Sunday 18th. May 2008

The Run this year had 63 entries (and a 64th turned up on the day) including 10 cars from Rouen and 2 from Holland.  The weather was cold and dry at the start at the Sir Walter Tyrell pub and got slowly warmer as the day wore on - no rain, fortunately!  The route was considered by all present to be one of Lawrie's best and the charity and the sponsor made us all very welcome at the coffee and lunch stops.  At the coffee stop at the Fortune Centre we managed to meet Charlie Magna, the horse that we bought the last time we raised money for the Centre. Thanks must go especially to Rotarian Derek Warner and his wife Diane, who welcomed us to their house for the closing cream teas and prize-giving.   Thanks also go to the members of Magna and their wives without whom the Run would not function on the day.  They marshalled and made tea and prepared scones  - and the men did quite a bit too!  We managed to raise £2,500 which will enable the Riding centre to keep a horse stabled and fed for a year.

The Fortune Centre

of Riding Therapy
(Registered Charity Number 1045352)

Through horses non-learners can become learners and the unco-operative begin to appreciate the value of co-operation.

The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy (FCRT) is a Residential Specialist College whose approach to teaching and learning, based on horse motivation, is unique.  Every part of the horses’ rich fund of superb scope is relevant and connected to a transferable skill or realisation.

The FCRT’s key function is the provision of a three year residential Further Education Through Horsemastership (FETH) Course.

The twenty four hour curriculum enables horse motivated young people with special learning needs to develop greater self-awareness and independence.  As well as a time table including mounted work and all aspects of horse care, students (under the guidance of a professional staff who at all times use horse-based analogies) enhance their skills in literacy, numeracy, communication, money-management, personal development and health.  All students take part in a work experience programme geared to their individual needs and capabilities and are supported to travel independently and participate in the activities of the local community.

Students’ fees are predominantly funded by the Learning and Skills Council with some back-up from Social Services.  These pay the day-to-day running costs.  As a registered charity, however, all capital costs (building, horses, equipment etc.) must be found through charitable donations.     For more see their web site

Prizegiving at Tea

President Peter presents the prizes to (left to rigth and top to bottom)  Michel Lecointre from Lyon, France for the 'Farthest distance travelled to the event'; Alun Spillman from Surrey, for the 'Oldest car entered'; Gill Essom from Portland, for the Best Period dress; and Gilbert Vaudouer from Rouen, for the Quiz.    Many congratulations ot them all.

(when I can get them coded, there will be link here to a gallery of the photos of the cars that took part, with thumbnails for you to choose the ones you would like to download - webmaster)