The MD of a Rugby based manufacturer was rubbing shoulders with royalty at the Houses of Parliament recently in his role as a supporter and sponsor of national charity Riding for the Disabled (RDA).
Jim Griffin of Automotive Insulations, who is a commercial trustee for the charity, and his wife Linda who is PA to the directors at AI, were introduced to HRH Princess Anne at the RDA Presidents Club reception and Young Equestrian Leaders Gold Award Ceremony in February.
They were guests of Paul Maynard MP at the House of Commons, attending on behalf of the trustees and chief executive of RDA. As president of the association, Princess Anne was presenting the awards to the young leaders at the event.
The Young Equestrian Leaders award scheme is designed to recognise the time and effort that young volunteers give to equestrianism hopefully encouraging them to become equestrian leaders of the future. The scheme is divided into three progressive levels: Bronze, which requires 20 hours of volunteering, Silver and Gold, which involves a total of 120 hours of volunteering.
The work that these young people do is very impressive and takes a lot of commitment and maturity, comments Jim. Both Linda and I are proud that Automotive Insulations is involved with Riding for the Disabled and it was great to see the young leaders being rewarded by Princess Anne. It is obviously a cause close to her heart as well as mine.
Automotive Insulations (www.autins.co.uk) also sponsored the Brilliant Idea of the Year award at the RDA annual gala awards dinner held in London in October 2013. The company, who manufacture thermal and acoustic materials for the automotive industry, has been involved with RDA since January 2013.
Its important that industry supports initiatives such as Riding for the Disabled, both in terms of financial backing and business acumen, adds Jim. Business leaders have experience, knowledge and connections which can be very useful to a whole range of charities.
Princess Anne has been involved with Riding for Disabled, which has around 500 groups across the UK, since 1971. Established for over 40 years, the association offers activities for all age groups and as a charity, is reliant on volunteers and donations.
To find out more about RDA or to get involved, please call 0845 658 1082 or visit www.rda.org.uk.
Rugby manufacturer meets Princess Anne at Riding for Disabled awards
