Gaddesden Place RDA Centre

Briden's Camp, Hemel Hempstead,

Hertfordshire, HP2 6EX

Registered Charity Number 1140330

A Private Limited Company Registered in England and Wales Number 7512961

FUNDRAISING

COSTS, RISKS AND RESERVES

Gaddesden Place RDA Centre is volunteer run and receives no regular funding. With a team of six ponies and two part time yard staff our running costs are approximately £50,000 per annum. We do make a modest charge for lessons but this does not cover our costs. This means we must constantly raise funds to keep our centre open and continue to provide a high quality environment for our ponies, riders and volunteers. Our stables, fences and indoor school need to be maintained and equipment such as tack and riding helmets has to be updated to meet safety guidelines. At some stage our Indoor School will need complete renovation and this is estimated to cost around £30,000.

The Group has adopted a reserve policy as recommended by the Charity Commission in order to safeguard the future of our Centre. The current recommendation is a general reserve of 24 months running costs. Although this may seem a large amount for a small charity there are special considerations. The group has been forced to shut down during two foot and mouth epidemics (even though horses cannot catch the disease).  After a prolonged closure it takes a long time for riding activities to return to previous levels as schools, individuals and volunteers timetable other activities. Assets need to be maintained during a period of closure.  Our ponies have to be fed and cared for, premises lit, cleaned and repaired. Ponies could be disposed of but cannot easily be replaced as RDA ponies with the right temperament and ability are very difficult to find.

Due to increased running costs we need to increase our general reserve when funds allow.  The general reserve is reviewed at each AGM

To keep the money coming in, we hold quiz nights and other events and we encourage people to walk, run, swim and even jump out of airplanes for us!  Many local groups and companies have lent their support.  We are happy to come and talk about our work with disabled riders and can organise visits to our centre.  Please support our events listed in the News and Diary page.   If you have a fundraising idea  please take a look at our Just Giving page or Contact Us!

SPONSORS

We are looking for sponsors for all of our ponies.  It cost approximately £6,000 per year to keep each pony, including shoeing, vet bills and insurance.

You can sponsor a pony as a present for someone for a week for £120!  They receive a photo and certificate and a visit by appointment.  Alternatively you can part-sponsor a pony on a monthly basis from as little as £10 per month by completing a standing order mandate.  A commercial sponsorship scheme is also available. Please Contact Us for further information.

Again, if you pay UK income tax, and would like to sponsor a pony, we can reclaim tax from the government under the Gift Aid scheme.  Simply complete this Gift Aid Declaration form.  Send the form back to us along with your donation, or soon afterwards.

If you're interested in sponsorship, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations to support our work are very welcome!  If you are a taxpayer please download and complete a Gift Aid form so we can claim back some of the tax you have paid.  Cheques should be made payable to “Gaddesden Place RDA Centre”.

If you pay UK income tax, and would like to make a donation, we can reclaim tax from the government under the Gift Aid scheme.  Simply complete this Gift Aid Declaration form.  Send the form back to us along with your donation, or soon afterwards.

You can make a donation, or arrange monthly donations, very easily using your credit/debit card or PayPal account - visit our Just Giving page.  This also enables you to reclaim Gift Aid on these donations with a couple of mouse clicks.  Alternatively you can make a donation simply by sending a text message - details on our Just Giving page. 

Legacies could also secure Gaddesden Place RDA Centre in the future so please think about remembering us if you are making a will. Our charity number is 1140330. It really would make a difference as the residue from estates has secured other Centres like ourselves around the UK. Please Contact Us if you would like more information.