The Ruddington RDA Group is a registered charity which was founded in 1988 to give children with severe learning difficulties from Nethergate Academy, Clifton the opportunity to ride, combining learning, therapy and fun.
The Group is run wholly by volunteers so it was with great pride that the presentation of long service awards was made on Thursday 1 July at the Meadow School of Riding, Normanton-on-Soar by Maria Holdaway, the RDA North Midlands Regional Chairman. The following volunteers were recognised for their hard work and dedication:
Christine Whiteside, who is Chairman and a tireless fundraiser, and Tracy Madgwick, who is Treasurer and also involved with the riding sessions and fundraising activities. Both collected the Certificate of Recognition for 20 years’ service with the Ruddington RDA Group.
Lorraine Levell was presented with the Pearl Award for 30 years’ service for helping with the riders including coaching in the Nottingham RDA Group, S. Notts RDA Group and the Ruddington RDA Group.
Dawn Whitmore-Kirby, the longest serving member, received the 40 years of service Ruby Award for the unstinting time and exceptional dedication to RDA; Dawn is currently North Midlands Regional Coach and Acting Chairman, Wenlo RDA Group Coach and Leicestershire County Coach.
We are indebted to all these volunteers for giving so generously of their time and energy over the years and making a difference to the lives so many people who benefit enormously from riding.
For more information about volunteering please get in touch with the Group contact, Patricia Steven, at patriciasteven@btinternet.com.