West Norfolk RDA welcomes Freemasons to Magpie Centre after receiving generous grant

After being awarded a £10,000 grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation, West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled Association, has welcomed a group of Norfolk Freemasons on a fact-finding visit.

Stephen Allen, Head of Norfolk Freemasons, Robin Shaw, Provincial MCF representative and Michael Spalding, Norfolk Freemasons’ Provincial communications officer, visited the Magpie Centre, at Wallington Hall, South Runcton and met Mrs Bee Ford, West Norfolk RDA chairwoman and several trustees and volunteers.

They also spoke to Aynsley Calvert and Michelle Alflatt, two of the Magpie Centre’s adult riders, and heard from them the difference that riding has made to their lives.

Mr Allen then presented them with rosettes, awarded by RDA National Office, for their participation in the RDA Dressage Championships, which were held ‘virtually’, owing to the pandemic.

RDA riders are grouped according to their levels of disability, and Ms Alflatt gained sixth place in Grade 1 (for the most disabled riders), while Aynsley placed in Grade 7 (Intellectual Disability).

The presentation took place in the sensory garden, opened by the Princess Royal in July 2021, and the visitors met trustees Mrs Jan Calvert, whose idea it was, and Mr Andy Beeston who, with his team of volunteers, undertook the construction work.

Trustee Gerry McKenna was also on hand to outline the work of Equine Assisted Learning Therapy a non-mounted activity which helps people with mental health issues to develop confidence, self-esteem and communication skills.

A highlight of the day was meeting RDA rider Isaac Everitt, aged six, riding Ginger.

Isaac’s mother, Ms Jennifer Reeves, explained that Isaac, who is on the autistic spectrum and has Global Developmental Delay, had progressed rapidly since starting to ride in September 2022.

“I’ve noticed a huge improvement in Isaac’s listening, communication and speaking skills since he started riding at the Centre,”she said.

At present the Centre has 12 equines, ranging from mounts suitable for tiny children, up to Irish Draught horse Ava, who carries the bigger riders. It is now on the lookout for more horses, from 15.2 hh to 16.2 hh, for riding and/or carriage driving lessons.

The centre delivers 72 riding lessons per week, split 50/50 between child and adult riders, plus 19 carriage driving lessons, but there are currently 16 applicants on the waiting list.