WADG News

Coworth Park Hotel very kindly invited members of the Group for a tour of the polo stables followed by their delicious afternoon tea. 

Many thanks to the staff at Coworth Park for their hospitality and making it such an enjoyable afternoon.

The Group had its annual visit to Windsor Home Park.  We were lucky with the weather again and had three great drives by the river and a picnic at the cricket pavilion.

We had a picnic in Valley Gardens to celebrate the 40th anniversary of carriage driving in the RDA. 

The next day, Sue and Sally went to the Unicorn Centre in Stow on the Wold for the RDA's celebration event attended by Princess Anne. Sally accepted an award from Princess Anne on behalf of Brigid in recognition of her own 40 years' contribution to carriage driving with the Windsor and Ascot Group.  Cake and fizz all round!

The group was very lucky to be invited to visit the Royal Mews at Windsor Castle where we were given a tour by Terry Pendry, the Queen's Stud Groom. Twenty seven of us went and everyone had a wonderful time.   We saw  lots of beautiful horses including the Queen's riding pony Emma and Storm, one of the Windsor Greys.  Other highlights were seeing the Indoor Riding School built for Queen Victoria where Buffalo Bill performed his Wild West show with Annie Oakley and the state carriages. 

Frank Rainsborough took some great photos.

After a busy few months fundraising at the end of 2014 we finally collected cheques in respect of the Swimathon (presented at Windsor Guildhall), Sunninghill Victorian Fayre (cheque presented by Batman!) and the Crabtree & Evelyn evening.

Many thanks to everybody who took part or sponsored us in these events and to Windsor Lions, the Sunninghill Victorian Fayre committee and the staff at Crabtree & Evelyn in Windsor.

Thanks to Frank Rainsborough for the photos at the Guildhall.

The Christmas lunch at the York Club was a great success with 50 people attending, including lots of new members and their guests.  We had new caterers this year and the food was just as delicious as usual. 

Following the lunch several members of the group were presented with long service awards by our special guest, Anne Coney, who is just about to retire as the Chairman of RDA South Region. 

Sally received an award for 20 years service. Sarah received an award for 10 years service. Tony, Angie, Maddie, Ellie and David all received awards for 5 years service.

Anne also presented Sue with the award for RDA South Region Volunteer of the Year 2014.

The event concluded with the usual raffle with many delighted winners.

Thanks to Frank Rainsborough and Sue for the photos.