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Penniwells

The Penniwells Information Page. Penniwell's Website

This simple statement by a young girl called Jane is what first drew my attention to Penniwells, just before Christmas.  Since then I decided to find out more and think what I could do to help.  So "The Walk 2K01" was conceived.

Saturday 24th February I made my first visit to Penniwells.  The Riding centre is situated about a mile from Elstree station in an almost rural setting.  It is easy to forget you are still within the Greater London Area.  It’s less than half an hour by train from central London.

My first impression was what a tremendous amount of activity was going on around me.  There were half a dozen volunteers under the watchful eye of Kate, one of the resident instructors.  I was eagerly greeted and offered a hot cup of coffee, which made me feel guilty, as I did not want to interrupt the work going on. There are three resident instructors although at the moment one is away on maternity leave.

It wasn’t long before Trix, a committee member arrived to show me around.  The site itself is a lot larger than I had thought.  It is situated on a gently sloping hillside

You enter Penniwells into an entrance yard. There is a small enclosure to the right which as a result of recent rain was somewhat muddy to say the least.  On the left is a small covered stable block.  Next to the enclosure is a port-a-cabin which acts as an office and tack room.

Next to the entrance area is the outdoor arena / riding ring which, like the Penniwells site itself, was larger than I had imagined  As well as the outdoor riding area there is an indoor arena which in itself is impressive.  There is a walkway down to the side of the actual indoor riding area.   The stables themselves are situated at the far end from the entrance yard.  At this point I wished I had brought my camera and made a mental note to do so next time I visit (will I remember ?).

Trix is quite rightly very proud of the achievements of both the staff / helpers and also the riders of Penniwells.  There have been good achievements in competitions. I did not realize until talking to Trix that there is a waiting list of children wanting to use the centre.

I could not help but feel there is so much scope for so much more if only funds were available.  This makes me more determined than ever to do as much to raise as much as possible.