IN PICTURES: RDA Causeway Coast & Glens marks 50 years with special anniversary event

The anniversary dinner – held it the Causeway Coast Arena stables in Castleroe – also celebrated the group’s prestigious achievement as recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour given to volunteer organisations across the UK, often described as the equivalent of an MBE.

This award stands as a testament to the extraordinary commitment shown by RDA volunteers – past and present – whose efforts have transformed countless lives over the years.

The event welcomed several distinguished guests including the Lord Lieutenant for County Londonderry, Alison Millar, representing His Majesty The King, and the Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Council, Alderman Richard Stewart.

Both offered warm congratulations and praised the group’s lasting impact on the community. The RDA’s President, Rex Humphrey, also attended and spoke about the remarkable journey of the organisation over the past half century, congratulating the Board on the improved infrastructure, financial growth and expansion of services over the past few years.

He also presented a bouquet to Christine Hankin, the longest serving volunteer who has consistently involved with the RDA for over 25 years.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the unique setting – guests dined inside the stables, where a beautifully curated and thoughtfully decorated dining table awaited them. The stunning setup was designed and arranged by the RDA Fundraising Team, who transformed the space into a fairy lit, elegant and welcoming venue befitting such a special milestone.

RDA chair Gail Wilson Downey said: “Volunteers from across the years came together to share stories, reconnect, and acknowledge the collective effort that has shaped the RDA’s success.

"Their unwavering dedication – whether through hands-on support, advocacy, administration, or fundraising – has been the cornerstone of the organisation’s longevity.

"As RDA looks ahead to the next 50 years, the anniversary event served as both a tribute to its history and a renewed commitment to its mission: providing accessible, empowering equine opportunities that enrich the lives of riders, families, and the wider community.”