Kipling County Carriage Driving Group

We are saddened to tell our group that Vicky Doddington passed away a short while ago.

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Our Field is ready at Chalvington.                  24th April 2023.

Our committee is delighted to tell us that a large group of drivers and volunteers met up for a ‘Work Morning’ at Chalvington.  The loo has been cleaned and made ready, arena is set up, all the obstacles have been taken out of storage and re-built, the cones have been set out ready, the water is back on, and the tea, coffee and biscuits tested, and taste lovely.

Our committee is now working to resolve the issue over ponies since the sad loss of Moccasin earlier this year. Please watch the ‘Diary’ page for updates regarding driving.

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Training Day with Sara Howe.                    19th April 2023.

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Annual General Meeting.                           27th March 2023.

 

Today marked the start of our new Carriage Driving Season, and what better way to start than with our AGM held at the Lucas Memorial Hall in Waldron.  The tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes were produced as if by magic from the kitchen by Sue. The meeting was watched over by our Founder Member and President, Jan McSweeney, who never seems to age.

Our Group Managing Director and Chairman, Jeni Longley, skilfully navigated the meeting through the Legal Formalities to a positive conclusion. Our Treasurer, Debbie Smith, described how at a time when some RDA Groups found it impossible to continue, our Committee had worked tirelessly to find ways to ensure that Kipling County both survives and thrives. Our incredibly hard working and enthusiastic Secretary, Joanne McNicol, had worked constantly throughout the winter to keep everyone fully up to date with new information and legal changes and for that we are all very grateful.

The AGM specifically thanked Val Eyres and Sheila Petitpierre for their knowledge, long service, and devotion to the ponies that are so essential to the success of Kipling County.

The Meeting fell silent when we learned that yesterday, 26th March, Tracey Spencer had organised a “Musical Quiz Night” by the kindness of the Bear Inn at Burwash. The evening was hosted by Steve Bennett and Brad Lambert. We learned that it was the Inn’s largest quiz night ever with 24 teams entering. Tracey Spencer was able to tell us that event had raised £780.00 for Kipling County’s members which is an amazing testament to her organising skills. 

A particularly nice part of our AGM was the presentation of awards to our incredibly talented members. As is normal, some winners could attend and some were not able to. 

These are the winners who were able to attend our AGM:                                                          For “Cones”: Shannon, for “Special Achievement” Biddy, for “Open Driver”: Josie, for “Determination” Gay, and the “Helper’s Trophy” Zena.

 

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Quiz Night.                                                  26th March 2023.

On Sunday, 26th March, Tracey Spencer organised a “Musical Quiz Night” through the kindness of the Bear Inn at Burwash. The evening was hosted by Steve Bennett and Brad Lambert. We learned that it was the Bear Inn’s largest quiz night ever, with 24 teams taking part, and Tracey Spencer was able to tell us that event had raised £780.00 for Kipling County’s members. This was an incredible piece of work by Tracey Spencer, and her friends, and Kipling County are rightly proud that she is a member of our Group.

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Heidi.                                         6th March 2023.

Jo, our Secretary has received some very sad news regarding her good friend Heidi, a Monday group member.   We will all remember that his lovely smiling lady who only joined us last year, helped with the register and took driving fees on behalf of Jo, sadly lost her two year battle with cancer.

Jo tells us that Heidi absolutely loved her Monday mornings with Kipling.  It gave her something to look forward to and she loved the people she met, the horses, and watching the driving.  She was so looking forward to being even more involved this year, but sadly that wasn’t to be. 

Jo thanks everyone for making Heidi so welcome and bringing her joy.

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Hat Policy Change.                                       3rd January 2023.

 

The RDA have revised their hat standard policy, and certain hats that were previously allowed no longer meet the required safety standards. In order to be covered by RDA  insurance disabled drivers, coaches and helpers must have hats that meet the following revised safety standards:-

 

 

 

 

 

RDA Hat and Body Protector Rules_Revised 11th October 2022

 

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Christmas Day.                                       25th December 2022.

 

Jo our hard working secretary has just received this greeting from ‘RDA Head Office’

 

    (Photo courtesy of Colin Burgess)

 

To all RDA Colleagues,

 

Thank you for your hard work, dedication, kindness and friendship.

 

With very best wishes for a joyous Christmas and a healthy, peaceful New Year.

 

From the South East Region Team

 

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 Christmas Lunch.                                      8th December 2022.

 

 

 

 

It was a lovely to meet up with all our friends from the Monday & Thursday groups of Kipling County Carriage Driving Groups for our annual Christmas Lunch at the Bear Hotel in Burwash. It may have been chilly outside, but it was really warm inside. We were joined by our President Jan McSweeney, retired Secretary Hanka Davey, retired Treasurer Peter Horwood (who continues working away for us in the background), Sally & Stewart Scott (they’ve been married three years and look so happy together), and our Landlord Nick Clutton and his wife (who support us in so many different ways throughout the year), and a huge thank you to Sue O’Dell who organised our lunch so well!

 

Thank you also to all those who continue to make Kipling County such a friendly place to belong, and our committee wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

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October 2022. 

 

After some difficult conversations, our committee has regretfully decided that driving must now end for the season, and they apologise for the late notice. The weather is continuing to be wet, the gateway to the field is becoming waterlogged and difficult to manoeuvre through, and there are concerns that the pavilion decking and loo are too slippy for our members, even in spite of adding non slip flooring. A couple of us will meet up tomorrow and clear the cones and obstacles ready for next year.

 

Please remember that we will meet up on Thursday 8th December for our Christmas lunch.

 

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Christmas Lunch.                                    8th December 2022.

 

Our secretary is delighted to tell us all that our Christmas Lunch is now booked for everyone from our Monday & Thursday Groups.

 

Venue: The Bear Inn, High Street, Burwash TN19 7ET.                                                           Time: 12 noon for 12:30pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Many Congratulations to Fiona.                 21st October 2022.                    

 

 

At the RDA South East Region Conference we were all delighted to hear that Kipling Coach Fiona received a Silver Award for her 25 years Long Service to Riding for the Disabled.

 

We are all so proud of this lovely lady who has done so much for Kipling over the years, and always attends our meetings with the biggest smile possible. Well done from all of us!

 

(In the photo above she is supported by Val on the left and by Jo on the right.)

 

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Funeral Service for HM Queen Elizabeth II.  19th Sept 2022

 

Our RDA Head Office recommends that all RDA Carriage Driving should be halted on Monday 19th September 2022 to allow members the time to reflect on the life of our Late Queen in each of our own ways. Our Committee supports that recommendation, and so there will be no driving on that day.

 

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HM Queen Elizabeth II.       Thursday 8th September 2022.

 

At her Coronation on 2nd June 1953 our sovereign HM Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her life to the service of our Nation & the Commonwealth. She kept that promise throughout her reign, and her loss today will be deeply felt by many people around the world.

 

Our RDA Group would like to pay respect to all her achievements, express our thanks for her lifetime of service to others, and join in with the National mourning that countless others will feel.

 

Thank you ma’am, for your sense of duty, and for your leadership. We will miss you.

 

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Meeting Cancelled.             Thursday 8th September 2022.

 

We are very sorry, but due to overnight thunderstorms continuing throughout the day it is not safe to drive today.

 

We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused.                 Thur 8th Sept 07.30am.

 

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Morning Competition at Chalvington.        30th June 2022.

 

After some overnight rain it turned into a lovely warm morning, and Val thought it a perfect day to run a little cones competition for our amazing members from Baronsmede. Our AB Whips for the day were Val & Fiona, and the ponies were the lovely Prince & Moccasin.

 

The rules were simple, with members subdivided into 3 Classes depending on their experience, etc., with rosettes and applause for the results. Twice around the snaking course of cones, not knocking any balls down, and taking care to provide balanced timing for each run.

 

After much laughter the results were as follows:

 

Class 1  –  1st: Amanda    2nd: Zoe    3rd: Gary    4th: Ella.

 

Class 2 – 1st: Amelia    2nd: Susie    3rd: Timmy C    4th: Noah    5th Graeme.

 

Class 3 – 1st: Timmy B     2nd: Ashley     3rd: Alex     4th: Nicola.

 

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Winkle Jubilee Fun with Herons Ghyll.   9th June 2022.                    

 

We were delighted to be invited to the ‘Winkle Jubilee Fun Event organised by our good friends at Herons Ghyll. After the recent awful weather we were lucky that the weather was warm, the sun shone, and the lightest breeze kept us all cool.

 

Everyone had a great day, where all the drivers navigated the obstacle course with great skill dressed in Red, White & Blue colours and wearing crowns in honour of our Queen in her 70th Jubilee Year.  In addition to our individual picnics, our hosts generously passed out cakes, biscuits, and tea & coffee.

 

Rosettes were handed out, and our hosts proposed a toast and three cheers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our chairman responded with three cheers for Herons Ghyll. The raffle was called with an amazing bumper bundle of prizes, and much talking and laughter took place.

 

All too soon, the day came to an end, and after a wonderful time we slowly made our way home very happy. Thank you for all your hard work, Herons Ghyll RDA !!!

 

(Please see our “Kipling Gallery” page for photos of the great day with Herons Ghyll.)

 

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Kipling County AGM.                                   28th March 2022.

 

After two long years it’s the start of another year’s Kipling County Carriage Driving, and we’d love everyone to join us, discuss all our hopes and concerns for the future, formalise our committee, understand our accounts, and most important of all, have a natter with friends.

 

Our AGM will be held at 10.o0am on Monday 28th March 2022, at The Lucas Memorial Hall, The Street, Waldron, Heathfield, TN21 0RB. (It is one

 

SatNav Co-Ords: 50.95371, 0.20174

 

Please note that covid infections are on the rise again, and our committee feel it a wise precaution to continue to look after one another by wearing face coverings throughout the AGM, sit with social distancing in mind, and leave the hall windows and doors open.

 

Please find below the minutes of our last Kipling AGM held on 15th November 2021, in a PDF format that anyone can read or print :-

 

Kipling AGM Minutes 15_11_2021

 

This date aligns us with all the previous Spring Meetings, and is a great reminder of the start of our driving New Year.

 

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Happy New Year.                                   January 2022.

 

May we wish everyone at Kipling a very Happy New Year throughout 2022.

 

We held a superb Christmas Lunch at the Yew Tree Inn, and can be proud of each and every one of us, for making certain that we all remained healthy.  Thank you all!

 

The days are lengthening, daffodil bulbs are starting to push their way through the soil into the sunlight, and our committee is already initiating and discussing what our members might like in this coming year.  It’s not too long before another year’s Carriage Driving at Chalvington!

 

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Merry Christmas.                          24th December 2021.

 

 

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Christmas Lunch Photos. 

 

To see the Christmas Lunch photos, please either click the link below or visit  our ‘Gallery’ page:

 

http://kiplingrda.org.uk/gallery-2/

 

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Christmas Lunch Update.            9th December 2021.

 

(1) As a bit of fun, our committee is holding a competition for the “Best Christmas Jumper” and the lucky winner will receive an RDA rosette.

 

(2) In addition to Kipling County’s usual ‘Track & Trace’ system our committee is asking politely for everyone to help protect each other from the possibility of covid infection at our Christmas Lunch on 9th December. It is felt sensible for all attendees to complete their own “Lateral Flow Test” before attending, in exactly the same way that other responsible organisations do.

 

We recognise that some members may not be able to be tested, and therefore we will not be asking for proof of that negative test. 

 

We can confirm that Baronsmede test themselves regularly, and will continue to do so in advance of our lunch.  They ask as a matter of courtesy that if anyone displays symptoms, or tests positive, then they should not attend please.

 

We are fortunate in that we have the Yew Tree Inn conservatory exclusively to ourselves.

 

(Test kits are easily available free of charge, either through NHS online, or by dialling 119.)

 

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Christmas Lunch.                                   9th December 2021.

 

Our Christmas Lunch is now booked for Thursday 9th December, and the explanatory notes below are courtesy of Jo, our Secretary.

 

Venue:  Yew Tree Inn, Chalvington Road, Chalvington, BN27 3TB

 

Time: 12.00 noon for 12.30pm

 

Menu & Payment Options:

 

 

If you would like to attend please bring either the full payment for your choice of meal, or a £10 deposit, in a sealed envelope with your name and menu choice written on it to our AGM on 15th November 2021. Cheques should be made payable to Kipling County Carriage Driving Group. If you are unable to attend the AGM, then please send your payment and choice of menu to Alison Reilly, Longshaw Farm, Dean Lane, Waldron, East Sussex, TN21 0PN as soon as possible. If you pay a deposit, full payment is required by 1st December 2021 as we need to confirm numbers and menu choice 1 week before the meal.

 

At the Christmas lunch we will be raffling a Christmas Hamper. Any donations for the hamper will be greatly appreciated. Please bring them along to the AGM. eg- mince pies, crackers (edible and pulling), small bottle of wine, Xmas pud, shortbread, chocolates, selection box, or anything else Christmassy! 

 

Any queries regarding the above please contact our Christmas organiser, Alison Reilly, telephone 01435 813429/ 07740 512760. Email allisonreilly237@btinternet.com

 

(Please note that Alison’s email address is spelt with a double letter ‘L’.)

 

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Annual General Meeting.                      15th November 2021.

 

Our AGM was held at 10.30am on Monday 15th November 2019, at The Lucas Memorial Hall, The Street, Waldron, Heathfield, TN21 0RB, and it was a full house of socially distanced members who sat down.

 

We were honoured by the attendance of our President, Jan McSweeney, who made a short address about the origins of Kipling, its past successes, and how delighted she was to see it continuing to grow so successfully today. Jeni, our chairman, talked about the last two years during the pandemic and described her vision for our group’s future. Val told us of her memories of past ponies, her many years in RDA, and her recent award from Princess Anne the Princess Royal. Hanka, our amazing secretary for so many years, was presented with a gift on her recent retirement, and received a huge round of applause.

 

Josie Cyster thanked the group on behalf of everyone for continuing to support and help the driving aspirations of all of our members, and also received a round of applause. Well said Josie!

 

The actual meeting consisted of all the usual items, such as past minutes, treasurer’s report, election of officers, and there was much good natured discussion on all sorts of topics.

 

We were all reminded that should you purchase item though Amazon, then please consider using SmileAmazon, where the items are identical to Amazon, but that Kipling County benefits from a donation from Amazon, and at no cost to any of us.

 

We enjoyed tea, coffee, biscuits, and also some mince pies.  After the official meeting old and new friends stayed on to chat.

 

John forgot his camera, and is grateful to Jo for the photo below, albeit after most people had left to return home. John says he is sorry and that it won’t happen again….until the next time.

 

 

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URGENT UPDATE.                      26th October 2021.

 

Our committee regrets that this coming Thursday 28th October 2021 will be Kipling County’s last driving day for this year. This means that regretfully, our Monday Group have already held their last driving day for 2021.  The reason is that the relentless rain is steadily water logging our lovely field, making it too difficult for our vehicles to park.

 

Our Landlord has kindly agreed that everyone attending on Thursday 28th October should park on his hard standing at Mount Pleasant Farm, and there will be a parking attendant to direct vehicles. The only exception will be for Baronsmede disability vehicles who will ferry their members down the road to our field, and return to park at the same hardstanding. We also hope to have another car to ferry those that cannot walk, but please remember your face masks to protect the driver.

 

Postcode for Mount Pleasant Farm – BN27 3SY

 

SatNav Co-ordinates for Mount Pleasant Farm =   50.87199, 0.17824

 

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Advance Notice – Thursday Members.    Thur 21st Oct 2021

 

We are very sorry, but we are unable to hold driving on Thursday 21st October (for this one day only).  The reason is that in order to look after our ponies health we have a longstanding vet’s appointment that must not be broken.

 

This does not affect any other day’s driving which will go ahead as normal.

 

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Monday Members are Driving Again!!!             18th Oct 2021

 

Today it was the turn of our Monday members to be back driving again. We were so lucky with the weather as it was dry all morning whilst we were out in the field and rained afterwards when we were all safely back home again.  It was especially nice to see two new members who drove with us for the very first time, and a guest who was seeing whether driving is for him.

 

 

 

‘Newby’ Tracey drives for her 1st time with Jo.    Jay drives Alison, others in background.

 

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We’re Driving Again!!!                                       14th Oct 2021

 

The sun shone, it was warm, it was dry with a light breeze, and following approval from our RDA Governing Body our amazing Thursday members are back driving and having fun again. Face coverings were worn when on carriages, and also when unrelated members were closer than 2 metres. We sanitised carriages at the start & finish of the session, carriages and harnesses between change of drivers, and followed the guidance regarding weight loadings.

 

Everyone from Baronsmede drove, and here’s a few photos to remind us of the day:

 

 

 

   

 

Ashley takes Val for a drive.                           Baronsmede’s Sine ensures all is fine with Tim.

 

 

 

Susie takes Sheila for a drive.                             Ella is away first and takes Debbie for a drive.

 

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Stop Press – Driving Restart Approved.      11th Oct 2021

 

Our committee has this evening just been granted permission to restart carriage driving by our RDA Governing Body.  We are indebted to those members at Head Office who worked behind the scenes, provided support and advice, and helped Kipling County correctly complete ‘The Road to Restart’ in an appropriately thorough manner.

 

We must thank our Chair, Jeni Longley, for leading our committee forward in a way that was professionally correct, and also remember how hard Val Eyres worked to make it happen.

 

Please remember, that we must continue to protect each other by respecting the new signs, wear face coverings when we sit on carriages or are close to each other, and regularly sanitise when members transfer.  Our committee has provided plenty of sanitising liquid in all the correct places, and has free face coverings should anyone forget theirs.

 

Let’s get driving again!!!

 

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Two Open Days.                       30th Sept 2021 & 4th October.

 

Recently, our carriages and hoist were stripped, serviced, and tested to ensure they were in first class condition after their two years of enforced inactivity due to the pandemic.

 

On 30th September we held our first Thursday members and volunteers ‘Open Day’ on the road to restarting carriage driving again, and whilst we are not yet approved too drive, members were allowed to meet under social distancing rules. Our new signage was tested for correctness, and our outfits and harnesses were sanitised throughout the morning to conform with RDA Guidelines. It was lovely to see everyone happily joining in with their ongoing training and paperwork after being apart for such a long time.

 

Ponies and carriages were ‘put to’ in order to ensure that the harnesses still fitted and that our various outfits remained correct. The weather was reasonable given the time of year, everyone enjoyed their first day back at Chalvington.

 

 

 

   Some of our Baronsmede Thursday Group, delighted to be back. (Photos courtesy of Jo.)

 

On 4th October we held our first Monday members and volunteers ‘Open Day’ and it was wonderful to see people starting to return to this group again after two long years. We continued the paperwork, ongoing training, and sanitising for carriages and harnesses. The outstanding outfits were tested to ensure they remained correct, and our weight loading charts were updated. It was lovely to meet two prospective new members who are both keen to drive as soon as we are permitted.

 

 

                Who are these Committee Members hidden behind face coverings?

 

 

     Some are testing out in the field, others check harnesses, whilst others simply relax.

 

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Road to Restart.                       30th Sept 2021 & 4th October.

 

We are delighted to tell the group that we have RDA Governing Body Sign Off to hold two ‘Open Days’ that correspond to the previous two driving days. The first is on Thursday 30th September @ 10.30am, and the second is on Monday 4th October @ 10.30am. Members are welcome to join us on either (or both days) regardless of which day they previously chose. Although they are not true driving days, our ponies and carriages will be present in order to complete legal technicalities around weights and other things.

 

Even better, the RDA Governing Body have approved the use of our large kitchen area for indoor seating on condition the doors and ventilation windows are left open for good air circulation. Please  continue to remember the social distancing advice of “Hands, Face, Space” to keep us all safe. We are also permitted to provide hot drinks, but please bring your own picnic (including your own cutlery and napkins). Our committee have already installed pedal operated bins for rubbish, and have also installed sanitising liquid in the kitchen and toilet.

 

Both days will be treated as ‘Get Togethers’ and be managed slightly differently under the latest Covid rules. There will be a little Covid training for Helpers & Coaches (AB Whips) and some necessary paperwork that will help enable Kipling County to get back to full driving. There will be Covid signage regarding parking areas (for Helpers, Disabled @ Horse Boxes), social distancing, hand washing & sanitisation notices, and a few buildings will be out of bounds. Please respect each other and follow  these new signs aimed at keeping us all safe.

 

When we start driving proper, all carriages, tack, and equipment will be fully sanitised at the start & finish of each session, and as necessary between each driver.

 

We hope you are as excited as the committee , and we are indebted to our RDA Governing Body who have done so much to guide us on ‘The Road to Restart’.

 

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Passing of Alan.                                                 23rd July 2021.

 

Some time ago it was decided that it was right to provide Alan with a well deserved retirement following all his years of success with Kipling County.

 

Two of our members took it upon themselves to provide him with all the comforts he deserved, love, kindness, board & lodging, treats, warm clothing, and all the medical care he occasionally needed. He couldn’t have been better looked after in his twilight years.

 

Towards the end he became ever more poorly, and we are sad to say, that he finally passed away, very peacefully, aged 26. We owe a warm debt of gratitude to the kindness of those two very special ladies and their care of him.

 

 

Jay drives Alan, sat beside Alison, at The Oaks Driving Club Show on 12th August 2018.

 

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Happy New Year.                                      18th January 2021.

 

 

A very Happy New Year to everyone at Kipling County Carriage Driving. Please continue to follow the guidelines and do our level best to ‘Stay Home, Protect the NHS, and Save Lives’. Should any of us be offered a vaccine in line with the agreed JCVI rules, please take it.

 

It has been a long time since we last had fun at Chalvington, but at last, thanks to the miracle of science, we can see end end to this  virus.

 

Our website will be updated for 2021, when our Committee feels it is the right thing to do.

 

PS: STOP PRESS: Val has a new mobile number. It is 07485-201223.

 

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Merry Christmas.                                      23rd December 2020.

 

Our Committee wishes all of our Kipling County members, our AB Whips and our volunteers a very healthy and Happy Christmas. We look forward to seeing everyone back at Chalvington, doing what we do best, just as soon as it is safe to do so.

 

Our RDA South East Region Team has sent a card to everyone, and it’s attached below:

 

 

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Pavilion Treated with Preservative.              8th August 2020.

 

 

Our Committee decided that it was time to add some preservative to better protect our lovely new pavilion, and nominated two male volunteers for the task. The two men drove to Chalvington in their own cars to maintain ‘Social Distancing’ rules and after a few trips it was done.

 

The more proactive of the two men brought his drill and made a more secure and safer route for the gas bottle cable, so that’s another little job completed. Thank you Peter!

 

Hanka & Val visited on the last day to ensure the men were not slacking, and to add some additional constructive criticism, which they did.

 

All we want is for this Pandemic to go away, so that our fantastic members can get back to doing what they love best, Carriage Driving with Kipling County!

 

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Message from Buckingham Palace.                 4th June 2020.

 

Our Secretary has just received the following message from Princess Anne, the Princess Royal sent to all RDA Groups.

 

Her Royal Highness writes to thank everyone involved in RDA, particularly in Volunteers Week, and at times like this.  Please click the image below below to read her letter:-

 

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Coronavirus Pandemic.                              17th March 2020.

 

We will all have seen or heard our our Government’s guidelines on how to protect the health of our nation from this brand new disease, last outlined on 16th March 2020, and supported by the Chief Medical Officer for England & Chief Scientific Advisor.

 

Our committee cares deeply about Kipling County Carriage Driving Group, its members, its whips and our fantastic volunteers. We have spent much time on the groups behalf, trying to confirm “The Right Thing to Do” for us all.

 

This morning, we came to the conclusion that it is right to temporarily cease driving and defer our AGM until later in the year when it is safe to do so.

 

With the good health of everyone in mind, we regret that our AGM is now cancelled, and that all driving meetings are postponed until our Government feels it safe to resume normal activities again.

 

Please take hand washing really seriously, continue to follow our Government’s latest advice, and we look forward to seeing everyone as soon as possible again. 

 

UPDATE: Midday 17th March 2002. RDA UK have confirmed that they assume most, if not all RDA Group activity will have to cease. It’s reassuring to know that our Committee has taken the right decision.

 

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Para Driving World Championships.    24th February 2020.

 

 What a great start to the new year’s programme! Joanne McNicol provided an illustrated talk about her early life, followed her years competing within RDA, and leading up to her success as a member of the British Team in the 2019 Para Driving World Championships  held in the Netherlands. A huge number of our members braved the appalling weather and enjoyed the talk, slideshow, tea, coffee and biscuits, and we were delighted to be joined by friends from our neighbouring RDA Group Heron’s Ghyll.

 

 

 

 

 

Jo taking questions after her talk.                 Members & Guests enthralled by the slideshow.

 

After the slideshow and videos, Hilary Hill from Herons Ghyll presented Alison Reilly with the Cameo Cup on behalf of The Oaks Carriage Driving Group, which was a lovely surprise.

 

 

Alison receives the Cameo Cup from Hilary Hill.

 

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It’s Official, Sally and Stewart are married.      January 2020

 

 

We are absolutely delighted to be able to tell all of our members that Sally Scott and Stewart French have married!     Rumour also tells us that the best man was Nero!

 

We wish them both a long & happy life together.

 

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Happy New Year to Kipling County.        4th January 2020

 

A very Happy New Year to all of our amazing drivers, whips and volunteers!!!  We look forward to seeing everyone back at Chalvington just as soon as the weather warms a little.

 

 Photo by Ivan Bertona of Unsplash.

 

In late December, our drivers from Baronsmede put on a superb Christmas Show at “The Old Haybarn” in Crowborough. Their volunteers had put in a lot of hard work supplying all the various costumes, and the players had worked tirelessly throughout their rehearsals. The audience were delighted, and felt it was a great start to their Christmas. Well done to everyone at Baronsmede!!!

 

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Email from RDA’s Ed Bracher.               13th December 2019

 

 

Dear Groups, Regional and County roles,

 

As 2019 draws to a close I would like to say THANK YOU for everything you have done for RDA this year.

 

This year has been extra special, as we celebrated 50 years enriching lives through horses. It has been inspiring to see how everyone has got behind the 50th Anniversary and celebrated in their own way. Across the UK 3,000 gold rosettes have been handed out, there have been parties and fun rides and of course – plenty of cake. We are also lucky that a lot of our celebrations have been shared across the media, raising awareness of our work like never before.

 

I am also delighted to share with you the initial results of this year’s annual return, which have revealed that, in total, we delivered over 420,000 rides and drives – an increase of 8,500 on last year. This is on top of your 50th celebrations, as well as many of you embarking on the new coaching pathway, taking part in training and increasing the range of activities your group offers. Thank you for achieving so much, for your commitment, your energy and enthusiasm.

 

From all of us here at RDA National Office – Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

 

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Val Eyres presented to Princess Anne – 30th November ’19

 

(See below for update from Lindsay Correa dated 13th December 2019)

 

 

What a fantastic achievement by Val, our hard working Organiser !

 

On Friday 30th November, Val (escorted by Peter Horwood) was invited to the prestigious Saddler’s Hall in London by the RDA where she was presented with the “Dudley-Smith Award” by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne. This award is to acknowledge a volunteer who has made an important contribution to RDA Carriage Driving through sheer hard work.

 

This is a wonderful recognition of all that Val has done for Kipling since January 2018, when she stood up (in spite of her own problems) and helped our Group through an incredibly difficult time.

 

Val……… This is a well deserved honour, and on behalf of our Members, AB Whips, Volunteers and Committee, we are proud of you !!!

 

Peter has written a moving description of her day (including the difficult journey home caused by someone significantly less honourable).

 

Please click the link below to read Peter’s letter :-

 

Vals trip to London

 

STOP PRESS:                                                                                                   13th December 2019.

 

Lindsay Correa has kindly sent an email telling us that superb photos of our Val being presented to The Princes Royal, HRH Princes Anne, are now available to be downloaded free of charge, and saved as a lovely memory or used on RDA Websites and RDA Social Media. (There are many other RDA photos from the presentation on the same day …… See how many friends we can spot !)

 

The link is

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EKrsjMGmsrrMZkg66

 

 

An example from the official RDA photos page.

 

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New Pavilion Grand Opening – 13th July 2019.

The Grand Opening of our new pavilion was huge success with many friends (both old and new) joining us for our Open Day. We were privileged to have the ribbon cut by our founder member, Jan McSweeney, who never seems to change and remains as youthful as ever, whilst the competition rosettes were presented by Nick Clutton’s grand-daughter Matilda.

 

Our founder member, Jan McSweeney, cuts the ribbon.

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