The weeks of snow and ice in 2011 prevented many disabled riders from actually making it up the long drive to the Centre although staff battled on to keep the 20 horses and ponies fed and warm.  This led to financial worries as income plummetted.  But worse was to come when the temperatures reached –16C and pipes burst in the roof over the conference room and store roomson the day before Christmas Eve resulting in the cancellation of all the planned Christmas Pony Care activities as the water was pouring through the main fuse box too!

Nine months later and the rooms have been dried out and refurbished – but at a huge financial loss to the Centre as all bookings for hire of the room had to be cancelled until it re-opened last September.

Centre Manager Claire Pitt said, “Some people did use our student training room for their meetings, but it isn’t very big, and doesn’t have the same standard of facilities. Our worry is that people will have found other meeting rooms to use, and won’t support us – as a charity with no outside funding, we need the income to help us survive. 

She continued, “The conference room is perfect for meetings, and for community activities, and in tiptop condition after the refurbishment.  We have a special offer in March and April of two sessions for the price of one – a BOGOFF really!  Hopefully that will encourage interest.”

For futher information call Claire on 01642 576222 or see www.rdaunicorncentre.co.uk