OPENING OF NEW ALL-WEATHER RIDING ARENA AT RAVENSWOOD VILLAGE
Norwood extended its range of specialist therapeutic services for people with learning disabilities on Friday May 2nd, 2003 when it officially opened a new all-weather, outdoor riding arena at its Equestrian Centre, in Ravenswood Village, Crowthorne, Berkshire, made possible with the help of a generous donation from the Pet Plan Charitable Trust. The outdoor riding arena, extends Norwood’s equestrian service, which is registered under the Riding for The Disabled scheme.
The new facility extends the range of opportunities available to children and adults with learning disabilities who live at Ravenswood Village. Hilary Newmark, Head of Major Donations at Norwood, explained “Horse riding is one of the most popular therapies at Ravenswood Village, and the new 60m x 30m arena will add to the range and quality of learning, providing a safe, enclosed, all-weather facility for use throughout the year. We are extremely grateful to the Pet Plan Charitable Trust for funding this project which will give so much joy to the residents at Ravenswood Village.”
Pet Plan’s founder, Patsy Bloom is a Patron of Norwood the children and family services charity, which operates Ravenswood Village. Speaking at the opening Patsy Bloom said: “In introducing the Pet Plan Charitable Trust to Norwood, I was able to bring two passions together, as I firmly believe that both humans and animals have a significant bond which can be developed for mutual benefit. The Pet Plan Charitable Trust is delighted to have contributed to the expansion of services at the Equestrian Centre at Ravenswood Village, which proudly boasts a medal winning Special Olympics Equestrian Team.”
Ravenswood Village, now in its fiftieth anniversary year, is one of Norwood’s five service divisions, and comprises a school for children with severe learning disabilities, three residential homes housing 20 children, and 17 registered homes for 146 adults. The site includes day services, a hydrotherapy pool, a coffee shop, stables, art and pottery workshops and the Karten Centre for computer-based learning.
For more information contact...
Ronit Shebson
Public Relations Manager at Norwood
tel : 020 8420 6900
email : ronit.shebson@norwood.org.uk
