Opening stable doors on new Much Wenlock centre
A new £1.3 million centre for the Riding for the Disabled Association in Shropshire is looking for more volunteers before it opens its doors in April.
The Cavalier Centre at Much Wenlock will be the new home of Perry RDA now based at Baschurch.
It is due to open in April this year after six years of planning and £1.3 million of fund raising.
There were fears that the centre wouldn't open on time until the two generous grants from Reaching Communities of £120,000 and £100,000 from Southern Shropshire Leader Award allowed the final preparations to be put into place.
Jane Barker from the centre said fundraising was still as important as ever as it will £150,000 per year to run.
The search for new clients and volunteers is now in full swing as we prepare to open the new centre, searching for competent volunteers to get involved in roles.
"Most opportunities include contact with horses for example, grooming and tacking up, leading, side-walking and mucking out. However, voluntary work in other areas such as fundraising, publicity and general maintenance are also needed to help run the centre.
"Any one over the age of 12 is welcome to volunteer so it is ideal to do as part of a voluntary service for the Duke of Edinburgh awards, use it to do some exercise and get fit or simply to make new like- minded friends, there really is a reason for everyone to get involved."
She said that in addition new clients were needed to join the existing group to make full use of the new facilities.
"We are looking for individuals of all ages and disabilities to join our sessions, currently held throughout the week. Sessions include fun riding to dressage and show jumping, equestrian vaulting and carriage driving. A all abilities can enjoy horse care.
"We are also the only centre in the area to offer hippotherapy and a mechanical horse. Horses in whichever capacity are a fantastic form of physiotherapy and brilliant opportunity to make friends with others."
If you are interested or would like more information contact Jane Barker on 01939 261147 or barkerj667@gmail.com alternatively head over to cavaliercentre.org.
You can follow the Cavalier Centre Facebook page and participate in the activities or head over to the crowd funding page gofundme.com/cavalier-centre.
