West Somerset Carriage Driving Group for the Disabled

The West Somerset Carriage Driving Group for the Disabled is based in Roadwater, West Somerset, and offers to people with varying disabilities (including the wheelchair bound) freedom, fresh air and fun. We are an independent charity governed by a Board of Trustees. Operating from late spring through to early autumn, we are entirely staffed by volunteers. We are privileged to be able to operate out of 'Lowood' the home of Margaret Wyatt who is a highly qualified carriage driver and national competitor. On the edge of Roadwater village we have a beautiful setting along the river edge and we use highly trained ponies, one of which we own, and the other kindly lent to us for our work.

West Somerset Carriage Driving Group for the Disabled

The facilities are used by regular clients who travel to us with their carers from Minehead, Taunton, Bridgwater and Wellington. Our aim is for each individual to have a ride in the carriage, and where possible, take the reins and drive. Whatever a person's disability, the therapeutic effect of an outing with a horse and carriage is considerable. The sense of achievement, however small, is a great benefit especially to those whose lives are severely limited. Over the years we have been fortunate in the local support we have received. The total costs, apart from a contribution from the clients, has to be raised by the group. Unfortunately we are not immune to rising costs and therefore we are asking if you could support us.

HOW YOU COULD HELP - some people have time they can offer and others financial or material help they can give.Here are some ideas:

Would you like to become a friend of the charity? For a donation of say £10 each year we will keep you informed of all our activities and invite you to our Open Day to see the group in action. Just to see the look of enjoyment on the faces of our clients is a thrill not to be missed. If you can spare any time on a you might like to join our team. Helpers are invited to attend a morning's introduction to see what we do. After this, if you would like to help us, you will join our team of volunteers. Perhaps you would be willing to have a coffee morning or a stall at a local event to raise money. If you have any other ways you could raise money for us - like a sponsored walk or opening your garden - let us know and we will help you all we can. If you are like many of us busy and spare time is at a premium, you can donate some money or sponsor some of our direct costs, which we have listed on the next page. If you are involved in a business venture could you sponsor us?

DIRECT COSTS - could you help towards any of these or sponsor us?

• A bale of hay £4.00 — 60 used each year
• Bedding £6.00 a sack — 100 used each year
• Insurance for theft and public liability — £796.00 pa
• Rosettes—from £3.00 each
• Farrier—from £50.00 each shoeing—12 sets each year
• Baron who is our lead horse is now thirty-four years old and a replacement will cost at least £5000.00.
• A new horse will have to be trained and then tested by the National Governing Body for safety reasons before we can use him. Training and testing will cost at least a further £250.00
• Maintenance of the specially designed carriages is essential and currently cost over £400.00 each year.
• A replacement carriage would cost at least £5000.00.
• General feeding and stabling costs £95.00 per week.

If you would like to help, sponsor us or send a cheque (made payable to West Somerset Carriage Driving Group for the Disabled) please write or contact:

Maggy Barber
Chairlady
West Somerset Carriage Driving Group for the Disabled
c/o 'Lowood'
Roadwater
West Somerset
TA23 0RQ
Tel: 01643 703847
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Charity Number 1074241



Contributed by: Margaret Wyatt (Chairperson), Linda Fortnum