ONE of Thurrock's outstanding charitable organisations – but one with one of the lowest profiles – is set to get a boost thanks to support from the men's and ladies' captains at Orsett Golf Club.

Sugarloaf Riding for the Disabled Association, founded in 1974 by Rosemary Ockendon, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

It gained its name as Rosemary lived at Sugarloaf House in Grays, the house later changed its name to Chalk Pit Farm. Chalk Pit Farm was later demolished and Chafford Hundred and Chafford Gorge was built on the land - with Sugarloaf moving on to a new venue.

Currently it is based at stables and land that is part of Little Fields Farm off Stifford Clays Road, Orsett. Sugarloaf RDA aims to improve the lives of people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and other disabilities by providing opportunities that can benefit them through horse riding. 

Riders find that riding enriches their lives, by encouraging confidence, core strength, co-ordination, and physical health.

You can find out more about Sugarloaf via this link.

The association is supported locally by a team of volunteers and trustees, one of whom is Val Mathewson, who is this year's lady captain at Orsett Gold Club.

Captains at Orsett nominate a charity each year and Val and men's captain Mike Ashton have both selected Sugarloaf – aiming to raise awareness of the charity and fundraise for it. Later in their captain's year the duo will host a charity golf day at the club which will be open to individuals and businesses across the region.

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Mike and Val recently visited the club's home and, together with volunteer and association chair Carleen Dallas, spoke to Thurrock Nub News about why they are supporting the charity:-

Carleen has been with Sugarloaf for nearly 20 years and says: "The support of Val and Mike is wonderful news, and we are truly thankful to them and their club members."

She went on to explain what Sugarloaf means to her, saying: "Volunteering with Sugarloaf has always been a big part of my life. I've been doing it for almost 20 years and gone from a leader, side walker, coach, committee member, Group Organiser, Trustee and Chair and have never stopped committing.

"I've seen children unable to sit up on a horse without help, grow and develop into independent riders that push their stirrups away and let go of their reins at the same time.

Carleen Dallas

"The children that come that are shy and lack confidence, that now talk endlessly about their lives and want to trot and canter. The ones that couldn't care if they fall off the pony, jump up and want to get back on. The ones that feel nervous but want to go faster.

"Every smile, giggle or laugh you get, because the pony blew its nose, passed wind or neighed, encourages me more to do what I do.

"I may have a bad back, bad knees, ache all over and be over the hill in so many ways but when you work with these disabled children and see what they have to deal with on a daily basis and how riding a pony helps them, my problems are nothing!

"Can you say that give back to your community and be happy that you are doing something so worthwhile and enjoy it at the same time? I may not be paid for it in money, but I'm paid back in the fulfilment of doing something for others less fortunate."

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More volunteers are wanted

Sugarloaf is currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join its dedicated team, especially on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9.15 am and 1 pm. The association also have riding on Saturday mornings.

To find out more, contact Carleen on 07854 747754, or email [email protected].