Hauserley Hollow Group and Saxon Group talked about how much they enjoy RDA and it was good to get a chance to congratulate Kady, coach of Darren RDA Rider of the Year.
A lot of planning went into organizing this successful Big Ride and we were very grateful to our President the Princess Royal and the teams at Gatcombe and Highgrove for making it possible.
London Marathon 2018 – places available
Looking for a place in the 2018 London Marathon? Why not run for RDA, we have guaranteed Golden Charity Bond places available on a first come first served basis.
Runners are asked to raise £1,500 for RDA UK Charity no 244108 and there is a £100 registration fee to sign up. All you need to do is email satkinson@rda.org.uk with your details and a brief description about how you could raise the funds for us and we can add you to our charity draw.
Good luck!
