Volunteers
We have a very loyal group of volunteers who give up a great deal of their time to making the group a real success.
Brigid Hamill – President
Brigid was Group Organiser for 25 years - from the group's formation until 2003.
Born in Kenya, Brigid grew up with horses as her mother ran a riding school. They were lucky enough to ride to school every day!
In 1976 Brigid joined the Driving Group after hearing Nancy Pethick give a talk about a new cart which had been devised and which would be suitable for disabled people. When Nancy died suddenly in 1980 Brigid was thrown in at the deep end and was asked to run the group.
Brigid was Group Organiser until Sally took over in December 2003 due to Brigid being unable to continue because of family commitments. Although no longer Group Organiser Brigid is still a very active volunteer, taking part in many events. Brigid says of the group 'it has been a very special part of my life'.
Sally Merrick – Group Organiser
Sally has an impressive CV which includes finishing her career as Secretary for Members of Parliament at the House of Commons.
Now retired, Sally took over the 'reins' of the group in 2004 after Brigid Hamill had to step down after 25 years.
As a lifelong lover of horses, Sally's equestrian career started in her youth when she was a girl groom. This was followed by working for the British Showjumping Association. She has been on the Committee of both the Windsor Horse Trials and the Windsor Park Equestrian Club for over 20 years.
Her other main interest is singing – she doesn't have time for anything else! Looking after three ponies takes up all of Sally's time, but she is lucky to have the help of many loyal helpers.
Sarah Clunie – Treasurer
Sarah joined the Group in 2004 after moving to the area with her husband David. She has had a career in Human Resources having worked for a few different organisations.
She grew up with ponies, riding initially and driving later. When her family settled in the North East of England, Sarah became involved with the RDA. Family ponies were used by a local Riding Group and then later with a Driving Group based at her parents’ home.
Sarah and David have become thoroughly involved with the Windsor and Ascot Driving Group. In May 2006 Sarah took over the role of Treasurer.
Tony Rainsborough - Minibus driver
Tony used to see the Driving Group as he walked his White Jack Russell on the Race course. Always wanting to help he jumped at the opportunity to become the Bus Driver.
He enjoys driving, wanting to be a bus driver as a small boy! Tony is in the Sunningdale Savoy Chorus, our Sponsors in 2010, and enjoys practising as he drives the bus.
Other volunteers
Our other volunteers help out in lots of different ways.
Help is always needed with:
- Clearing the fields
- Cleaning tack
- Preparing for drives including moving heavy carriages
- Acting as helpers/grooms
- Fund-raising activities and ideas
For further information see our How to help page or to talk to a committee member about what's involved, please contact us.
