The Alkham Valley Community Project

The AVCP proudly announces that the The Garden Project is now open. Featuring easy-access flowerbeds, rose walk, bog garden and water feature.

Details will be added to the website soon.

Earlier in May we visited The Unicorn Centre for a training event run by The CDSG-dd.

Two volunteers and one disabled driver benefited greatly from training sessions taught by Sarah Howe, Chris Van Reem and Rachel Stevens. Stephen Holland, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, enjoyed driving at speed and tackling obstacles in the Unicorn's huge indoor arena.

Four young drivers enjoyed a fantastic training event at The Unicorn Centre in Stow-on-the-Wold, sponsored by Bailey's Horsefeeds.

Trainers were Anna Graystone, Sarah Howe and Carol Boswell. Everyone had a wonderful time practicing flat work, cones and obstacles and an interesting afternoon was spent painting a skeleton onto a horse.

The Unicorn Centre has marvelous facilities and excellent meals!

Young volunteers took part in a local harness club one day event. Charlotte Hughes drove pony Tom into second place, despite a wrong turn in the obstacles. Charlotte's first competition was a great success. Tom has been providing driving sessions for the past three years and previously had volunteered his Fridays to a local RDA group.

The Trustees would like to thank the landlords of the Gentile Knyght pub in Canterbury for their dedicated fundraising. Snooker tournaments and quiz nights enabled the AVCP to order a wheelchair accessible toilet cubicle. Many thanks to all those who took part, the cubicle has been a great relief (sorry, Jo's joke).

Stephen Holland celebrated success after winning his class at the British Driving Society Show in June. The annual show is held in the glorious setting of Windsor Park and is a highlight in the Carriage Driving calendar. Stephen put his name on the Westbourne Rose Bowl for the third time.

Winning three times is a testament to his skill but the achievement is highlighted by the fact that he has won the class with three different ponies. We believe this is a unique achievement. Stephen, who has driven for 24 years, should be justifiably proud of this and his many other successes.