OUR EVENING GAZETTE COLUMN: FEB 2022

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

It‘s with a very heavy heart I have to tell you that, after 24 years, I’m leaving the Unicorn Centre.  This has been so very much more than a job; rather my and my family’s home and passion for all this time.  Thank you everyone who has supported me and the Centre over the years and for helping making it such a very special experience. It’s been a huge and emotional decision but the time has come to hand over the reins to a new Centre Manager. I am moving on to take up a new post with another local charity, Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind.

 

I will miss everyone so much, but I’m confident that the Centre has made huge steps to overcome the challenges of the impact of Covid 19 and its future is bright. I wish it every success as it moves forward into a new phase of development.

 

I won’t be leaving until the end of April, and there is much to do before I go.  

 

Fundraising is one of my priorities, and in particular raising the £16,000 + needed to resurface our indoor arena.  To keep it in tip top condition this needs to be done every five years or so, so it’s a huge strain on our finances.  The arena surface is fundamental to the Centre being able to deliver opportunities for riding therapy all year round, whatever the weather.   I’m busy applying for grants, but we’re also setting up a fundraising campaign “Buy a Bucket of Arena Surface” and if you buy one virtually for £5 (or more!)  we’ll add your name to the list of Arena Surface Donors to be displayed in our Centre Reception.  You can make your contribution by visiting our Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/campaign/buyabucket

 

So many people shop via Amazon now, and I wondered whether you would be able to buy an item for the Centre next time you’re shopping with them.  We’ve set up a Wish List of various items needed for our horses and ponies, participants and supported volunteers. There’s a large number of items in a range of prices to suit most pockets such as rakes, shampoo and saddle soap, pens, stirrup leathers, riding helmets and a storage cupboard! Anything from our list would be great.

 

Looking forward to half term next week, we’ll be running our usual Pony Care days for children on the afternoon of Thursday 24 February.  Children don’t have to be current riders at the Centre, or have a disability. They’ll spend time on the yard, have a riding lesson on one of our lovely ponies and have lots of fun activities with our friendly, experienced team of staff and volunteers.  It’s a great opportunity for children to learn more about horses. You must pre-book (£34.50 a session), so call the office on 01642 576222.

 

Thank you for your continuing support.   Claire Pitt, Centre Manager.