Starting with some sad news. This last month saw the passing of two RDA ‘greats’, Sister Chiara Hatton-Hall and Miss Liz Dendy.
Sister Chiara was one of our founders, attending the very first meeting of the ‘Advisory Council for Riding for the Disabled’ that the BHS set up in April 1964. She was the first Chair of the Training Committee and created much of what we now recognise as the basis of our excellent Coaching support. She helped to set up FRDI (which became HETI and brings together RDA-type organisations around the world) and was respected across the globe.
Liz Dendy was Chair of RDA in the 1990s, skilfully steering us through the transition towards Federation, which many of you will remember. She was instrumental in setting up the International Paralympic Committee, and was a champion for disability sport worldwide.
We owe them a huge debt of gratitude and our thoughts are with their families.
Phone system down on Friday pm
There will be a new phone system at National Office from Monday 5 October (No change to phone numbers). This will be set up from 2pm this Friday. If you need to contact the office between 2 and 4 pm on Friday, please use the group support email (groupsupport@rda.org.uk) or call 07599 236 036.
AGM and Voting papers
Next week your group will receive voting papers for the virtual AGM on 6 November. Please complete and return your responses as soon as possible.
Government Kickstart Scheme
You may have heard that the government has created a new scheme to encourage and support employers to create work placements for young people in England, Scotland and Wales. The Kickstart Scheme pays the costs for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment to be employed part time for 6 months. The placements should support young people to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.
There is a minimum number of 30 people who must be enrolled on the scheme, although you can do so as part of a consortium, so RDA UK is looking to see if there is enough interest from groups for us to take this further. You can find out more about the scheme and how to register your interest here: myrda.org.uk/government-kickstart-scheme/
New Coaching Lead
Karen Thompson has taken on the role of Coaching Lead for RDA UK. Karen replaces Sue Adams-Wheeler, who has stepped down after 9 years in post. Sue led on many changes in coaching including the new Coaching Pathway and we are hugely grateful for her leadership and experience throughout her time in the role. Karen runs Kesteven Rideability in the North Midlands, and is County Coach and Regional Dressage Rep for North Midlands.
Virtual Windsor
Congratulations to all the RDA riders who took part in the first ever RDA Dressage Challenge at Virtual Windsor Horse Show, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The overall winner, Elise Coubrough, and the highest placed in each grade will share in the £1,000 worth of vouchers kindly donated by Wychanger Saddlery. You can find all the results from the weekend here: virtual.rwhs.co.uk/results/
Survey about activity levels and closure
I’ll be closing this survey at the end of this week, so please take part if you haven’t already. It takes about 5 minutes and will give us valuable information to help us support you better in the coming months. www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RDAActivityLevels
Brilliant Person Awards
Our Brilliant Person Award closes this weekend, so there’s just time for your entries. Visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9L6QD99
BBC Sports Personality of the Year – Unsung Hero Awards
Nominations are open for BBC SPOTY, which this year also features the ‘Captain Tom Young Unsung Hero’ award. More information and entry details here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/27037119