Readers of The Local Answer may recall the £5,000 charity giveaway we ran at the beginning of 2017, thanks to ten of our extremely generous advertisers. Watershed RDA were the lucky winners of this donation, which helped to kick-start their fundraising campaign with the aim of building a new facility at the yard in Coates, Cirencester.

Previously, the extent of the centre’s facilities was a portaloo, a tap in the stable yard, a kettle, an erratic heater and an unplumbed empty stable.

15 months and £100,000 later, the brand new ‘Mess Room’ has been built and to say it’s been well-received would be a massive understatement. Riders, volunteers, parents, carers and members alike are over the moon to have this new facility, which provides a warm space for all to relax in before and after lessons, as well as being somewhere for riders to socialise and make a cuppa.

One rider said: “The new mess room is attractive and has settled well into the area. The joy of being able to use an indoor flushable toilet with hot running water – words fail me! The room is attractive with new tables and chairs, and large notice boards, which are handy to have up-to-date information on. We are grateful for the facilities to make hot and cold drinks where all can socialise. It is a great place to meet friends and others, including visitors old and new.

“Overall, the mess room acts as the heart to the stables, which will be well used by all involved for many years to come. We are very grateful to all who have helped in the making of this much needed and used facility.”

Friends and family of the riders are also noticing the difference the room has made. A mother of one of Watershed’s riders said: “My son has been riding with Watershed RDA since 2003. For so many years we have borne with fortitude the portaloo, lack of washing up facilities, calor gas heaters and sharing the space with the aroma of wet horse blankets. The group has been planning this mess room for about three years and we have all been looking forward to the new facilities with great anticipation, and finally, finally the day has arrived!

“We can shelter out of the wind and watch the riding at the same time. It’s a warm place where we can socialise, with not only one loo, but two! Hot water is available and items can be washed up properly. There is also a fridge and a microwave, and an office where paperwork can be securely stored so it no longer gets damp.

“It is so much appreciated by parents, volunteers and riders alike, and it is a great achievement for a small RDA group like ours.”

The idea behind this project came from one of Watershed’s own riders. Speaking at the opening of the room on Friday 18th May, Fundraising Manager Kate Beim explained: “One day a rider asked us to help lift her leg into the portaloo, which was the only toilet facility we had at the time – less than ideal. It was at this moment we realised something had to change, and so came our vision for the ‘Mess Room’.

“The people that use it now really appreciate it and we can’t tell you how much of a difference it’s made – it’s the heart of Watershed RDA.”

Watershed RDA has come a long way over the last 25 years. What started out in the back garden of the Rectory in Coates by Sue and Andrew Bowden, amongst the apple orchard and duck pond, has grown to a yard which houses six ponies and provides lessons to around 40 riders each week.

In the past few years, Watershed RDA has become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, has an ever-developing website and strong social media presence, the team regularly produce new brochures and banners to aid their fundraising endeavours, and the centre has been featured in a couple of films produced by friends of the charity.

What is most exciting is that their lease for the next 25 years gives them the opportunity to develop and grow even more, and in doing so provide therapy and enjoyment to disabled riders for many years to come.

In the next couple of years there are plans to build four new replacement stables, as well as an outdoor covered classroom where riders can partake in ‘stable care’ – grooming and learning more about the wonderful ponies.

Kate finished her speech on Friday by saying: “The future is bright. We’ve managed to maintain our ethos over the years and we have a real family feeling at the centre. It’s not just the riders who benefit from coming here – it’s the parents, siblings, carers, volunteers, instructors and members. We really are Team Watershed.”

To find out more about the charity and follow their story, visit their website – http://watershedrda.co.uk