RDA Volunteer of the Year Award 2013

The man behind this prestigious award - John Newell

Mrs Sue Ingleby (RDA Chairman of South west Region) on the left, and Mrs Jenny Pennell (RDA Carriage Driving Rep) with John Newell to be  presented with his award by Sue.

"John has shown outstanding dedication and commitment to the East Holton Driving Group. He is always 100% reliable and goes to the stables twice a day,every day come rain or shine.

During the driving season John arrives at 7.45 to poo pick, prepares the carriges, loads our disabled drivers and escorts up to six drives a day.

During the winter the horses are roughed off and have a rest; John does not!  He still poo picks seven days a week in the morning and then returns to the stables every afternoon to check the horses are safe and well for the night.

John's energy levels seem to be limitless(he is 84 years old) and he can keep going when volunteers half his age are flagging.

John is a retired builder and his contributions around the yard are so valuable. He originally renovated and completely rebuilt the stable yard and in 2012 made running repairs to the stables and and field fencing. John also helps to maintain the mobility scooters, electric fencing and carriages.

John has so much experience and is always keen to share his knowledge. In 2012 he trained many new volunteers, showing them how to load and secure disabled drivers and their wheelchairs.

Without John, the Group would find it very difficult to function. John's hard work this year(and for the last ten years) has been invaluable; long may it continue."

All of us within the Group endorse this wonderful citation whole-heartedly.