Over the summer we've been busy with the kitchen/office project.  Here are a couple of pictures of work-in-progress...

Trustees Jackie and Christina received a £1,000 donation from Watford Lions Club on 23rd March 2010.  The money was raised at their Sponsored Obstacle Horse Ride.  This time it was Christina's turn to speak about the work we do at Gaddesden, and to thank the Lions for their continued support over the years which helps to keep our centre running.

On 9th November 2009, Lizzie and Sheila received a generous donation of £3,245.55 raised by the West Herts Provincial Grand Lodge of the Royal Antedeluvian Order of Buffaloes, 

Our NEW FEED SHED AND WORKSHOP is finished on schedule! Many thanks to everyone whose donations made this possible.  Particular thanks to Savills and others who donated money in memory of Barry Roberts (the "Shed Shifter").  Also to the Big Spend for additional funds.  Finally to Bryony Roberts, Will Grieve and pupils at Weatherfield School for applying for funds on behalf of Gaddesden, and to Pro Action Herts who supported the application.

CONGRATULATIONS to five of our Saturday morning riders!   Judith Taylor, Gabby Dabbagh, George Wheyway, Olivia Carter and Hayley Tallantire have all passed their RDA Grade 3 Proficiency Test in Riding and Horse Care.  Well Done!

RDA/PONY CLUB EVENT

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of RDA in the UK, and also the 80th anniversary of the Pony Club, Gaddesden Place RDA and nearby Flamstead Pony Club organised a joint event on 5th July 2009.  It was a huge success and you can see lots more about it in the Photo Album

St.JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, GREAT GADDESDEN

We are proud of our friendly relationships with our neighbours in the local Gaddesden community. 

Here is the new kneeler which was commissioned by Friends of Gaddesden Place RDA for St.John the Baptist Church in Great Gaddesden.  The kneeler was worked by Betty Dunbar who is 92 and lives in Gaddesden Row. It is dedicated to the memory of our founder Trina Hall.   

...and our new temporary garden features.

MIKE PENNING MP VISITS US

On 1st November 2008 Mike Penning, Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead, visited Gaddesden Place RDA centre.  Mike was particularly interested to see our new hydraulic ramp (see below).

"OUR EQUINE HEROES"

HEATHER WAGNER has painted a beautiful series of portraits of our ponies.  They were exhibited at Gallery One Eleven in Berkhamsted, and the exhibition raised £700 for Gaddesden RDA.

We have also reproduced these wonderful paintings as blank note cards - you can use them for Birthdays, Christmas, Thank-yous, etc.

You can buy them at Gaddesden, or go to our Fundraising page.

The sale proceeds will of course go  to Gaddesden RDA funds.

DATES for your DIARY - 2010

Thurs 15th April         Chigwell Riding: Bronze, Silver and Gold

                                  Proficiency riding tests training day

Sat 17th April            Quiz night

Mon 19th April           Helpers training day

Wed 28th April          RDA training day at Barrow Farm

Sun 16th May             Dressage competition at Gaddesden

Sat 22nd May            Wine tasting evening at Christina's

Sat 19th June             Pony Club & RDA show, Flamstead

Sat 3rd July              Barn Dance at Gaddesden

Sat 9th October         Quiz night

Wed 3rd November    Eastern RDA Supra Regional meeting at Bedford Lodge Hotel Newmarket

Sun 28th November    Christmas Party at Gaddesden