Rye News asked local people to let us know about where they were volunteering and what they did. Fran Tyman got in touch and told us her story.
“My name is Fran and I’m a volunteer with Fairlight Hall Riding for the Disabled group. We are the closest dedicated RDA group to Rye. A number of us who volunteer live in Rye and Winchelsea.
“We provide horse-based activities to around forty people per week and run almost entirely with volunteers (we do have to pay some wonderful people to care for our horses and ponies). We run riding lessons, stable management sessions for non-riders and also ‘tea with a pony’ for care home residents.
“We would love to show Rye News readers what we do – we are always looking for people to volunteer and if we can get more people, we are hoping to run more sessions which will in turn bring the joy of horses to even more riders. In addition, we are organising a charity ride for horse owners / riders to raise funds which will take place on Sunday, September 24 at Broomhill Farm in Camber – so although we are based at Fairlight Hall, there is a lot of local connection to Rye and surrounding area.”
To take part in the event go to
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/656213982687
“Our volunteer co-ordinator is Sue Climpson and she can be contacted via rda@fairlighthall.co.uk – she’s the best person to co-ordinate a visit. Our website is www.rdafairlight.co.uk
“Fairlight Hall RDA was established in 2015. We are a registered charity and are proud that we are able to offer riders of all ages the ability to enjoy the hugely therapeutic benefits of being on and around horses. The demand for our services is ever-increasing and we do have a waiting list currently. Our lessons run for thirty minutes and include time in our beautiful outdoor arena or hacking out in our grounds and around the sensory trail we are developing and fund raising for. We are also able to offer “tea with a pony” sessions for those with dementia or other lifelong conditions. Please get in touch whether as a rider or as a volunteer. Many thanks and we very much look forward to hearing from you.”
Image Credits: Fairlight Riding Group .