Andrew Ward has completed a successful year as Master of the Lodge of Honour and Friendship No. 1266, which meets at Blandford.
During Andrew’s this time he has raised funds for several charities, one of which was Green Cottage Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). The RDA is of particular importance to Andrew as his daughter Jessica has enjoyed riding there for a number of years.
For more than 50 years the RDA have enriched the lives of disabled children through horse riding therapy, helping them to achieve personal goals, boosting core strength, confidence and self-esteem. Green Cottage RDA rely entirely on voluntary help, donations, and legacies to deliver this valuable service to families.
Andrew’s Lodge raised a total of £1700, which was presented to Sue Munro, the Chair of the Trustees of Riding for the Disabled. Sue thanked the lodge for the generous donation with the following statement:
‘We are so grateful for this generous donation. It will go a long way to enable us to continue to provide riding therapy which makes such a difference to our young riders and their families.’
Andrew Ward spoke on the impact that Green Cottage RDA has had on his family:
‘Riding for the disabled is a fabulous charity, as a family we have been supported by Green Cottage RDA for over ten years. Our eldest daughter Jessica has a unique chromosome rearrangement, which has resulted in global developmental delay. The physical benefits of horse riding is immense, but so too is the confidence that children get from being around animals. Our lodge has supported Green Cottage for many years and being Master gave me the opportunity to have them as one of our charities for the year. I'd like to thank all of the members of and visitors to 1266 this year who have raised this money and also thank the amazing volunteers who help change the lives of young people and their families.’
More information
Green Cottage Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), is an independent charity that is a Member Group of Riding for the Disabled Association. The Group operates on Thursday mornings during school term time, at Green Cottage Riding Centre in Three Legged Cross, Wimborne, Dorset. Our team consists of qualified coaches and trained helpers, all volunteers freely giving their time, dedication, and enthusiasm.
They provide riding lessons for children with a variety of special needs and disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, ADHD and many complex learning and development disorders. Although they are a member of the national Riding for the Disabled Association, they are entirely self-funded and rely on donations, sponsors, and legacies to enable the successful.
It costs a minimum of £7,000 per annum to cover costs. There is a considerable ongoing financial commitment including feed, veterinary and farrier fees for the ponies, specialist equipment, and insurance.
If you would like to support the group by hosting a fundraising event, or become a sponsor, please telephone the Group Secretary Debbie Turner on 07767 200330, Chairperson Sue Munro on 07766 506017.
Charity Commission No. 1073563 Just Giving Page
