RDA Golf Day - 20 May 2010:
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The RDA Golf Day in support of the 40th Anniversary celebrations will be held at the Forest of Arden Golf Club on 20 May 2010.
Chelsea Flower Show - 25-29 May 2010:
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In partnership with a leading garden designer, we are planning a special exhibition at the Chelsea Flower Show.
If you are attending the show, please come and see our garden.
RDA Polo Day at the Guards Polo Club - 9 June 2010:
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Included in RDA's 40th Anniversary celebrations programme is the opportunity to observe the Semi Final of the Queens Cup set in the fabulous surroundings of Windsor Great Park. World Class Polo players compete for one of the top three polo trophies in the world presented by Her Majesty the Queen, since 1960. Further information to follow.
London 10k Run - 11 July 2010:
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We would like to get as many runners as possible in this years event. If you are intested in running on behalf of The Riding for the Disabled Association please contact us.
More information about this event will be published as it becomes available
The RDA National Championships - 10 & 11 July 2010:
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This will be the final event of the Celebrations and bring the party to an end with a bang! As well as a special (and impressive) display, we are planning an “RDA Family Picnic” to bring together as many people as are able to join us in Gloucestershire.
Jordan Trek Challenge - 16-23 October 2010:
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The Challenge will take you from the unique waters of the Dead Sea through the simple
beauty of the Jordanian Desert landscape to the triumphant finish at Petra.
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Previous Events
Anniversary Reception - 11 November 2009:
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We are very pleased that RDA’s President, HRH The Princess Royal hosted a prestigious reception at the State Rooms of St James’s Palace to celebrate the 40th Anniversary. People from all aspects of RDA attended, including volunteers, supporters and, of course, our riders, drivers and vaulters. Pictures taken at the event are available to order and details appear on the main website.
John O'Groats to Land's End 40th Anniversary Walk 2009:
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In 1969 David Ryder, a 21 year old polio victim from Battersea, London became the first man to walk 860 miles for John O'Groats to Land's End over 59 days, on crutches, raising funds for his riding club. He was met by thousands of well-wishers at this journey's end, including the actress Elisabeth Taylor, who flew in specially to congratulate him. He mad history by accomplishing a distance that no other disabled or able bodied person ever thought possible and his achievement was noted in the Guinness Book of Records.
Now, forty years later, and coinciding with RDA's own 40th Anniversary celebrations, David's son Ashley is going to repeat that historic journey between 18th September and 24th October 2009 and aims to raise £2,000 for the RDA on the way.
A reception will be held at Land's End Hotel on 24th October 2009 and is open to everyone. If you would like to attend, please contact RDA National Office for details.
Please visit their website for more information and to keep up with progress. Click for more information
EVENT SUMMARY:
Ashley Ryder completed his journey from John O’Groats to Lands End on Saturday 24th October 2009 raising £2000 for RDA. Ashley took his final steps, and arrived at 2.30pm greeted by the sounds of the Samba band, and the sights of his family, friends and the South Cornwall RDA Group.
Ashley’s fundraising will help fund the National Championships, to which he has been invited to attend to present an award, on behalf of RDA in June 2010. Ashley’s Commitment and endurance is admirable. Despite encountering problems, including an early injury,
Ashley’s sheer determination and drive to succeed showed through as he followed in David Ryder’s footsteps to repeat a remarkable historic event. His achievement was highlighted with a reception at Lands End hotel, with the Samba band providing great entertainment- even the South Cornwall Group were on their feet dancing!!
National Office would like to thank all those who supported Ashley on his journey; particularly RDA Groups who provided support and accommodation on his way. A special thanks to Jan O’Shearn and the South Cornwall RDA Group, who were there to support Ashley at Lands End Hotel on Saturday.
World's Biggest Riding Lesson - 30 September 2009:
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The World's Biggest Riding Lesson will be the main event of our 40th anniversary celebrations. It's a fun way for as many people as possible to participate in a record breaking event to highlight the work of RDA.
If you belong to or know of other equestrian organisations or centres that would like to take part, please contact us – we want as many people as possible to join in – not just RDA Groups.Click for more information
Tandem Skydive - 11 October 2009
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We are still looking for 40 adventurous people to perform a tandem skydive on Sunday 11 October at Skydive Weston, Bicester, Oxfordshire - if you think this is for you, or you would like to come along and support our skydivers, Click for more information
EVENT SUMMARY:
Unfortunately due to inclement weather on the day only 20 volunteers actually jumped. A second date was set for Sunday 1 November, but again, due to bad weather forecast this too has been cancelled. It is hope the remaining skydivers will complete their jump on 21 March 2010. It is anticipated that at the conclusion of this event RDA will have received in the region of £32,000 raised by the skydivers.
On Going Events and Activities
The events and activities below will be taking place throughout our 40th Anniversary celebrations
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National Office Open Days:
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"Lifting the Lid on National Office"
During the year we will be holding a series of open days at National Office – when we shall be inviting you to drop in for a coffee, a chat and to learn more about what we do at the office.
RDA Celebratory Book:
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We are hoping to produce a book, highlighting some of the achievements and the “Lives Improved” in the past 40 years. In order to do this, we will be asking for stories and case studies from you, which we can publicise and include in the book
Whatever your role or connection with RDA, it is likely that you can recall at least one incident or activity, or you have a comment that sums up your feelings for the organisation.
These stories capture the essence and strength of RDA and are a valuable resource that may be used in many ways for the benefit of the whole organisation: they could be included in an RDA 40th Anniversary celebratory booklet and to raise the profile of RDA; to motivate supporters and donors; to stimulate medical interest; to encourage new volunteers to come forward and get involved.
Young participants may like to recount particular triumphs and stories about their ponies and the magic of HORSE POWER, while adults could tell about overcoming logistical nightmares connected with getting to RDA events. Volunteers could relate how they became INVOLVED and what they get out of it, and those small incidents that made them smile and that 'say it all about RDA'. Parents and carers may tell how RDA has IMPROVED LIVES.
Please do not dismiss your story as not being of any interest to anyone. It may be ten words or two pages (preferably not more than that), and, if necessary, RDA will edit it to suit a particular use..
Regional Events:
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Your Region may be holding an event or making a normal event special to celebrate the anniversary – please look out for these events and give them your support!
* Ackworth Open Day - 11 July 2009