Residents of Ravenswood gave a right royal welcome to The Princess Royal as she visited the residential community for adults with learning disabilities yesterday, for a tour of its stables. The stables, which cater for both Ravenswood residents and riders from the wider community, are an affiliated member group of the Riding for the Disabled Association. Princess Anne, who first visited Ravenswood in 1972 and whose mother HM The Queen is Patron of Norwood, is President of the RDA.
During her visit, the Princess attended a special exhibition of Carriage Driving and Special Olympics Dressage, where she met with stable staff, volunteers and riders and presented several awards. She was also introduced to representatives from other sporting groups at Ravenswood, including its Special Olympics and ten-pin bowling teams and bike riders who participate in Norwood’s international fundraising Challenges.
Norma Brier, Chief Executive of Norwood, said: “We are delighted that, as President of the Riding for the Disabled Association, Her Royal Highness was able to witness for herself the wonderful work carried out by the RDA group at Ravenswood.
“At Norwood, our aim is to help people to gain the skills they need to achieve their goals and lead a fulfilled life. The work carried out at our stables is an excellent example of this vision in action.
“As a former Olympian, Her Royal Highness will understand the value of sport to one’s self esteem and confidence. Through the use of specialised equipment and thanks to hours of patient training, our dedicated stable staff and volunteers are able to provide a large number of people with a fantastic range of opportunities for therapy and enjoyment, regardless of their ability.”
One of those riders is 49-year-old Philip Lee, who has lived at Ravenswood since 1968. Philip was one of two Ravenswood riders to attend the 2009 Special Olympics Equestrian Competition in Leicester, where he won a silver and bronze medal. He is now in training for the 2013 Special Olympics.
Philip said: “I love my horse Dizzie, and I was very proud to show Princess Anne how well I ride on Dizzie. I really enjoy horse riding and taking part in the Special Olympics.”
Recipients of the special RDA ‘Over and Above’ certificate included Michael Banbury, a Ravenswood resident who has attended sessions at the stables for over 20 years. Michael rode in the 1998 Special Olympics, winning gold and silver, and although he is no longer able to ride, still takes part in driving sessions. His love of horses means he also volunteers several times a week to carry out administrative and management tasks.
Michael was called upon at the end of the visit to present the Princess with a commemorative gift made during arts and crafts sessions at Ravenswood.
