EVENING GAZETTE “YOUR SAY” COLUMN FOR 13 SEPTEMBER 2023 

Hello everyone.

We’re already now into week two of the Autumn term as we welcome back our participants old and new. During the summer holiday break we organised a huge project to give the Centre a really big spruce up inside and out, involving a deep clean, painting and tidying.  We were joined by workplace volunteer teams from Amazon Darlington, Mandale Homes, PX Limited and Virgin Media. They worked so hard alongside our staff and volunteer team, and we’re so grateful for their help.  The Centre now looks absolutely wonderful!  The horses have had a welcome break too, and are all fit and well.

This month we say a sad farewell to staff members Caroline and Emma and a big welcome to Heidi who takes over as Centre Manager.

If you know someone or a group who could benefit from lessons or therapy on our wonderful horses or our mechanical horse Blackberry, have a look at the Riding Lessons page on our website where you can download and complete the application and medical forms. Email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.and we’ll be in touch. Our Centre is fully equipped for people with disabilities including a mounting hoist and our coaches are all RDA trained.

Would you like to volunteer here? If you’re 14 years or over with a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to work with disabled riders and horses, we’d love to see you. Our next Volunteer Open Day is on Sunday 8 October when we’d be delighted to meet prospective volunteers and show them what’s involved.  If you’re interested, give Volunteer Co-ordinator Denise a call to let her know you’re coming. Before volunteering here you’ll need a DBS check and induction, and then you’re ready to help our riders achieve something amazing!

We have two Just Giving sponsorship pages running at the moment.  One is for 9 year old Centre participant Nikita, who has recently completed an epic challenge to climb Roseberry Topping  in aid of the Centre Letty Mather is fundraising for RDA Unicorn Centre (justgiving.com) and our lovely volunteer Dorothy who has asked for donations to buy equipment for the Centre in place of presents for her big birthday later this monthDorothy Coombs is fundraising for RDA Unicorn Centre (justgiving.com) We’re always blown away when people fundraise for us, so please support their efforts if you can.

And finally, don’t forget about our Fun Dog Show on Sunday 24 September at the Centre – such a popular event! Classes are £2 each or 3 for £5 per dog, with entries taken on the day from 1100 and judging starting at 1200. There’ll be stalls and refreshments too.

Thank you for everything you do for us.   Jackie.