Members of Copthorne Golf Club present a cheque to Dame Judi Dench, Patron of East Park R Members of Copthorne Golf Club present a cheque to Dame Judi Dench, Patron of East Park R

Dame Judi Dench accepting a cheque for East Park Group

“It’s a hole in one” for Dame Judi Dench accepting a cheque for East Park Group of £10k from Copthorne Golf Club


Dame Judi Dench was thrilled to be asked to accept a cheque from Copthorne Golf Club for more than £10,000 yesterday on behalf of the East Park Riding for the Disabled Group at Whitechapel near Lingfield yesterday. Dame Judi has been the Group’s patron for many years and has even gifted them her retired racehorse, Smokey Oakey to be re-trained as a Paralympian mount.

Dame Judi said “Everyone who’s worked with the Riding for the Disabled will know how wonderful it is and this donation will make such an important difference to the Group at East Park who do extremely important work. I’ve been involved here for years and it’s simply amazing to see the children enjoying independence and freedom on the back of a horse”.
Captains past, present and future from the ladies’ and men’s teams of Copthorne Golf Club attended the presentation which was the result of a year’s charity drive, led by last year’s captains, Sandy Flynn and Paul Delaney, ably assisted by Fines Master Tony MacDonald.

“There is a culture among our members to give money at every opportunity to the Club’s annual chosen charity” said Sandy Flynn, “and we have imposed ‘fines’ for all manner of small transgressions, including a very lucrative Swear Box! We’ve also held quiz nights, golf competitions and raffles throughout the year and everyone has been really generous”.

Sally chose East Park RDA as the Club’s chosen charity because it was local and involved animals and children. “What better reason do you need” she enthused.

As a result of their involvement with the Group, many members have been able to see sessions in action and one is going to become a volunteer this year.

James Baxter, East Park RDA Chair, said “This donation will go a very long way”.

About Riding for the Disabled (RDA) in the South East:

In the South East there are 35 groups across Surrey, Sussex and Kent with over 2,000 riders of all ages. They come to enjoy the experience of riding, carriage driving, show jumping, dressage endurance and western style, with opportunities to learn a new skill, enter competitions or even take a holiday. This can bring a new dimension to necessarily restricted lives, encourage independence and does much to improve a wide range of medical conditions. We have the commitment of more than 1,000 volunteers who regularly and cheerfully give up their free time. Our instructors work closely with physiotherapists and other health professionals to encourage every individual to aim for attainable goals - some modest, others far more ambitious.

For more information, please contact Joanna Sale on 07717 425694 or email joannasale@btinternet.com

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