Awards for the South East at RDA's 50th Birthday Bash

A small number of significant awards were made at the RDA UK 50^th anniversary reception and AGM recently and the South East did particularly well. It was especially thrilling as it was a reception to celebrate the RDA’s 50^th Birthday in the presence of the President herself, HRH The Princess Royal.

Val Eyres, Organiser at Kipling County RDA was presented with the 'Dudley-Smith Award' by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne. This award is to acknowledge a volunteer who has made an important contribution to RDA Carriage Driving through sheer hard work. It is a wonderful recognition of all that Val has done for Kipling over many years and especially since January 2018, when she came forward and helped the group through an incredibly difficult time.

“This is a well-deserved honour, and on behalf of our Members, AB Whips, Volunteers and Committee, we are proud of you.” said Kipling County’s Peter Horwood.

Then our own Jan Abrahams, formerly of Hope in the Valley RDA and now doing sterling work at RDA UK organising the National Awards, was presented with the prestigious President’s Award. It came as a complete surprise to her as it was arranged in secret and it is wonderful to recognise someone who works so effectively to support awards within RDA.

Lastly, the SE Region was selected ‘out of a hat’ by the Princess Royal for the annual gift of a saddle by Saddlers’ Hall. Details of which RDA horse or pony will be the recipient will be determined in the New Year.

It was a lovely celebration of RDA generally but the recognition of the SE Region made for a great start to the Festive Season.