2024 was a great year for Broadlands!
We welcomed lots of new participants, their families and carers, to enjoy and benefit from the fabulous environment we share. We also welcomed lots of new supporters and friends to the many social and fund-raising events we have hosted.
Several talks were held throughout the year; all of which were extremely well supported. The Cheerful Charlie talk sold out in record time
We held a Quiz Night, a wine-tasting evening, a trip to Liphook Equine Hospital, and our new Tea at Three Event all of which proved very popular. Our Open Morning attracted more visitors than ever before.
2025 is likely to be even more exciting as we celebrate our 70th Anniversary Year. Frank and Flora Welch bought Broadlands in 1946. Flora was a keen equestrian and had great interest, particularly after the polio epidemic in the early 1950’s, in the role of riding as a form of rehabilitation. In 1955 she held her first group of riders from Woodlarks in Farnham, a care home and activity centre for people with a range of disabilities. They were the first group to ride regularly at Broadlands. In 1964 Broadlands became one of the original members of the Advisory Council of Riding for the Disabled, the forerunner of the RDA. Sadly in 1975, Flora Welch died and her daughter Suzanne took over the running of Broadlands and is still involved today. The Group currently has up to 60 participants weekly who come and enjoy being with the ponies along with 70 regular volunteers. Broadlands continues to go from strength to strength. We now offer hippotherapy and equine therapy in addition to riding.
We currently have 10 ponies, specially selected for their calm, caring nature. Two of our ponies are over 23 years old and, with the average retirement age for a pony being 25, we are mindful that we will need to add new ponies to our team and train them to RDA compliant standards.
Our aim, therefore, for our Anniversary Year, in addition to securing the £120,000 funding required to cover our normal annual operating costs, is to raise an additional £30,000 to purchase, equip and train three new ponies to RDA compliant standards.
Our first fund-raising event as part of our celebrations is our Online Auction of Promises which will be launched at the end of January. We have some amazing lots including some unique experiences and a weeks holiday in Cornwall! Anyone can bid for the items. Please keep your eye on our website where a QR code and link will be available. There is something for everyone!
Our biggest celebration will be on 20th June when we are holding a Platinum Party which we hope will be the party of the year! Live music, a magician and a casino will all be part of the fun! Again, keep your eye on our website for more information: www.broadlandsgrouprda.org.uk
2025 Events – so far
31st January Online Auction of Promises
4th February Horse Racing Trainers Andrew & Anna Lisa Balding talk
25th April Quiz Night – Medstead Village Hall
6th May Sophie de Rouet talk
20th June Platinum Party
11th September Alan Hiscox talk
25th September Wine Tasting
Everyone welcome!
Kim Ottridge
Trustee