Here is the February update on our activities.
Riding for the Disabled
The Speaker at our February meeting was Chair of Richmond & Catterick Riding for the Disabled Association, an organisation we have previously supported. Their ‘mantra’ is “It’s what you can do” and he went on to describe the happy, positive and highly valued organisation that sees 25,000 children and adults helped nationally through 470 groups completely run by volunteers. In Richmond & Catterick, 30 Riders can attend the Saddle Club on Wednesdays and Saturdays, hosted by a team 0f 90 volunteers. Riders of all ages from 4 to 55 with all disabilities are accepted. From the video shown, the joy of the riders was clear. This activity results in many positive outcomes, amongst them improved confidence, balance, co-ordination and a sense of achievement. Riders learn all aspects of horse care and management in addition to learning to ride, and can go on to take part in events and competitions.
Plans for 2024-25
The business meeting then went on to confirm the speaker plans proposed at our planning meeting in January, which cover a wide variety of charities and local interests. We also confirmed the charities we will be supporting next year. The prime one will be the Richmond & Hambleton Palliative Care Team which provides invaluable support and comfort to patients and their families with end-of-life care. This was experienced recently by one of our members, whose family are also fundraising for the service.
In addition, we will also continue to provide support for EVA Women’s Aid, and the work of our Friendship Link Club SI Harare. Sue Eastham reported that her husband’s garage business continues to give generous donations to EVA, including pyjamas this Christmas.
Following a fascinating talk in November about their work, we will also be developing a relationship with the North Yorkshire County Council’s Youth Voice programme, which supports children in care and at risk. The club is buying stocks of upholstery fabric from a local firm which is closing down. This will be used to make large hardwearing tote bags to be given to children taken into care. Currently they are often only provided with black bin bags to carry all their possessions.
We were also delighted to hear that SmartWorks now has a local branch, through a new Outreach Assistant living in Catterick. We look forward to working with her, and generating more clothing and accessory donations.
International Women’s Day
Work is well in hand for our exhibition marking International Womens’ Day. This will be the second year we are celebrating the contribution of local women to the community. This “Women of Richmondshire” exhibition will be on show at Richmond Town Hall on Friday, March 7th from 3:00 to 6:30, with free entry and light refreshments. We hope this will be as successful as the previous one.