Category: Community Activities

On 22^nd August, the final two heats concluded Racing Welfare’s Northern Rounders Roadshow, which has seen the industry’s human welfare charity host 10 community rounders events at various locations, from Doncaster to Kinross (289 miles apart) and everywhere in between throughout August.

The overall winner of the tournament is Nicky Richards’ team ‘Nicky’s Nutters,’ who played at Carlisle Racecourse. Their prize is a table at the Northern Racing Awards at Newcastle Racecourse in December.

Regional Community Executive at Racing Welfare, Beck Edmunds said: “It was fantastic to see great support from yards big and small, racecourses, vets, the NHC and Go Racing in Yorkshire. There was plenty of healthy competition and it was very fun to watch!

“As well as providing the opportunity to get together socially and enjoy some rounders, the roadshow importantly allowed us to be more inclusive of all racing’s people by going to various locations outside of the usual racing hubs and build stronger relationships with these communities who might have had less contact with Racing Welfare in the past. Hopefully this has helped to raise awareness of the charity and the support that’s available to everyone working in the industry, regardless of their location.

“Huge thanks to all of the venues who kindly hosted heats for us, and to our team of volunteers who gave their time to help make it happen.”  

Lucinda Russell hosted the first event, which saw four teams from both hers and Nick Alexander’s Kinneston yard taking part. She said: “A brilliant evening. Thanks to everyone who took part and Racing Welfare for their support as always.”

Rebecca Menzies’ team were among those joining the inter-yard heats held at Sedgefield Racecourse. She commented: “We had great fun…it’s great to meet up with other yards for a bit of fun, food and healthy competition.”

The roadshow forms part of Racing Welfare’s programme of community events held up and down the country. Last year, the charity held 115 community events for working age staff and the retired population. These events and activities play a crucial role in helping to reduce loneliness and isolation, fostering engagement among racing’s communities, supporting health and wellbeing and providing visibility of the charity so that more people know about Racing Welfare and the support that’s available.

Retired racing staff at Racing Welfare’s monthly coffee morning met the charity’s two newest recruits on Tuesday 10^th January. The robotic ‘Therapy’ cats were brought along to the first meet-up of the year, with one beneficiary commenting on their realistic appearance: “I can’t believe how realistic the cats are – they look like real cats!”

The two cats were donated by Newmarket Rotary, who raised over £7,000 at a charity event in aid of dementia in September 2022. Funds raised were spent on 32 robotic cats which move, purr and meow when stroked – much to the amusement and comfort to the elderly and socially isolated. All 32 cats are being distributed around the Newmarket area. Newmarket Rotarian Janet Collins commented when delivering the cats to Racing Welfare’s headquarters earlier this month:

“We are really pleased to be donating two ‘Therapy’ cats to Racing Welfare. It has long been recognised that caring for and interacting with a pet can be therapeutic – especially for those living with mental ill-health.

“It is a simple tool that can bring so much comfort and give people a feeling of calm and reduce the feeling of isolation and loneliness.”

Racing Welfare’s two cats will continue to be used at coffee mornings and in other settings where they may benefit those who might be affected by loneliness or social isolation. Guests at Tuesday’s coffee morning recognised the potential benefits, with one regular coffee morning visitor saying: “I can see how especially someone who is feeling lonely and isolated could take comfort from the cat”

To find out more about the ‘Therapy’ cats please visit the Newmarket Rotary website.