WADG News

Bomber, aged 26,  has been a wonderful driving pony with our Group for the past 18 years and has remained in remarkably good health for nearly all those years. He was very kindly given to us, all those years ago, by Mr. and Mrs. Blundell.

He has never let the Group down and has been driven by many of our disabled members for all those 18 years, and in the early days he was the only pony our then Instructor, Major Tommy Thompson would drive.  It is only in the last three weeks that he has gone downhill rapidly and after our vet of many years came to see him, it was decided to have him put down, which happened on 11th October. It is very sad but the kindest thing to do and he will be remembered with great fondness. He was a great character, very bossy with all the other ponies, except very recently, when he had to give up his top position to our new pony, Major – after six months of being separated, otherwise war broke out!

He is irreplaceable but it is very much hoped we will soon have another pony, called Albert, to join our Group.

The two photos below show Bomber doing his favourite thing - eating!

Sally, Ellie and Sue attended the annual Volunteers of the Year awards organised by Windsor and Maidenhead Voluntary Action held at Dorney Lake on 6th October 2011. The Group's volunteers were entered into the team category – we didn't win but received this certificate and enjoyed the evening.

It is very sad to report that Dennis Tosland, at the age of 93, has died. He was a very long serving and loyal helper with the Driving Group, for many years driving the trailer with our ponies to many events, even when he was 90 and always on hand to help in many other ways. He will be much missed.

Casper and several members of the Group took to the streets of Ascot for the annual Alexandra Rose Day collection.  Everyone wore pink - including Casper who was sporting a very fetching sash. The day was a great success - everyone stayed dry and more than £250 was raised for the Group.

Casper joined the parade at the start of the 4th annual Cancer Research UK Relay For Life at Ascot race course. 2011 marks the 300th anniversary of Ascot Race Course so the parade had a historical theme with Maureen Kemp, a member of the Group, dressed as Queen Anne leading the parade. It was a very wet day!

Two members of the Group took part in the Warfield Show, the only disabled driving group in three classes. We were helped by our usual wonderful team. Kate, with Sally as one RDA whip in the first class and Maddie in the other class, drove really well in both and was complimented on her driving by the judge.

Rebecca, accompanied by Sarah drove the concours d’elegance class and was well placed in the line up, though the field was very rough and the grass came up to the floor of the carriage!

Both turnouts looked really smart and of course, our pony, Casper, was a real star, behaved beautifully and looked persil white. The whole day was most successful with happy faces and all home by 2pm.