Trophies awarded, as Omagh RDA elect new Chairperson
Lucy Smyth, Vicoria Bridge receiving the Charley Dargie Cup from Mrs Julie Jordan at Omagh RDA awards evening
Press Release, Omagh RDA
In a celebration of achievement on Wednesday evening last, Omagh RDA held their annual general meeting as well as their presentation of certificates.
In what was to be her last Chairman’s report, Mrs Gwen Garrett congratulated all those riders who attended sessions throughout the year, thanks were also extended to the instructors of these sessions. “Over 240 riders have passed through the Arvalee based centre during the year, and only with dedicated volunteers and instructors would this only be possible” said Mrs Garrett.
Following her report, the Group Organiser, Mr Christopher Bogle and senior instructor Mrs Emma-Jayne Fowler overseen the presentation of certificates to riders and volunteers. Making the presentations was Mrs Julie Jordan, Northern Ireland Regional chairperson.
Presentations were made to those who attended the Regional Dressage, proficiency certificates and badges, volunteering service certificates, trophies and also the first of the RDA Showjumping proficiency tests to be awarded in Northern Ireland.
Omagh RDA Volunteer Lauren Quigley receives her 1 year voluntary service certificate from Mrs Julie Jordan RDANI regional Chair
The main trophies of the evening were awarded to Gavin Forsythe (Junior Dressage), Louise Bogle (Senior Dressage) and the new Charley Dargie perpetual trophy was presented to Lucy Smyth. For the first time, Omagh RDA were delighted to also award the endeavour cup too one of our driving participants, Shannon from Arvalee School and Resource Centre.
Following the presentation, Mrs Jordan was then asked to oversee the standing down of the committee and officer bearers and to oversee the election of the new committee. Following the standing down of Mrs Garrett, it was Mrs Emma Jayne Fowler that was to be elected has her replacement. A long time supporter of the Omagh Group, Emma- Jayne has held many roles within the group, including Group Instructor, Fund Raising Co-ordinator and Children Protection officer to name but a few.
Winners of the Junior Newcomer Trophy, Matthew Donald and Grace McSorley being presented with their award by RDANI Chairperson
With Hartpury training continuing for those competing at the UK National Championships, the new committee look forward to a quiet summer, before re-launching their full programme again in the Autumn.
Tickets are still on sale for the Floral Demonstration evening being held at the Omagh RDA Centre on Friday 28th June at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 each or those wishing to attend can also pay at the door. In addition to this, a Steak BBQ is taking place at the Village Inn, Killyclogher. Tickets are priced at £10 and are selling fast, please contact the centre or 07709199474 to book yours before they run out!!
Looking ahead, applications for riders and drivers has now re opened for the autumn term, for further details please contact the Group Organiser Mr Bogle at omaghrda@hotmail.co.uk. As well as applications re opening for riders, it too is open once more for volunteers.
Omagh RDA Volunteer Danny McClintock being presented with his Volunteering award by Mrs Julie Jordan, RDANI Regional Chairperson
All volunteering opportunities are available for a number of different roles; this includes administration, financial, legal and fund raising. Volunteers are also welcomed from those requiring voluntary placements for Duke of Edinburgh awards as well as Millennium Volunteers, all volunteers should they wish can avail of the volunteering awards delivered by RDA groups, this includes the Young Equestrian Leaders Awards and their flagship award, the Community Volunteering Qualification. Further details on all volunteering opportunities are available, from the Volunteer Development Officer, Mrs Gwen Garrett on 07785952824 or by emailing omaghrda@hotmail.co.uk.
The new Autumn term will also see the introduction of our Pony Club, Arvalee Centre of the Pony Club. Applications are open for RDA riders only, please contact the centre for an application pack.
Omagh RDA will continue to work with the Omagh Spires Special Olympics club during the new term, to join Special Olympics Ulster please contact Mrs Rosemary McAleer for information on how to enrol.
