Charity in Moray: Legacy of Forres legend Les helps kids go riding

An annual fundraising event set up in memory of Forres legend Les Clyne is helping young people who are interested in horses.

The Forres, Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled Association held a coffee morning on March 26 which drummed up £1200 – more than enough to cover the cost of one child’s riding for one year and beyond.

Sonia Howell, the association's chairperson said: "In 2019, we lost a Forres legend when Les Clyne passed away at the age of 91.

"He was a man of many parts – horseman, actor, soldier, comedian – but horses were such a huge part of his life starting from his early years in the army."

Les set up the Forres Pony Trekking and Riding Centre where many local children learned to ride.

In addition, he helped pioneer long distance trekking in the Highlands, and was a member of the Northern Working Horse and the Horse and Carriage Society.

One of his civic duties was his annual role of Herald on Horseback, announcing the newly appointed Gala Queen each year.

He was also a stalwart of the Varis players and Forres Drama Group, performed at many local Burns Society events and won the Bothy Ballads competition held in Elgin.

Sonia continued: "Les was such a generous man – and when we were fortunate to be the recipients of his funeral collection, we set up an annual memorial fundraiser to continue his legacy.

"Covid has prevented us from holding it in the last two years, but we were back with a huge bang this year, raising a record £1,200.

"Never before have we raised such a fantastic amount – and we are so grateful to everyone who contributed.

"The church hall at St Leonard’s in Forres, where Les was also a lay preacher, was buzzing.

"Thanks have to go to all those who attended, and to our volunteers and their friends and family who contributed raffle prizes, baking, bric a brac, toys, bottles, plants.

"Also thanks are due to our volunteers for their hard work on the day – both in the kitchen and front of house."

The Forres Nairn & District Riding for the Disabled Association delivers weekly term-time therapeutic riding sessions for children with disabilities from local primary and secondary schools.

The association has qualified instructors and its carefully chosen and well-trained ponies are designed to meet each child’s individual needs and abilities, contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing.

Volunteers act as leaders for the ponies, side-walkers and fundraisers.

The association is the only one in the UK which does not make any charge to the riders or the schools, despite each session costing just under £700 per week.

It does not receive any external funding and instead covers its expenditure through active fundraising.

More information at forresnairnrda.org.uk