rdasouthscotland | National Office Update

13 April 2022

National Office Update

Dear RDA UK volunteers and staff,

Our Interim CEO Paul Ringer would like to say a few words:

Paul Ringer - First day the RDA way!

“I have been warmly welcomed into the RDA family and think that my first proper day as Interim CEO captured the essence of so much that is special and important. I was privileged to join the Wellow Group RDA for their visit from our President, HRH The Princess Royal, and see a demonstration of the full scope of non-ridden activities. In doing so I met ponies, child participants, their parents, experienced and new volunteers, the Group Chair, the Bristol and North Somerset Chair, as well as a local fundraiser and sponsor. Later in the day I joined the weekly Senior Management Team meeting, spent some time with our Corporate Partnerships & Events Manager, and had an induction meeting online with a Trustee. My lasting at the end of the day was that whilst the different parts of the charity and its work are distinct, many and various, it is only together that ‘We are RDA’.”

This Week’s Webinar: RDA Strategy Q&A with Interim CEO Paul Ringer and RDA UK Chair Rachel Medill (Thursday 14 April 7pm)

Interim CEO Paul Ringer and RDA UK Chair Rachel Medill will host a special webinar answering your questions about our newly released strategy.

Please submit your questions beforehand to Brigitta Falcini at bfalcini@rda.org.uk by 4pm Thursday 14 April.

Next Week’s Weekly Webinar: Showjumping at RDA (Thursday 21 May)

For our last weekly webinar of the season, Jo Hayward (Training and Education Manager at RDA UK) will be running a webinar on showjumping at RDA. More details to follow next week.

RDA Volunteers Facebook group

A new Facebook group for RDA volunteers and prospective volunteers has been set up. The group will be a place to meet other volunteers, share information about volunteering and find out about upcoming events. To join, please see here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/652417692530127 or search for RDA Volunteers in the Facebook search bar.

Grow Your Group/ Come Back Stronger workshop (18th May)

There are still places available for the "Grow Your Group/Come Back Stronger" workshop with Catherine Holland (Group Development Manager) at the RDA National Training Centre in Shrewley. The workshop is a chance to share ideas and gain new information about how groups can sustain or maybe even grow. Please can you encourage groups to sign up for this: https://www.myrda.org.uk/events/grow-your-group-workshop/.

Stanley Bellamy Grant

All Carriage Driving groups who compete at the National Championships are eligible to apply for the Stanley Bellamy Grant. This grant is designed to help groups with travel costs. This can only be applied for after a group has competed at Hartpury. The amount each group gets depends on how many apply and how much for. Initially it will be split equally, and then higher mileage claims will be assessed if we have any funds remaining. This is a great opportunity if groups want to come to Hartpury but are restricted due to the costs.

A claim form for this will be available after the National Championships. Any queries please emailebayliss@rda.org.uk

BBC Making a Difference Awards

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to make a difference where you live? The BBC Make a Difference Awards are a chance to say ‘Thank you’ and show your recognition and appreciation for their efforts. This could be a volunteer who has gone above and beyond, a group who are really making a difference in their community, or an individual who has raised funds for an RDA group.

To nominate them, follow this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3yrtgmkfHBbsXfQfYkJp7CF/make-a-difference

Best wishes,

Brigitta Falcini

Communications Coordinator

Riding for the Disabled Association

01926 405964