PHOTOGRAPH: Claire Tregaskis
On Monday 20th July, the Lord Lieutenant of Devon presented Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled Group with their King’s Award for Voluntary Service at their riding stables, based in the South Hams area of Devon.
The King’s Award is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.
Erme Valley Riding for the Disabled Group is an equestrian facility that gives disabled people of all ages the opportunity to experience horse riding in a safe and structured environment. Now in its 40th year, Erme Valley currently teach around 160 individual riders, each with physical, cognitive, sensory or social disorders. It currently gives nearly 4,000 rides each year, with 180 volunteer helpers assisting with rides and lessons, sometimes three to each disabled rider. The person at the heart of this incredible service is Peggy Douglas MBE, who founded the group with only two children and two parents.
PHOTOGRAPH: Claire Tregaskis
At the occasion, Peggy Douglas MBE said:
“It all started for me some forty-three years ago, when I was asked if I could start a group. Since then, something like fifteen to twenty thousand people have come through the doors. I think each individual gets something very different out of it. It’s an opportunity to improve their lives, whether that’s socially, emotionally, physically, or mentally. Obviously, the horses are at the centre of it all, but each person gets something different from it, and so do the volunteers, who are of all ages: from as young as twelve, to pupils completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, to people approaching retirement. We like to think we are offering them something as well.”
Speaking on the event, the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, said:
“The range of what they are doing is fantastic, and the way they are doing it is fantastic; otherwise, they would not have received this award. They have demonstrated that to me today. It is the equivalent of an MBE, and the award stays with them for as long as the service is in existence. Talking to Peggy earlier about volunteering in general, I noted that the people who come forward and work here are special, as it is not straightforward work; they do need particular skills. They have some remarkable people who have made this place a success, but they will always need more.”
