Some items that were news have now been moved to the Archive Page

Special guests at the lunch were the president of Shanklin Rotary Club, Steve Knight and his wife. They were there to present the group with a cheque for four thousand pounds to help us purchase another wheelchair suitable carriage.
Their generous donation was made after Robert Young gave an evening talk about just how much benefit people get from driving and the dedication of all the helpers that make it possible.
We were then informed that we have purchased another suitable carriage and that the donation has made that possible.

Picture shows Robert and his wife, Sheila receiving the cheque from Steve Knight

The Isle of Wight Pony Driving Group held a grand garden party on Sunday 2nd August 2015 at Barnsley Farm, by kind permission of Nicola and Nigel Murgatroyd.

What an afternoon it was too! We were blessed with perfect weather and a setting that would be hard to beat anywhere.
The event was to increase awareness of our group and to raise funds towards a much needed carriage to take wheelchairs. To that end we invited the press to cover the event.
Our invited guests included the Island's MP Mr Andrew Turner, High Sheriff Mr Ron Holland and past sheriff, Susie Sheldon. A good turnout of both volunteers, clients of the group and visitors enjoyed a glass of Pimms or lemonade before the event was opened by Mr Holland who spoke most highly about the work of the group.
Three of our ponies where there to show what we can achieve.
Murray took Diddy for a drive in her wheelchair, thanks to the hard work put in by Robert and his helpers. Several guests enjoyed riding around Barnsley farm with Pat and Pocus. Fred was busy all afternoon because everyone wanted Gail to take them for a ride too.
Afternoon tea was as delicious as it looked and was spread out in a marquee where people could read all about the group, buy raffle tickets and items to help with fund raising. As the afternoon progressed, many more visitors were able to enjoy a ride in our carriages, including our honoured guests. A very well supported raffle was drawn and a large selection of prizes won.
There were 7 or 8 lovely homemade cakes that were offered for sale by auction. Our auctioneer Nicola worked very hard to part those present from their cash and twisted her husband's arm to buy the '40th birthday' cake. The cake was cut and shared between volunteers, committee members, guests and visitors.

A huge vote of thanks must go to Nicola and Nigel for making us so welcome in their splendid garden and to all the people who made the afternoon so successful.

 

We hope to hold many fundraising events in the future. In the planning stage, a dog show, quiz evenings, coffee mornings and race evenings. Any other ideas please?

WATCH THIS PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

VISIT TO STOW-ON-THE-WOLD

On the 9th June our Island group were proud to be able to help the RDA celebrate 40 years of carriage driving by attending an event at The Unicorn Equestrian Centre, Stow-on-the-Wold.
Twenty two members from our group had an early start to catch a ferry to get to the event before the Royal guest, the Princess Royal, Princess Anne. Unfortunately two were unable to reach Stow-on-the-wold due to illness. The day started with time to mingle and have some very much needed refreshments. They were then entertained by various demonstrations and people giving a commentary on the forty years of driving and what the driving groups do today. There were awards and presentations before moving upstairs to toast the RDA Carriage Driving while HRH the Princess Royal cut the birthday cake.
Members from several groups were presented to Princess Anne including Gail Yardley, Gill Radforth, Irene Todd and Frank Bingham from the Island group. Frank presented HRH with a posy and had a chance to talk to her.
Lunch followed after which they were able to watch a musical ride given by the Perry Group.
The ceremony ended at 2:30 leaving our group to the long trek home. Everyone arrived home safely but all were extremely weary.
The Island group represented the largest number of attendees with their number being almost a quarter of those present.
Well done all of you.

NEW GALLERY NEW GALLERY NEW GALLERY NEW GALLERY NEW GALLERY

We now have a new button on the left - 'GALLERY'

This was included because the photographs on the site were all found on odd pages. One click on the Gallery button will now take you to a page where you will be able to find all the pictures of the IOW Group and some of their activities.
If anyone has any pictures relating to our group, please email them to me if you would like to see them displayed in our Gallery.

16th July 2008.

Unable to use our regular venue and Brickfields being full of Happy Campers, we were unable to 'drive' today. Instead we met at 10:30 at the tea rooms of Quarr Abbey. It was a glorious day, bright warm sunshine in a beautiful setting. Many of the group commented on the various 'scents' which wafted across the gardens as you walked through them, principally Sweet Pea I think. Good company, good coffee and good wholesome scones etc., ensured that we all enjoyed our morning. No substitute for driving but most enjoyable all the same. Many people speculated about the foundation of the Abbey along with many other questions that came to mind. I have included a link to Quarr Abbey dot co dot uk below.

This site will give all the information anyone could want regarding the Abbey. I will be asking all of you questions next time we meet there so study the site well!


Click above to visit Quarr Abbey.

Articles for sale and wanted.

These pages will be viewed by more and more people.
I am happy to use the pages to advertise 'stuff' for members
of the RDA and to include a 'Wanted' section.

If you want to use this facility, then please call or email me.

Peter 01983 562444
peter@iwcn.co.uk

If you can help with a location we can use - please call or email me.

Peter 01983 562444
peter@iwcn.co.uk