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EBONY’S BLOG - September 2009
Living with the Herd and People at
The Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding (RDA)
Hi everyone, it’s me again! Have you noticed that the evenings are drawing in? It’s a sign to me that the holidays are all but over and the Centre will again be buzzing with the Herd, Helpers and Riders. Must say I’m pleased as it’s been a bit quiet here with most of the Herd and People away on their holidays whilst I’m stuck here. We’ve had visitors who look after us and the Maintenance Boys have been around pooh picking the fields as well as fixing odd bits; they fixed the roof recently, which provided me with light entertainment?
Not much news on Rider activity as you have probably guessed but, a lot of talk about fund raising events both past and present. I hear that a great time was had by all (Over 160 people attended) at the Summer Ball which was held at the very nice Le Talbooth Restaurant near Dedham. I understand the Centre managed to raise about £12,000 with ticket sales, raffles and auctions. Not bad at all! You have probably read elsewhere that it costs something like £60,000 each year to keep me in Juice and the Centre as a whole running, so every little bit helps.
The nice East of England Co-operative Society Community Fund gave us a large donation recently and the lovely people at Waitrose, Sudbury had included us in their fund raising scheme during June, which no doubt you will hear about elsewhere. Earlier, during June, the Ipswich Lions were joint sponsors for a 16 mile walk from Stowmarket to Ipswich which was lead by our very own Lyn and a brave (Or perhaps foolhardy) team from the Centre; their feet must have been sore (Mine would have been had I any feet) although I understand there were a few stops on the way but, don’t ask where or what was consumed; best not go there? It did raise £1,000 though, so well done to all! The Chairman of Babergh District Council, Councillor Jennie Jenkins, through her chosen charity scheme, has also donated a substantial sum to the Centre. As you know, I only pick these titbits up by ear wigging at the door of my room so I’m sure there are some people or organisations that I’ve left out, not intentionally though, which I hope you will understand as well as forgive this poor Mechanical Horse.
I gather that on Sunday 13th September we are holding a Long Distance Sponsored Horse and Pony Ride. The distance is approximately 14 miles through Brett Valley so why not come and join in? The minimum entry fee before the day is £15 or £17 on the day. If you are interested, please contact Maggie Rayner on her email at maggierayner@hotmail.com or through the Centre. If the weather is good it will be great fun and will help feed the coffers.
Well, my time’s up, it’s getting too dark to read, so had better sign off for another month. If you wish to contact us look on our Website www.rda-east.org.uk/shelley.html or telephone the Centre on 01473.824172. We’re always pleased to hear from you.
 Ebony
Further editions of my blog will be uploaded shortly - make sure you come back soon! Meanwhile, if you want to catch up, ‘back-issues’ can be viewed by clicking HERE.
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