On the evening of 5th August 2020 BTRC was unfortunately broken into and a large amount of tack, rugs, boots, travelling equipment, yard equipment was stolen, as well as all of our demonstration tack and equipment.
Following the break in we posted a social media appeal, asking for any unwanted items to be donated to BTRC such as tack/rugs/boots etc. to help replace our stolen items. The appeal went viral with the post being shared over 1,500 times and with more than 178,000 people viewing the post we started to be contacted by people all over the UK willing to help out.
What followed was a huge effort by BTRC supporters around the country to set up local drop off points. 23 drop off points were arranged all around the UK from Dumbarton in Scotland, down to Exeter in Devon and across to Norfolk on the East Coast. Each drop off point volunteered to liaise with supporters and hold donated items for BTRC until we were able to collect it, some using their yards or places of work and others even using their spare bedrooms!
Whilst our amazing supporters were gathering all their unwanted items and asking all their friends to donate to BTRC, work began at the Centre to upgrade the existing security systems. Bay Camera & Communications Ltd worked at the Centre to install a state-of-the-art alarm facility and advising on all aspects of security on site. Whilst Little Engineering Ltd helped manufacture and transport new security gates to the Centre. A local BTRC supporter and friend of the Charity, Ian Conroy kindly also gifted a large pair of security gates.
Collecting the items from all our drop off points began with Gillian setting off in the BTRC pick up and trailer for a 600-mile round trip down the west of the UK, followed by second trip of 400 miles to the Midlands. As we had been inundated with donations, a third collection trip was needed, this time by Lauren, of over 550 miles to Surrey and back. Not forgetting all the local collections we made and the many, many supporters who visited the Centre to deliver their items – our appeal must’ve covered well over 2000 miles!!
Another huge thank you must go to regular BTRC Volunteer Wendy Rodgers for helping to sort, clean and stock check every single item donated to the Centre.
As well as all the donated items we have been supported by many, many people making monetary donations and supporting the Centre via our JustGiving Page. One local business, Pru’s Shoes even held a raffle for BTRC raising £100 in support of the appeal. We have also been lucky enough to gain the support of local business Bay Horse Equine Laundry who have been on hand to wash, re-proof and repair our donated rugs at cost price. Thank you Diane and Peter for your support to BTRC.
Thank you to all of our drop off points: Alison Dickinson, Ann Haslam, Barry Basset, Beverley Morris Taylor, Catherine Rowe, Clare Cokeley, Elizabeth Hughes, Emma Uffindell, Erica Rowell, Helen Peek, Katherine Welland, Kathleen Botting, Kim Jones, Leonie Aldrick, Lucy Slater, Niki Williams, Paul Stenson, Sarah Harbord, Sharman Stafford, Tanya Bewley, Ellie at Upton Pyne Equestrian Centre and Victoria Bream.
There just isn’t room to list every single individual person who donated to BTRC but we honestly cannot thank you enough for the kindness you have all shown in these difficult times.
From each and every staff member and horse at BTRC – THANK YOU SO MUCH! X
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