Magpie Centre – May 2025 Newsletter

May has been a wonderfully busy month at The Magpie Centre, filled with exciting events, community support, and plenty of joyful moments with our ponies. We’re delighted to share what we’ve been up to and what’s coming next. 

One of the highlights of the month was our participation in the Downham Market Festival. Our dedicated volunteers put together a beautiful float and ran an engaging stall throughout the day. We were thrilled to be awarded joint first place for Best Dressed Float. The enthusiasm and support of everyone who helped on the day made it truly special. We also raised £417.41 from donations at the stall, which will go directly towards supporting our ongoing activities. A big thank you to H & C Beart Ltd for providing the lorry and for their generous donation following our win. 

We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club of King’s Lynn, particularly Paul Kunes, the Club President, and Michael Walker, for their generous donation of £1300 to The Magpie Centre. Their support will help us continue providing life-changing equine-assisted therapy and enjoyment to our community. We sincerely appreciate their kindness and commitment. 

Our popular Tea with a Pony sessions have resumed every Wednesday afternoon in our sensory garden. Open to all, with no age restrictions, they offer a relaxing and joyful opportunity to meet, stroke, and spend time with our ponies. During the one-hour session, participants enjoy warm beverages, delicious treats, and a gentle walk or wheelchair ride through our fragrant sensory garden, which is fully wheelchair accessible. Sessions run from 2pm to 3pm, weather permitting, and accommodate groups up to 30 people. We ask for a minimum donation of £6 per person. To book or find out more, please contact us by email or phone. 

We are proud to announce that one of our riders, Aynsley, will be competing at the RDA East Region Carriage Driving Qualifier on Sunday 1st June at Woodbridge RDA. Partnered with Harry, one of our horses, Aynsley is aiming to qualify for the RDA National Championships taking place in Hartpury this July. We wish him the best of luck and will be cheering him on. 

Looking ahead, entries are now open for the Hoofbeats Pleasure Charity Ride, scheduled for Sunday 22nd June. The ride takes place across the beautiful Wallington Hall Estate on off-road grass and woodland tracks not usually open to the public. It promises to be a wonderful experience for riders of all levels while supporting our centre. More information and entry details are available by contacting us. 

Also on Saturday 7th June, we will be hosting our annual Craft Fair and Have-a-Go Dog Agility Day. This family-friendly event features a dog agility course, local handmade crafts, delicious refreshments, raffles, and a tombola. Entry is £2.50 per adult, with under 16s admitted free. The event runs from 10am to 3pm with free parking available, and payments are cash only. 

Want to know more about our history? Our very own volunteer, Caroline is now taking bookings to give talks to local groups and clubs. Learn about our history, our riders, and the difference therapeutic riding makes, perfect for WI groups, community clubs, and more. Book now – 01553 810202 

Finally, we are currently seeking a 15.2hh horse to join our team. The ideal horse will be sound in all three paces and have a quiet, laid-back temperament. While it does not need to be a complete kick-along type, we want a steady and reliable horse to help us continue delivering quality sessions. If you know of a suitable horse or would like to recommend one, please get in touch. 

Thank you to everyone who continues to support The Magpie Centre – whether through volunteering, donating, attending events, or simply following our journey. Your involvement means the world to us. 

For bookings, enquiries, or further information, please contact us at magpiecentrewnrda@hotmail.co.uk or call 01553 810202.