At the RDA with Barbara Johnstone

The meeting was held at the premises of Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled. The visit started with a tour of the premises and grounds. President Robert then presented a bench to Barbara Johnstone MBE  founder of Ravelrig RDA. Barbara thanked the club and said how useful this bench would be. It was to replace one that was worn out.

 Barbara then provided a brief history of their formation and existence over a period of 30 years. She movingly spoke of the benefits and pleasure that the riders get from the experience and of the role of the volunteers and their commitment that make things happen.
The current structure caters for 95 riders but Barbara outlined the plans that would treble that number by building an indoor arena and replacing the existing worn stable block. It was planned to start in late 2017 and would be in 2 phases to spread the cost and ensure the benefit of expansion was felt as quickly as possible.
Barbara thanked the rotary club for their support over more than 20 years.

Jim West thanked Barbara for her talk and for her devotion and contribution to the community and looked forward to the club’s relationship with RDA continuing for many years to come.