Riding for the Disabled
This year the annual Spring Celebrations organised by Anglican Women in the various deaneries of the Diocese of Newcastle in September will feature speakers from Riding for the Disabled, which has a number of centres in the diocesan area. RDA will be the focus of AW’s Thank You Box giving over the next 12 months. (see a template for this below which can be downloaded)
The primary objective of Riding for the Disabled is to provide people with a disability the opportunity to ride and enjoy all the activities connected with horse riding. Riding is both therapeutic and recreational. Programs include horse riding, carriage driving, dressage and Hippotherapy. The formation of these disciplines has led to participation in competitions, giving clients achievement goals for which to aim.
Horse riding is a unique form of exercise and rehabilitation. The complex movement of the horse helps to improve coordination, balance, muscular development and fitness. Horse riding and horse-related activities assist greatly and often dramatically in the development and restoration of personal confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, leadership and trust. For people with challenging behaviour, for example, horses offer a powerful medium for restoring a sense of personal control, which significantly improves behaviour towards family teachers and friends.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the wide range of programmes available and the provision of facilities to run them makes fund-raising a major concern.
As well as interesting speakers, these events provide a great opportunity for worship (they commence with a service of Holy Communion) and fellowship with people from surrounding parishes. They are open to anyone – not only women! Bring some lunch to share.
Bring your Thank You Boxes for this year (Gaza Hospital’s Breast Clinic) with you to these meetings.
They will take place at the following venues:
Monday 3rd September: Manning Deanery:
- Wingham – St Matthew’s Anglican Church, 7/9 Bent Street (includes an afternoon programme)
Tuesday, 4th: Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Deaneries combine:
- Kotara South – 101 Joslin Street (no pm program – lunch & fellowship). The speaker will be Judy Edwards from RDA Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter
Wednesday, 5th: Upper Hunter Deanery:
- Denman – St Matthias, 35 Palace Street (not sure about afternoon program).
Thursday, 6th: Maitland & Paterson Deaneries:
- Raymond Terrace – St John’s, Sturgeon Street (no pm – lunch & fellowship). Speaker – Janet Hudson from RDA Raymond Terrace and Lower Hunter
Friday, 7th: Central Coast Deanery:
- Gosford – Christ Church, 3 Mann Street (no pm – lunch & fellowship), Speaker – Garry Kirkby from RDA Central Coast.
