Stella Hancock Driving Group RDA

16/04/2026

PLEASE NOTE THIS MESSAGE FROM Fiona.

Dear drivers and volunteers,
I regret to inform you that we have just been told by Merrist Wood college management and building contractors that due to the demolition works we are unable to run any group sessions until mid to late Mayat the earliest,
The group trustees will try to organise some alternative events if possible during this time.

Thanks,
Fiona.

31/03/2026

Dear all,
Just a reminder that the training sessions are tomorrow and next week (1st and 8th April). Start time 9.30 for 10 am.
Then there is no driving or group on 15th April and we start with Group B drivers on 22nd April, and Group A on 29th April. The rota will be sent out the preceding week.

Thanks,
Fiona

24/03/2026

As you may be aware, demolition work has started at Merrist Wood. They will be working on the classrooms at the top of the main drive, then the landscape shed which is halfway up the drive and then the bull pen, toilets and classrooms adjacent to our clubhouse which has affected the start of our driving season.

We have been in contact with the college and the project manager of the company doing the demolition work, and we plan to start driving again on the 22nd April. Dave will ring the project manager at the beginning of each week to find out where they will be working so that we can make a decision re running the group that week. Please could you let Fiona know your availability so that she can plan the rotas.

We are planning to run training days on the 1st and 8th April for all volunteers and any drivers who would like to take part. We are hoping that the coaches will lead the sessions. Please let Fiona or Helen know if you are able to come, we are very much looking forward to seeing everyone. There is a limited amount of parking at the group and the only access is the track alongside the machinery shed which has been refurbished so, unless you have difficulty walking, please park in the untarmacked area past the front of the machinery sheds.

A reminder that on Sunday 19th April, the South East region is holding a training day at Merrist Wood for coaches. It is great for us that we don’t have to travel! Mario and Jolly are being used and there are plans to look at our carriages. We hope that most of our coaches will be able to attend. Please let me know if you can be there.

With best wishes

Helen

16/03/2026

URGENT!

Dear volunteers,
The proposed training on 18th and 25th March is postponed until we get access to our yard and clubhouse at Merrist Wood.

I apologise for changing the arrangements but we have had no response to our request to Activate Learning for some certainty about the demolition works next to the yard. Once we have that we will rearrange the training before we start driving sessions again.

Please let me know that you have received this e mail (via the usual channels).

Thanks,
Fiona.

22/02/2026

Just a quick note to say that the next 'Breakfast Club' will be on Wednesday 4th March 2026 at the clubhouse at Merristwood College from 9am to 12.30pm.
Everyone welcome for tea and toast!
Helen will doing a brief talk about her involvement in RDA, the history of our group and its early beginnings.
See you there.
Best wishes,
Lynne

11/02/2026

Don't forget the AGM next Wednesday.
(18th February at 10.30 am to be held at Bisley Village Hall, School Close, Bisley, Woking, Surrey.).
Also, this might be of interest:-

Get inspiration for when you’re planning your next trip with reviews and accessibility information for over 200 great days out across the UK.

03/02/2026

Dear members,
We are now looking forward to the start of a new driving season, starting on 1st April with Group A.
Before that date we have the AGM on 18th February, and 2 training mornings for volunteers at the clubhouse on 18th and 25th March.

Please let me know your availability for driving / helping on Wednesday mornings from April.
I will send out the rota in early March.

Thanks,
Fiona

22/01/2026

Some more pictures from yesterday's Breakfast Club meet-up.
Thank you Holly.

21/01/2026

At the Breakfast Club today, Teddy gave a very interesting talk on his duties at Windsor Castle (hopefully, group visit to be arranged), and also, his Christmas Lunch at Windsor (attended by the King & Queen).
Teddy showed us his photographs of him with the King, and of him with the Queen, taken at aforementioned lunch.
Next meeting, 18th Feb; AGM at Bisley Village Hall, School Close, Bisley, Woking, Surrey. 10:30.

14/01/2026

Just a quick note.
The Benefact group are running their lottery again. No cost to enter, just click this link and vote for a charity (hopefully us).

Nominate a charity for a Movement for Good award now.

10/01/2026

Dear All

Just a note to say that the next breakfast club will be held on Wednesday 21st January 2026 from 9am to 12.30pm at The Club House at Merrist Wood College. Teddie Dempsey will be doing a short talk on his new role at Windsor Castle and his recent 'chats with the King and Queen'!!.

Everyone is very welcome for hot drinks and toast.

Due to the ongoing strains of colds/covid and flu doing the rounds please come dressed warmly with a thick coat/warm clothing as we need to ensure everywhere is well ventilated to protect some clinically vulnerable people who attend.

If you are feeling unwell please stay at home and rest up, and we will give you extra toast on another day Emoji

Please contact me should you have any questions.

Many thanks

Lynne