Dear Volunteer,

It is great news that we have been chosen by The Telegraph to be one of its Christmas Appeal charities. Not only do we hope for significant donations, but also the opportunity to tell a wide audience about the varied and far-reaching benefits of our activities. Following hot on the heals of our AGM and a hugely successful series of Supra Regional conferences, this latest good news should cement the growing feeling of confidence in the whole organisation. Our new role of Head of Therapy will be in post soon and will add a new dimension to our work at National Office. We will be in touch in the New Year with details of this new area of our work and how it will benefit your Group.

Best Wishes,

Ed Bracher, Chief Executive, RDA

Photographic Competition - Winners

The winners of this year’s photographic competition have been announced. Judges praised the high standard of entries and noted that: “The competition was well supported, and gives us a marvellous overview of all the activities being undertaken and practised in our Groups Nationwide.” Winners and the judges report are on our website.

Participants Meeting

The first Participants Meeting was held in October, when riders met to discuss issues such as communication from National Office to Participants and how to increase the number of participants who also volunteer for RDA. The Participants Meetings are part of an initiative to promote greater involvement in RDA by participants. The next meeting will take place in the New Year. To get involved please contact Kim Dougherty on kdougherty@rda.org.uk

Daily Telegraph

RDA has been chosen by The Daily Telegraph for its Christmas Charity Appeal. You will see several stories about our work throughout the rest of this year and into January. "We at the Telegraph are very pleased to be able to help the work of RDA," said Richard Preston, assistant editor of The Daily Telegraph. "My colleagues and I were extremely impressed by the scope and ambition of what RDA does, and we are quite sure that our readers will feel the same."

RDA to Recruit 'Head of Therapy'

A new role has been created at National Office to help improve the effectiveness and raise the profile of the therapeutic side of RDA’s work.

Often taken as a given, the delivery of real and meaningful therapy is the cornerstone of our activity and we want to ensure this is better understood both within and beyond RDA.

Change to Inheritance Tax Benefits Charities

New changes to inheritance tax mean that individuals can donate more of their estate to charity without reducing the amount they leave to family and friends. Under the new legislation - announced in this year’s budget - people who leave 10% or more of their net estate to charity can benefit from a 10% reduction in inheritance tax. This decision was made in order to encourage more generous legacy giving, and RDA Groups might want publicise the change to potential legacy donors. For further information and advice about remembering RDA in your will, contact Peter Tacon at National Office on ptacon@rda.org.uk or call the free legal helpline for RDA Groups on 0845 450 7140.

New Volunteer Application Form

This is a slightly revised/improved form for use when potential volunteers apply to join a group. It’s available to download on the website both in the volunteer opportunities page and the membership manual webpage. Any queries contact Rebecca Kemp rkemp@rda.org.uk.
 

RDA Christmas Cards and Gifts

We have a great range of Christmas cards and gifts available to order online or from our brochure. Contact Lynn Taylor ltaylor@rda.org.uk or visit the RDA Shop.

Volunteers and Car Insurance - Check you're not affected

Just a quick reminder that you should declare on your car insurance if you are a volunteer. This will probably not affect your premium, and in August of this year, most car insurers signed up to a committment that they would not charge extra for motorists who volunteer. For peace of mind it might be worth checking your insurer has signed up to the committment. Find out here: www.abi.org.uk/Information/Consumers/General/Volunteer_Driving_.aspx

Kenya Trek 2012 - the fundrasing opportunity of a lifetime

Looking for a fundraising challenge in 2012? Why not sign up for the RDA trek through the Rift Valley in Kenya. The trek takes place from 11-19 September and includes several days trekking, ascending Mount Longonot and an abseil into Hell’s Gate Gorge. Contact Anne Coney or Kay Lunnon at Bank Farm RDA for details. 0845 241 1364/ kconey@waitrose.com

Run for RDA

Calling all runners, places are available at a range of UK events. Run and raise money for RDA. Find out more on our website.

National Championships 2012

Next year’s National Championships will take place on 14&15 July.

Each year more than 18,000 dedicated RDA volunteers give a total of more than 3.5 million hours of their time. Thank you.