RDA News

  Martin Clunes visits RDA!

13th February 2012 was a very special day for RDA. Martin (Men Behaving Badly) Clunes, as President of the British Horse Society, paid a visit to the Akrotiri Saddle Club, and whilst on the island, had expressed a wish to also visit RDA and see what we do. So, with the co-operation of the 3 schools which use us, a Special Ride, using riders from all the schools was arranged. Our special guest was clearly impressed with the work we do, and happily joined in the games and singing. After the ride, Martin made a point of speaking to every rider, to the pleasure of all concerned. tea and cakes, plus the chance for a chat took place in the Nag's Head afterwards. the picture shows Martin Clunes with some of the riders. For more information about the day, click on the link below:

http://www.bfbs.com/news/cyprus/tv-actor-horses-around-cyprus-54907.html

 RDA PICNIC 2012

This was held at the camp-site in Happy Valley on June 8th. it was a gloriously sunny day, and some 30 riders from all three schools arrived to partake of the food and join in the fun.

Sadly, we were unable to secure one of the Military Bands for the event, but Steve brought along his Magic Music Box, so the event was hardly a quiet one! And it really is amazing how much fun can be had with a football and a borrowed goal net.

Plenty of food, drink, and laughter marked the picnic as a huge success. Grateful thanks to all who helped make it so.

BYE BYE TRIXIE

We're sorry to have to tell you that Trixie Milton and husband Mike have decided to return to the UK.

Trixie had been our Secretary for a number of years and her cheery greetings were often heard around Happy Valley.  But Trixie was never a "letterhead" Secretary  -  she was always in there and amongst it. That included the car-boot stall at Linopetra, selling second hand books, CDs, etc, organising (with Steve) our biggest Fund-Raiser, the Moonlight Picnic, and always lending a cheerful hand with a whole host of other things.

Trixie, we're really grateful for all your efforts, and are going to miss you. Whatever you and Mike do in the UK, we wish you both well.

FAREWELL TO FINBARR

 The RDA Chairman, Finbarr Leahy has completed his tour of duty and now left Cyprus. Thanks to Finbarr for his efforts during his term of office.

 To add to our list of departures, Jean Dyer (Roster Member) has now returned to UK. Jean was always there when needed, and she not only took care of the monthly roster, but organised the Summer Picnic and the Christmas Party too. Hubby Geoff, always cheerful, could be seen leading his "old gray mare ", aka Pepper. Huge thanks to Jean and Geoff, and we wish them both well for the future. A re-organisation of the Committee was required, and while we wait confirmation of our new President, the Committee line-up looks like this: 

President                                                   Louise Cripwell                                                 

Chairman                                                  Frank Windle

Vice-Chair                                                 Wendi Quinn

Secretary                                                  Bob Day

Treasurer/Fund Raising                              Steve Butcher

Roster Member                                          Ann-Marie Butcher

Publicity                                                    Terry Smith

Christmas Party 201,

  Ho! Ho! Ho! December 4th was the date for the RDA riders Christmas Party, which is traditionally held in the Sgts Mess on Episkopi Garrison. The volunteers arrived first to find the room beautifully decorated, and all they had to do was blow up several balloons! Food and Christmas Crackers were laid out in preparation for the guests' arrival. Actually, there were two very special guests, but more of that later. The first riders arrived around 3pm, and soon the room was full of happy chatter  -  the riders clearly enjoying the food which had been prepared by our volunteers.

 After the feast, it was time for the first of our very Special Guest, in the form of James Gondelle, SBAA Secretary, Admin, who presented a cheque for RDA to our President, Maria Stuttaford. Then it was music and dancing  -  always very popular with the riders.

 Soon it was time for the second Special Guest, and to squeals of delight, none other than Santa came into the room. After a thunderous greeting, he distributed presents to all there.

 A wonderful afternoon enjoyed by all. Thanks are due to several people: The GSM, Noel, the Mess Manager and his team, plus our team of volunteers. Special thanks to James Gondelle and SBAA for a most generous donation to RDA. Merry Christmas everyone!! 

MISSING YOU MARIA!!

Sadly, our President, Maria Stuttaford has had to leave us, her husband's tour of duty in Cyprus having ended.

We were most fortunate to have known Maria, a charming lady whose commitment to RDA was absolute  -  as was Graham's, her husband. For sure, she was never a "paper" President, but one who constantly worked very hard, but quietly, in the background to ensure the future path for RDA would be as smooth as possible.

Always a busy lady with a very demanding schedule, Maria somehow found the time to attend Happy Valley for the occasional ride, and join in the fun at the Summer Picnic (she would even take her turn in goal at the football match), as well as attending the riders' Christmas Party. If this were not enough, she quietly worked away behind the scenes at such events as the Moonlight Picnic (held in the grounds of her home) in order to ensure its success.

Maria, it was a rare privilege, and we are really going to miss you. We wish both you and Graham all Good Luck and Fortune in the future. Thank you so much. 

DONATION

On February 21st, 2013, we had a most welcome visitor to Happy Valley. David Lamplugh, Chairman of the Pissouri Residents Association very kindly presented RDA with a cheque for €500 from the Pissouri residents Association. We are so grateful for this most generous donation. Picture shows David Lamplugh presenting Wendi Quinn with the cheque.

DONATION

11th April saw RDA receiving two donations  -  Kayt Field handed over €400 from the Paphos Anglican Church, and Brian Brown presented a cheque for €1000 from the Masonic Lodge. Annual Livery costs for RDA are currently in the region of €10000, and without the massive help from donors and sponsors, we would be unable to operate. To the Paphos Anglican Church and the Masonic Lodge we are most grateful for these generous donations. Picture shows Brian Brown presenting a cheque to Frank Windle, RDA Chairman.