Two local artists are auctioning their artwork to raise funds for a community horse stables. Kate Winskill and Raph Thomas, from Richmond, have created pictures of Park Lane Stables’ ponies in a push to keep the premises open. In January it was announced that the Teddington riding school, which specialises in lessons for people with disabilities, will close unless it can raise £1 million. An application by the Teddington Society to list the site as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) was recently approved by Richmond Council, which gives added legal protection to the site. However, efforts are still underway by the community to raise money for the cause.
“ACV status is really important as it really strengthens our cause,” centre manager Natalie O’Rourke told
H&H.
“It buys us some time as it means that we have the right to bid and that the landlord cannot sell it to another person without first offering it to us to buy.”
The stables, which is a registered charity, serves the community as a Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and Pony Club centre, and is a safe haven for children who can be referred there by the local authority and schools. As well as offering riding lessons, Park Lane Stables also welcomes those who benefit from spending time with horses on the ground.