LAUNCH RDA NEW STRATEGY

On Mon 28th March NO announced the launch of the RDA Strategy for 2022-2025: Transforming Lives Across the UK.  All the details are on the main RDA website at www.rda.org.uk/strategy including pdf, Word and audio versions of the strategy document, and a new publicity film. Feel free to share this with your RDA network, and if you are on social media do look out for, and share, our posts.

Caroline has also prepared a Q&A about NO's plans, which can be found on the MyRDA website here: www.myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/strategy-2022-25/#

 

GREEN CARDS & VOLUNTEER WELCOME PACKS 

As a reminder, the Green Card (Volunteer Basic Training Record Cards) has been updated.  These are no longer required to be sent into National Office. Please keep them securely with your Group.  You can order Green Cards and Basic A4 Training Record Sheets from the Group Orders Website . 

In addition, NO have produced a Volunteer Welcome Pack to be given to each new volunteer which provides them with information on the organisation and the opportunities open to them.  Some groups have already adapted this to include local information.  The generic Welcome Pack and other useful information can be downloaded from MyRDA using the following link: https://www.myrda.org.uk/assets/Volunteer_Welcome_Pack_Final.pdf

E&B REGIONAL FACEBOOK & WEBSITE

The Region has two Facebook pages; one which is public and the other a group one which is private and you have to ask to join.  We have both so information and posts that groups would prefer to not have open to everyone, can still be shared.  Despite our best efforts, there aren’t many groups that share their posts with the Region and we seek your support to do this.  It would be great if you could. We are currently reliant on the sharp eye and goodwill of Jude to share the ones she sees and thinks are appropriate, but if individual groups could also share their posts and stories it would make it better for everyone.  Regional Facebook - Edinburgh & Borders Region RDA   https://www.facebook.com/groups/268283857467795/

 

The Regional website is also available for news stories and updates. https://www.rdasouthscotland.org.uk/  Please send across anything you’d like put on it.

 

REFURBISHED IT KIT

At the Forum on Mon 7th Mar, Michelle Sutton, Chair Muirfiled Riding Therapy, briefed on a company who have supported them:  Re-Tek East Kilbride:  Who collect and regenerate good quality (but not state of the art) IT equipment for charities (https://www.re-tek.co.uk/).  Gordon, the poc, is aware of RDA and the equipment is usually provided for free.  Do give him a call if you are interested in obtaining refurbished IT equipment.

 

IT SYSTEM

On the same evening Michelle gave a demonstration of the database system Muirfield have developed to manage all equine, volunteer, and participant, information.  It is cloud-based and can be accessed remotely.  Muirfield have kindly offered to share this system with any group and Michelle is happy to visit anyone to provide a more in-depth view.  The cost to a group would be relatively small.   You can reach Michelle on chair@muirfieldridingtherapy.org.uk .

 

SADDLER & SADDLE FITTER

Some groups are already using Amayzing Saddlery and many others listened to the excellent talk by Laura Nickel at the recent coaching conference.  Her website is https://amayzingsaddlery.co.uk/

 

Coincidentally, Border Group are currently working with Chris who follows the same processes as Laura, and has taken over Jobsons of Alnwick.  He is helping Border Group to fit and flock their saddles correctly.  To get in touch with Chris his email is: info@jobsonsofalnwick.co.uk .

 

DATES FOR DIARY

Wed 25th May - Scottish Carriage Driving Championship, Hopetoun

Sun 29th May 22 – Regional Qualifier, Rockrose Equestrian Centre – Dressage, Countryside Challenge, Arts & Crafts, Quiz and much more.

15-17 Jul - National Championships, Hartpury

25-28 Aug – RDA stall at Blair Horse Trials 

Sun 25th Sep 22 – BETA Hat Fitting & Training Day, Dick Vet

Oct 22 - Regional Get Together & AGM, Dick Vet