The story of the early days of Muirfield Riding Therapy (MRT) is one often retold by the founding members of the charity. Using a few borrowed ponies, working in a muddy field these hardy volunteers faced battles with the elements, forcing them to cancel often. Local North Berwick butcher John Anderson heard of their plight and vowed to build them an Indoor Arena as his personal ‘Millenium Project’, pulling in support from his musical contacts and putting on fundraising concerts and barn dances. From digging the first sod for the Arena foundations, John and has family have continued their support over 25 years and this year organised more musical fundraisers for the charity.
This story starts back in 1994. Things started to improve for MRT when West Fenton Farm, where the charity is based, built an Outdoor Arena. They still had inclement weather to contend with but at least avoided some of the mud!
(The, pre-Indoor Arena, early days of Muirfield Riding Therapy)
The development of the charity continued incrementally until 1999 when founder and then Chairperson, Gill Morrison, was approached by local butcher John Anderson of Andersons Quality Butchers, North Berwick. He explained that his personal Millenium project was to raise £10,000 for a local charity. Would MRT like to work with him?
The idea of building an Indoor Arena was floated. Even in that year the costs seemed out with their reach, none the less they accepted John’s offer. And so began the charity’s relationship with John.
The dream becomes reality
By February 2000 he had already raised £7K! Gill and the team gradually came to believe that the dream might just be achievable. As newly appointed Chairperson, Susan Law, recounts,
John could be a hard task master and expected us to match his energy in fundraising. With events ranging from hamburger stalls at Haddington Show, to ceilidhs in local village halls to an Abba tribute night in the Corn Exchange, John supported and encouraged us.
(John Anderson on the left, with the MRT team, celebrating securing lottery funding)
John also introduced the charity to accordionist Jim Johnstone and The Alexander Brothers who all performed numerous times in aid of MRT. These colourful characters were just a few of the many kind people that John brought on board.
And so, in 2003 the charity achieved their dream, with the fundraising appeal eventually raising over £500k, and from the digging of the first sod – by John himself! – the Indoor Arena was built and the service the charity can offer has increased hugely thanks to having its own purpose-built Centre.
(John Anderson, digging the first sod, with Gill Morrison and Susan Law to his left)
Gill continues,
John didn’t desert us at the end of 2000 but has remained a powerhouse over the years. His energy and enthusiasm galvanised our fundraising efforts and introduced us to a wider community who wanted to help us to help people in the community with disabilities.
Susan adds,
We shall always value the key role that John played in those early days. As a respected business owner, he was able to raise awareness of Muirfield Riding Therapy. Rarely would you leave Andersons Butchers with just your choice of meat for the week, you’d have 2 tickets for the upcoming fundraiser included! There was a real sense of teamwork that ran throughout the charity who shared a common goal and great engagement that included the community.
(John Anderson – centre – with his friend accordionist Leonard Brown, meeting up recently with members of the original fundraising team, L-R Margaret Cameron, Susan Law, Gill Morrison)
John praised the volunteers’ dedication,
A lot of credit must go to Gill, Susan and the rest of the crew back then, I couldn’t have done it without them! Together with my family it really was the perfect team!
Fundraising for MRT really was the most satisfying thing I’ve been involved with in my life. I can honestly say I got more joy and pleasure from the fundraising than from building up my own business! When I visit MRT now I feel great knowing that I played a part in building the Centre.
(The Indoor Arena today, with participant David riding therapy pony Charity)
(Entrance to Muirfield Riding Therapy’s Indoor Arena, today)
The magic of the accordion
John recently decided he wanted to give the charity another fundraising push. With his friend Leonard Brown, former All Scotland Accordion Champion, offering to donate his time and talent, two concerts were organised, with Muirfield Riding Therapy as the beneficiary.
(Accordionist Leonard Brown)
On 2nd November, their guests at Gullane Village Hall experienced the versatility of the accordion, as Leonard played a wide range of musical genres including the music of ABBA, Elton John, The Beatles and Glenn Miller. An additional highlight was when Leonard was joined on stage by fellow accordionist Emma Dickson. Then, on 20th November, at Haddington Bowling Club, who generously donated the venue, Leonard joined 3 time All Scotland Accordion Champion, Alan Small, with their performance including all the Scottish favourites. Together, concerts raised a fantastic £3,060.
Debs McLaughlin, fundraising manager at Muirfield Riding Therapy thanked everyone for their generosity,
We were blown away by the support from Leonard, John and their guests. What a fantastic couple of nights of musical entertainment, and such generosity from everyone. We’re so grateful to Leonard and John for helping raise such a wonderful amount for the charity.
