The opening of Diamond in 1974
The Princess Royal has supported RDA for 50 years, after becoming Patron in 1971 and President in 1985. To mark this milestone, the Princess visited RDA National Office on 5th November 2021 and launched the Princess Royal Coaching Academy to improve learning opportunities for RDA coaches. As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations the Princess made a number of presentations including the coveted President’s Award to two of our volunteers, Pam Bull and Chris Clay. Towards the end of her visit the Princess was invited to view photographic exhibition covering her 50-year involvement with RDA.
Steve Axon from Diamond, along with four other representatives (Chigwell RDA, Liz Stone (1996 Paralympian), Borders RDA and Sam Orde (former RDA UK Chair)) were asked to provide photographs and meet the Princess to and talk about her involvement over the years.
It was quite a daunting task looking through the archives and selecting just a few of the hundreds of photos we have amassed. Readers may be interested in what the Princess was shown as it is a fascinating record of the visits that the Princess has made to Diamond over the years.
There are many conflicting dates, but according to the RDA archives, the records show that Diamond (in pretty much its current form) was registered on 8th November 1968. It was at this point that Keith and June Webb can be credited with founding the Diamond Centre.
Riding soon moved to Carshalton with Saturday afternoons at Queen Mary’s Hospital where the idea to create a purpose-built centre started.
The first royal connection with Diamond was just over 50 years ago on 9th October 1971 when Keith showed the then Princess Anne a model of the proposed buildings and arena at National Conference.
The Princess went on to open the centre in May 1974 and visited to celebrate our 10th, 20th and 30th Anniversaries.
The opening in 1974 almost did not happen due to a faulty pipe connection which caused a flood in the gallery and reception. Three days later another faulty connection flooded the main arena to a depth of 8/10” and damaged the servery, office and physio room.
With Keith Webb at the unveiling of the plaque, which still stands in our entrance lobby
Princess Anne with Pam Bull (coach), who received her president’s award at the Princess’s recent visit to RDA NO
An ITV news recording of the opening is available on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aicnG_cTaDU
Visit to the centre in 1984 to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Opening – (unfortunately people not known – do let us know if you know any of them!)
1994 saw another visit – this time to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Opening.
Cutting the Celebration Cake, with Howard Henn, Chairman and successor to Keith Webb; Robert Mathews, (trustee) looking on
The Princess was back 10 years later in 2004 when she visited to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Opening.
The event was recorded on film and is available on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J89BUp2QdkU
Line up in Main Arena with (l to r) Geoff Markham (volunteer); Judy Lord (senior instructor), Clive Evans (Deputy Lord Lieutenant at Lieutenancy of Greater London); Anthea Pell (physio); Robert Mathews (Chairman) and Keith Webb (founder). The Pony is Sid Butty our oldest ever pony who lived to the great age of 44.
Meeting the Carriage Drivers – Les Ives, along with Sally Woodburn ran the group for many years. The disabled driver is not known. The pony is Blossom who was at Diamond for 21 years and sadly passed away at the age of 29. For many years Blossom was a drive only pony but as she mellowed in age, she became a gentle ride pony.
Cutting the Celebration Cake accompanied by Robert Mathews (Chairman)
Presentation of rosettes to every rider (over 100 riders)
The Spanish School – This showpiece was performed by eight Diamond Instructors to the music of the “Radetzky March”, Op. 228 by Johann Strauss Sr.
Performers were (l to r) Anthea Pell (physio), Jill Warren, Lorraine Burchell, Joyce Davison (hidden), Jane Glover (yard manager), Lesley Watson, Lyn Axon (on the whistle!) and Judy Lord (senior instructor).
So many of our riders and volunteers have happy memories of meeting The Princess Royal and her four visits to Diamond. We are so fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and well-informed RDA president who is a great inspiration to our riders, staff and volunteers.
Steve Axon