Charity stages fundraising ceilidh with top musicians
Skelpit Lug Ceilidh Band will be providing the music for a charity event at Stirling’s Albert Halls on Saturday.
Central Scotland RDA (Equi-Power) will be holding a fundraising (and awareness-raising) ceilidh from 7.30pm.
Equi-Power is a recently established charity which is a member group of the Riding for the Disabled Association.
It was set up following the devastating closure of the long established Bannockburn RDA group based at Sauchieburn following a controversial dispute with the new landowner.
Following the closure, a team of trustees, volunteers, and sessional workers launched services in the local area in April 2016.
In the first six months of operation horse riding, equine assisted learning, and equestrian vaulting opportunities were provided for 48 people, and active volunteers increased from 8 to 25 people.
Work has also been ongoing to find a site for a new local RDA centre and an 83 acre site Kildean, owned by Stirling Council, is currently the preferred option.
The site is seen as easily accessible from Stirling and the surrounding areas as well as providing good grazing and picturesque views.
As a social enterprise, it is planned that the centre will generate revenue from riding lessons for the general public, horse livery, a community café, native horse and pony heritage visitor attraction, hires as a competition and training venue for riding clubs and pony clubs, meeting room hire, and equine facilitated learning for corporate clients.
A full feasibility study is being carried out and will be completed before a final commitment is made to the site.
Meanwhile RDA services are still being provided at some outlying facilities which have stepped in with interim support.
Tickets for the ceilidh, price £20 including a buffet, are available from the Albert Halls booking office.
More details about the group can be found on facebook or www. equipower.org.