Dear RDA UK volunteers and staff, 

 

I am now in my 6th week as part of the RDA UK team and it has flown by. Thank you to everyone who has made me feel so welcome. I’m hoping to get out and about a bit more now and look forward to meeting more of you on my travels. 

 

RDA welcomes The Pony Club to Warwick

From November, we are delighted to be welcoming The Pony Club to National Office. The Pony Club is moving from Stoneleigh Park, where they have been based for many years, to the downstairs office here at Lowlands. The move brings financial benefits for both organisations and is a sensible step as we adjust to the ‘new normal’ of hybrid working and the need for less desk space. Bringing The Pony Club literally closer to RDA can only be a good thing for all of us, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming them to the office.

 

Princess Royal Celebrates 50 Years with RDA 

A final reminder from me that we still want to collect messages of thanks from RDA members across the organisation, which we will present to The Princess. Everyone can contribute so do please write a short message and accompanying image if you wish. Please send this to me by the end of the week.

 

Thank you to everyone who has sent in photos of the Princess for our timeline – which I am pleased to say is complete! It has been a joy to see all these great photos. The timeline will be on the main RDA website from 5 November.

 

 

30-minute Webinars 

This Week: Supporting Duke of Edinburgh Volunteers (7pm Thursday 21 October)

This week’s webinar topic is about supporting Duke of Edinburgh volunteers and is delivered by Jade Herriott from the Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

To attend this webinar, please register here: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0ze23ItgRA6iZ4u7gE

Next Week’s Webinar (7pm Thursday 28 October): Use of language & are we as inclusive as we can be? 
RDA UK Trustee and Strategic Partnerships Advisor for Activity Alliance, Jess Cook, on understanding the social model of disability and our use of the correct language. This is an invaluable presentation for everyone involved with RDA and we strongly encourage people to watch. As ever, if registration is full it will be available afterwards.

Register here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BgMH8fn2Rre9oegCRqxmzQ

2021 Virtual Coaching Conference

Throughout November, we will be running ‘Coaching Conference Month’ – and everyone is welcome. There will be a Zoom webinar open to all every Tuesday evening in November (9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th). Attend all 4 sessions and complete a reflection/feedback form to count towards CPD for coaches that require it.

Online booking is now open via the My RDA events page, including a separate booking if you wanted to register to receive the recorded version.

Book here: www.myrda.org.uk/runningyourgroup/events/

 

Volunteer vacancy – Company Secretary, RDA UK

The RDA UK Board of Trustees is seeking a Company Secretary; a voluntary role that will support the organisation and ensure that key areas of governance and compliance are in place and helping to drive forward our ambitions. The role is mainly home based with some travel to the RDA UK offices in Shrewley, Warwickshire for the AGM, quarterly Board meetings and EGMs when necessary. Estimate 0-3 hours a week. More information and application details here: www.rda.org.uk/join-the-rda-uk-team/   

 

Leadership Training

There is the opportunity to receive Leadership Training delivered by Team Academy at RDA National Office on the 4th November. If you would like to attend, please email Faye McKenning: fmckenning@rda.org.uk
 

Virtual National Championship Feedback

Following on from the successful Virtual National Championships, we are keen to hear your feedback. We have two surveys running, one for groups to complete and one for competitors.

Please click on the relevant link:

For competitors:  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VirtualChampsRider

For groups: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VirtualChampsGroup   

For all those that complete the survey your name will be entered into a prize draw to win a T-shirt, Hoodie or sweater kindly donated by Muddy Mare. Muddy Mare Clothing is an equestrian and outdoor clothing brand. The company was originally set up by Amy Pridige to help RDA Centres with their independent fundraising through its #horsemates collection which donates a percentage of your purchase to the RDA centre of your choice.

 

Best wishes, 

Brigitta Falcini 

Communications Coordinator 

Riding for the Disabled Association