Dear RDA UK staff and volunteers,

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

Next Monday there will be a new phone system at National Office (the phone numbers will stay the same). The set-up is being done this Friday, so if you need to contact the office after 2pm on Friday please email groupsupport@rda.org.uk or call 07599 236036.

 

AGM and Voting

FYI, groups will be sent their voting papers next week, ahead of the AGM on 6 November, which will take place virtually. Any help you can provide to encourage groups to complete and return their votes ahead of time is greatly appreciated.

 

Government Kickstart Scheme

Tomorrow we will be letting groups know about the Kickstart Scheme, which 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. We are considering acting as a consortium lead for RDA groups who might want to take up this opportunity, and are asking for initial shows of interest. You can find more info here, so please encourage groups to get involved if you think they might benefit: www.myrda.org.uk/government-kickstart-scheme/

 

New Coaching Lead and RPO

Congratulations to Karen Thompson on her new role as National Coaching Lead. 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. 

We also welcome Eliza Ritchie as the new Regional Publicity Officer (RPO) for West & Central Scotland. Thanks Eliza, I know Kate Bennet and the rest of the team are delighted to have you on board.

 

Survey About Activity Levels and Closure

I’ll be closing this survey at the end of this week, so please urge groups in your areas to take part if they haven’t already. www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RDAActivityLevels

 

Virtual Windsor

If any riders or groups are looking for the results from the Virtual Windsor RDA Dressage Challenge, please direct them here: virtual.rwhs.co.uk/results/ . 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. Many thanks to RDA Dressage Lead, John Robinson, for judging and commentating on the day.

 

BBC Sports Personality of the Year – Unsung Hero Awards and Colin Spedding Award

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

The National Equine Forum has introduced a special Sir Colin Spedding COVID-19 Award to ‘celebrate those who have gone above and beyond during a very difficult year’. Nominations close on Friday 16 October at www.nationalequineforum.com/nominations/

 

Best wishes,

Caroline

Caroline Ward
Head of Communication & Insight, RDA UK
01926 405968
cward@rda.org.uk