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Newsletters>
More Than! (Riding & Driving)
September 22, 2009
Letter from the Chairman, Leslie Cole
It is with great pleasure that I sit down to write this letter, and welcome you, not only to a new year at RDA, but also a new era!
I know many though it would never happen, and indeed the project had several false starts before we finally joined hands with Coleraine Borough Council, & the Sports Council, now SportNI. To these I must add especially the people of Coleraine & District who gave the project its jump start by donating over £100,000 in donations and fundraising events, which enabled the purchase of the site with outline planning permission. Of course a lot of work has been involved by the Committees and members, under the direction of the Secretary, Albert Clyde, & Treasurer, Christine Hankin. I willingly give my thanks to all.
As we start the new Session I welcome you all—there is lots more to be done—play your part and we will ensure that RDA Coleraine provides outstanding service to the people who brought about our new facility it is yours—USE IT!
Leslie Cole
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Our Officers
Rex Humphrey, President is local organic Farmer & Industrialist, who joined us last year, and has used his wide experience & knowledge to ensure that we were provided with an Arena fit for purpose. Thank you Rex.
Albert Clyde, Secretary and Director of Operations, has been an Officer with RDA Coleraine since 2002, and has had the responsibility of supervising the New Arena Project since its real start just about the time he arrived. Coming from the Further Education Sector, where he was Director of Estate & Resources at Fermanagh College, he was well qualified and experienced to lead the RDA team towards the goal of a new future—that future has begun in fine fettle with the opening of the new facilities.
Christine Hankin, Treasurer & Director of Finance & Human Resources joined RDA Coleraine in 2003 - not only did she bring her business expertise to the Club, but she was also experienced in equine matters and soon became a dedicated Instructor, initiating the Tuesday evening session, introduced ASDAN and now oversees our Dressage & Special Olympics Training Programmes.
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Success at Special Olympics Ulster
The RDA Coleraine Special Olympics Equestrian team of five riders, proved a force to be reckoned with, after their tremendous success at the Equestrian Special Olympic games held in Omagh on March 24 and 25 2009. We are proud that the team from RDA Coleraine, won an amazing 15 medals - 8 Gold, 5 silver & 2 Bronze. “Well done” to all the riders who took part in the games.
Furthermore, due to the success of the riders, Ray Tosh & Steven Yetman been selected to take part in the Irish stage of the Special Olympics Equestrian Games in Limerick, in June 2010. So we would like to wish them all the best in the second leg of the games.
We would also like to thank Christine Hankin, (instructor) and Jayne Maxwell for devoting their time and knowledge to coaching the competitors. Training for the Special Olympics and Danescroft will take place on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm and also on Saturday mornings. Those wishing to become involved in the training sessions should speak to Christine.
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RDA Northern Ireland Dressage
RDA competitors have been going from strength to strength; we had a number of riders take part in the annual Danescroft event, in Lisburn on the 4 June 2009, in which riders competed with riders from other RDA groups in Northern Ireland. We are proud that there were number gold medalists. Their success at the event led to selection to attend the national RDA National Championships in Hartpury, England, in July 2009, of Steven Yetman and Louise Greer. We can report that Stephen secured two second class results and Louise secured a distinction in Horse care and Horse knowledge. We would like to extend our congratulations to Louise and Stephen on their recent success. Training for their various competition entries will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, from 7.30 pm.
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Education & Training Progress at RDA Coleraine
RDA Coleraine has had a very successful year for volunteers and riders at the centre, as 5 riders from various schools successfully completed the ASDAN certificate in Animal Care and were awarded their certificate and trophy by the Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Sandy Gilkinson, at the recent “Keys Handover” ceremony. Everyone at RDA Coleraine extends their warmest congratulations to Jason Mc Laughlin (Sunlea), Megan Warke (Our Lady of Lourdes), Eoin Drain (Our Lady of Lourdes) Anna McKee (Our Lady of Lourdes) and Seamus Anderson (Our Lady of Lourdes).
The ASDAN course of Animal Care is seeking new applicants, to take part in the programme commencing in October 2009 - anyone wishing to take part in the programme, or wishes to get more information should contact Rosie Clyde, Youth Leader.
There was more success, this time for young volunteers who diligently attended and selflessly helped at the riding sessions. Eighteen of these successfully completed a programme leading to a Certificate in Community Volunteering, (worth 92 UCAS points). Their Certificates were also presented by the Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Sandy Gilkinson, at the recent “Keys Handover” ceremony.
The young persons attended the centre an hour prior to each riding session to complete the coursework needed for the certificate, and became involved in several of the tasks laid out in the syllabus, e.g. Fund raising and Planning a Riding Lesson. The students have worked incredibly hard and we would congratulate them on their success and wish them all the best in their chosen careers.
Anyone wishing to have further information on the CCV (now to be called CVQ) certificate, or would like to apply for the course commencing Oct 2009, please contact Rosie Clyde, Youth Leader.
In the current year there will be further opportunities for riders and volunteers to seek awards at RDA Coleraine - we plan to extend the number of programmes available to riders and volunteers, and offer such certificates as the ASDAN Employability Awards, Transition Challenge, (which works along side the National Curriculum in schools) as well as providing CVQ and Animal Care (see above). Information and Application details from Rosie Clyde, Youth Leader.
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Membership Fees
Yes it is that time of the year again - in our funding application to SportNI, the proposed membership fee was set at £20. As this is a significant increase on previous years, the Committee have decided to allow an initial payment of £5 minimum, but to invite members to give an undertaking to raise the additional amount (AND MORE!) by organising, or taking part in some deliberate fund-raising event - remember that we have a rule which permits 'free' membership to persons donating at least £50 to RDA Coleraine funds. Membership Subscription Envelopes will be available at Reception.
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Health & Safety - Riders & Volunteers
Most people are aware that working or riding at the RDA means you will come into contact with animals, and it has been shown that animals can increase the risk of contracting tetanus, and other unsavoury germs (witness the recent closure of access to Animal Farms in England). So after riding, WASH YOUR HANDS. We would also advise all riders and volunteers to ensure that they are up-to-date with vaccination against tetanus. If you are uncertain, check with your Doctor’s surgery.
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Animal Welfare
It is important that all parents/centres to make a record of their child’s/adult’s height and weight, and supply this information to Reception. The will ensure that Instructors can assign the correct pony to suit the rider. We are aware that height and weight can fluctuate and so we will be asking on a term basis for the weight and height of each child/adult, to be submitted to the Reception - to keep records updated.
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New Arrivals - Staffing Volunteers
We have some newbie’s to RDA Coleraine, namely Janet Campbell & Elizabeth Stewart. These lovely ladies have taken roles as job Receptionists, and will be looking after all our administration needs. Welcome on board ladies, I am sure you will both be a positive asset to the centre.
Kevin Watton has commenced work at RDA Coleraine. Kevin will have the vital task of looking after all the tack at RDA Coleraine He joins the team supervised by Sam graham, which includes Ryan Kneeland & Ivan Steen who have been with us for a while now, but have more specific roles at the new Centre. Welcome on board guys, we look forward to working with you.
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Volunteers needed - Vacancies
We have some vacant roles at the centre, mainly cleaning roles, and kitchen helpers, in addition to equestrian support, but also we need helpers for other Sports - anyone interested helping with these roles should contact RDA Coleraine.
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Monogrammed Sweatshirts/Tee Shirts
RDA Coleraine has recently sourced a new embroidery company to make our RDA Coleraine Logo sweatshirts/t-shirts. If you are interested in purchasing a new T-shirt/ sweat shirt please get in touch with Rosie Clyde, with your size and whether you wish to have a t-shirt/ sweatshirt, hoodie etc. Prices vary depending upon the item you choose to order.
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Christmas Cards
Christmas is fast approaching and we have a wonderful selection of RDA produced Christmas cards, should you be interested in purchasing some cards please ask Rosie Clyde for a list of cards and their prices. If you are interested please place your order early to avoid disappointment.
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RDA Coleraine Website
Of course you could be reading this from our new Web-Site - the address is www.rdacoleraine.org - log on to get our background information, AND to keep up to date about ongoing events.
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The RDA Coleraine 'Disability Sports Club'
Watch this space - you will find more information from our web-site as above.
RDA Coleraine, is expanding its appeal to the larger community, and is hoping to introduce training for Special Olympics training in sports not available locally.
The first venture will be the Development of 'Bocce' - a type of 'Bowls'. We are currently looking for people with experience (or willing to train in Bocce - to help run the section & train the athletes.
We will be introducing more new sports to the centre, and to the community, over the coming months; this will be under the direction and supervision of our new Sports Development Officer - soon to be appointed - again further information is available on the web-site:-
www.rdacoleraine.org
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Competition Time:
RDA Coleraine is holding a special competition to celebrate to opening of the new Causeway Coast Arena. The competition is open to riders of all ages who attend the centre.
To compete in the competition you must:
Either draw a picture of your first ride in the new arena or write about the first ride experience.
There will be lots of prizes, and all the entries will be included in a ‘folder’ to mark the Official Opening of the New Arena.
To enter:
Put your entry in the envelope with some ‘coins’ to help buy food for your favourite pony.
All entries to be returned, to RDA, by our Open Day - planned for 24th October, BUT date to be confirmed
Good Luck!
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Quick Equine-related Quiz:
Who or what is each sentence describing?
1.He won the Grand National three times and is buried next to the winning post at Aintree.
2.Knights rode these huge, powerful horses in the middle ages.
3.Look up in the night and you might see this horse.
4.Black Beauty’s chestnut friend in Anna Sewell’s famous book.
5.A mythological figure, half man, half horse.
6.This 18th century English artist is best known for his wonderful horse paintings.
7.According to legend, Greek soldiers hid inside this horse.
8.Competitions where knights in armour tried to knock each other off their horses
9.They carried mail across America in the 1860’s
10.By what name are the Royal Canadian Mounted Police better known?
You will get our answers in the next addition of the newsletter. Riding for the Disabled Association (Coleraine & District Group) Ltd
Registered Company No in Northern Ireland NI068236 – trading as RDA Coleraine
N I Charity/HMRC No XN45690/1
A Member of Riding for the Disabled Association incorporating Carriage Driving.
Registered under Charity Number 244108.
President: HRH The Princess Royal KG GCVO
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