Newsletter - August/September 2010
Class News
A big welcome to all our new riders who are joining their classes over the next few weeks, following the taster sessions we held over the school holidays.
We recently welcomed a group of children from PAMIS in Glasgow, who spent a morning riding and carriage driving at the Centre.
Remember that the Centre will be closed for the week from 23rd August. There will be no classes that week as our horses will be having a well deserved rest. Classes resume as usual on Monday 30th August.
New Equipment
Thanks to a grant from Awards for All and a generous donation from Falkirk Round Table we have been able to purchase a great new range of equipment to use in your classes, including traffic lights, road signs, number and letters shapes, magnetic boards, and various new toys and games.
Some of you have already spotted our new sound system, which allows us to play music in the arena (and soon the cafe area too) as well as improving the delivery of our lessons to those who may not hear well. If you have a problem hearing your instructor during lessons in the indoor arena, please let them know and they can use the microphone.
We hope you enjoy using the new equipment to do different activities – we would love to hear your feedback, whether you are a rider, parent or carer.
Driving
This year’s Driving Holiday was a great success, with 8 drivers and their carers attending from Monday to Thursday. We were lucky enough to have dry weather every day (only 3 spots of rain according to Patsy!). It was a fantastic week during which the drivers got the chance to improve their driving skills every day, including obstacle courses in the arena and a long drive each. On Thursday the carers got a chance to take the reins. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who helped make it happen, it has been quoted as “the best holiday ever”! Next year’s dates will be announced in due course - don’t miss out!
Competition News
Huge congratulations to the team who competed at Hartpury in July. Overall the team got 2nd place, with a win in the Restricted Class, a second for Fraser in Grade 3 / Test 31, and a second for the Vaulting team. Fantastic results all round, particularly for the vaulters at their first national competition. Well done also to Puzzle, what a star!
The RDA Scottish Dressage Championships will be held at the Centre on Sunday 12th September. Volunteers welcome to come along and help in the yard and cafe.
Fundraising and Events
Collecting Tins
Could you take a Collecting Tin to your place of work, or perhaps you have links with a local shop, hotel or business establishment who would be happy to display one in a prominent place? If so, please pop into the office.Sponsored Rides
Throughout September classes will be participating in sponsored rides, with the aim of raising £2000 for the Centre. Some classes are choosing a theme for their ride, others have set a target amount to raise. Sponsor forms are available through the office, please speak to your instructor and classmates to arrange a suitable date and get fundraising!Bridge of Allan
The Tombola at the Bridge of Allan Highland Games raised just under £500. Thanks to all those who helped.Tesco Vouchers
Thanks to everyone who handed in Tesco Vouchers, a massive 6,284 were collected in total. Thanks also due to those who helped count them all! The vouchers will be exchanged for more literacy, numeracy and games equipment.Visitor\'s Book
Just a reminder that for health and safety reasons, such as in case of fire, we have now installed a visitors’ sign-in book in the cafe. ALL visitors to the Centre, including volunteers, parents and carers should please SIGN IN AND OUT of this book.
Volunteers
Thank you to all our volunteers who have helped out over the summer, and a big welcome to all those who have started recently. Remember , all volunteers are welcome to come and help look after the horses during the week we are closed.
Volunteers BBQ
Date for your diary – the Volunteers BBQ will be held on Saturday 25th September from 6pm. All welcome, food provided, BYOB and keep your fingers crossed for good weather!
Riding Club
Calling all volunteers – would you like to learn to ride or improve your riding skills? Then join our Riding Club, every Friday night from 6pm – 8pm, cost £12. Book your space now!
Locker Keys Amnesty!
A wee reminder that the lockers in the cafe are provided for the use of ALL volunteers, both daytime and evening. A number of keys have recently gone missing, so all keys are now supplied through the office and must be returned before leaving the Centre. Please hand in any locker keys which turn up into the office.
Next Newsletter
Please hand any contributions to Jen by the end of September. Thanks!
BHS Approved Riding Establishment 2010
A Pony Club Centre 2010
Bannockburn RDA
The Sauchieburn Centre
Sauchieburn Estate
Bannockburn
Stirling
FK7 9PZ
Telephone:
(01786) 813338
0845 241 1365 (Lo-call)
E-mail:
info@bannockburnrda.org.uk
Bannockburn Group of Riding for the Disabled (known as Bannockburn RDA) is a registered Scottish charity Number: SC004549 and Private Limited Company Number. SC339433
A Member Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving