Mail Coach 100 – Commemerative Charity Coach Run 3Rd and 4Th June 2015

Cairngorms RDA Group (Carriage Driving Section) a Charity Registered in Scotland (SCIO No. SC043835) c/o Newtonmore Riding Centre Biallid Farm, Fort William Road, Newtonmore Inverness‐shire, Scotland, PH201BP Tel: 01540 670000 Email: [email protected]

30th April 2015

Subject: Mail Coach 100 – Commemerative Charity Coach Run 3rd and 4th June 2015

Dear Sir or Madam

Many thanks for showing your interest in the above charity event that we are running in early June to help raise funds to set up a carriage driving section within the Cairngorms Riding for the Disabled Group.

To run such an event takes a considerable amount of organisation and relies on many volunteers to assist but most importantly the genorosity of the 4 coachmen that will supply teams of horses to pull the coach. The coach in this case is a Charabanc that is coming all the way from Yorkshire.

The coachmen we would like to thank for the horse teams are : Ewan Macinnes (nr. Aberdeen, Scotland), Richard Lanni (Perth, Scotland), James Hanson (nr. Bradford, West Yorkshire), Robert Bowman (Penrith, Cumbria), we would also like to thanks James Hanson for providing the charabanc vehicle too. We also hope to have a coach guard who will blow his horn and this will add to the spectacle and atmosphere.

We hope to raise the money for the charity from the sale of seats for the journey via donations and rattling tins on the journey. However we also need to try and raise additional money to cover the costs of diesel and travel for these kind people above who have offered their time to make it happen.

We therefore appeal for additional donations from “foot followers” (who are very welcome) and any other supporters that would like to get involved too. Accommodation may be available in Biallid House (The Big Brother House from £25 pppn B and B) for anybody helping or there will be camping or parking for caravans at the stables too. Donations can be made online too.

For any company or organistaion that would like to sponsor this event please can you discuss with Ruaridh Ormiston directly, who is the main organiser, to ensure you get a high profile. Any additional funds raised above the cost of diesel and travel will of course go direct to the charity.

We look forward to seeing as many people involved as possible at the community events / stops on route (please refer to the timetable) as well as passengers. And if people want to get involved as helpers please get in touch and remember there is a meal at the stables at the end of the second day when you will have a chance to meet everybody involved. Many thanks for your help and genorosity in advance.

Yours fathfully

Ruaridh Ormiston

You can donate directly online here ‐ https://mydonate.bt.com/events/mailcoach100/225830

In aid of Cairngorms RDA Group (Carriage Driving Section) – a Charity Registered in Scotland as a SCIO (No. SC043835)

MAIL COACH 100

100 year commemorative run for charity

Kingussie to Roy Bridge and back Wed 3rd & Thu 4th June 2015

It is believed that the last horse drawn Mail Coach in Scotland, and possibly in the UK, used to run west from Kingussie to Tulloch Station near Roy Bridge to meet the train. It finally finished its service at the end of May 1915 when it was replaced by a Motor Charabanc. This event is a 100 year commemoration of its last and final journey.

We will run west on the Wednesday with 4 teams of horses and four separate stages of approximately 9 miles each, with the return journey the following day. We hope to use a Charabanc vehicle that is similar in style to the last vehicle used – “The Caberfeidh”. Seat Tickets for each stage (c. 9 miles – 2 hours) will be available by postal auction with a minimum price per ticket of £30.00 each and offers made by post before 15th May.

Community Events will be featured along the way to celebrate this historic journey including collecting the original coachman’s pistol in Newtonmore . At the end of the journey there will be a community get together and welcome outside “The Duke of Gordon” in Kingussie, then at 7:30pm there will be a meal and ceilidh at Newtonmore Riding Centre with a chance to meet all involved, all are welcome to attend this ceilidh.

The Mail Coach run will be for the benefit of local charity “Cairngorms RDA Group” (Scottish Charity‐ SCIO ‐ SC043835) based at NRC to set up a carriage driving section. For more info you can talk to Ruaridh Ormiston on 07831 338012 or just email us.

Newtonmore Riding Centre, Biallid Farm, Fort William Rd, Newtonmore, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness‐shire, Scotland, UK, PH20 1BP Stables Tel: 01540 670000, Stables Mob: 07920 556756 (Lorraine ‐ Manager) E‐mail: [email protected] Website: www.newtonmoreridingcentre.com

MAIL COACH 100

100 year commemorative run for charity

Kingussie to Roy Bridge and back Wed 3rd & Thu 4th June 2015

The last horse drawn Mail Coach in Scotland, and possibly in the UK, used to run west from Kingussie to Tulloch Station near Roy Bridge to meet the train. This Horse‐drawn coaching event is a 100 year commemoration of its last and final journey.

Community Events will be featured along the way to celebrate this historic journey.

Event Location Wed 3rd June Thu 4th June Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie From 8:30am From 5:15pm Macpherson Museum, Newtonmore From 9:15am From 4:45pm The Church, Laggan Bridge From 11:15am From 2:45pm Tulloch Railway Station From 4:20pm From 9:45am The Shop, Roy Bridge From 5:30pm From 8:30am

After the second day Thu 4th June at 7:30pm there will be a meal and ceilidh at Newtonmore Riding Centre with a chance to meet all involved. (£15.00 per person) Pre‐ Booking is essential for the meal and for seats on the journey.

Kingussie to Tulloch Station & Roy Bridge and then Return By Mail Coach (Horse drawn Charabanc – Teams of 4) Wednesday 3rd June (Outward) and Thursday 4th June (Return) 2015

Original pictures of the mail coach & teams of four outside “Cameron’s Inn” or the Loch Laggan Hotel

On Wednesday 3rd of June, a horse drawn stage coach (charabanc) will leave The Duke of Gordon Hotel Kingussie on a 74 mile staged journey over 2 days to Roy Bridge and back. Four teams, of four horses each, will be used in relays on the journey. Well known Coach Drivers and Horses will be: Ewan Macinnes (Aberdeen), Richard Lanni (Perth), John Hanson (Bradford, West Yorkshire) and Robert Bowman (Penrith, Cumbria). We also hope to carry a well know Mail Guard, and his horn, who will entertain us on the way !

The route follows the path taken by the Mail Coaches that ran for approximately 100 years to the end of May 1915, this is the 100 year anniversary of the end of the service when a motor charabanc took over.

The run will be used to raise funds for a local charity: Cairngorms RDA Group (Carriage Section)

JAMES GILLIES – “THE LAST COACHMAN”

We are very fortunate that Leslie Gardiner’s book “Stage Coach to John o’Groats” (1961) includes a whole chapter on the above local coachman who settled in Laggan Stores at lagan Bridge and continued in business in the area after the coach finished and has many living relatives today, who we hope will accompany us on the trip. It is hoped they will share some first hand memories of his stories and of course the pistol he carried on the route for protection that we hope to be able to stop and see at the Clan Macpherson Museum in front of the former “Newtonmore Hotel” (aka. The Mains).

There will be 4 stages driven on the first day from Kingussie to Roybridge with community events at Kingussie, Newtonmore, Laggan Bridge, Tulloch Station and Roy Bridge on the way out and the same on the way back the following day, with another 4 stages back to Kingussie on day 2. Eight outside seats are available for each stage for a minimum donation of £30 per seat (subject to availability) on a ‘highest bid – then first come ‐ first served’ basis thereafter. Should a stage be oversubscribed alternative seats will be offered, if available, on other stages. You will find a timetable and a Booking Form attached. I look forward to seeing you all either on the coach or as a foot follower or supporter at the community events.

Should you require any further information, or wish to be involved, do not hesitate to contact me.

Ruaridh Ormiston - Tel: 07831 338012 - Email: [email protected]

You can donate directly online here ‐ https://mydonate.bt.com/events/mailcoach100/225830

In aid of Cairngorms RDA Group (Carriage Driving Section) – a Charity Registered in Scotland as a SCIO (No. SC043835)

Mail Coach 100 – Commemorative Charity Coach Trip – 3rd and 4th of June 2015

Outline Timetable

Please note all times are for guidance only. ALL Locations marked with a * star * will include some sort of community event as will all the places we change horses. Locations and Postcodes for passengers to join and leave the coach:

Stage No. Stage Starting Locations for each Stage Stage 1 Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, PH21 1HE Stage 2 & 8 Cluny Mains Farm, Laggan, PH20 1BS Stage 3 & 7 Old Hotel, Camas Cillein, Kinloch Laggan, PH20 1BX Stage 4 & 6 County Boundary, Moy Farm, Near Tulloch, PH31 4AR Stage 5 Roy Bridge Hotel, Roy Bridge, Lochaber, PH31 4AN

Please also note that individual stage timings are provisional and distances are approximate. If you want to see the spectacle make sure you are there ahead of time in case we are faster.

BUFFET DINNER AND CEILIDH THURSDAY 4th June at 7:30PM at the Stables Finishing Dinner and Ceilidh with all involved and all welcome at 7:30pm on Thursday 4th June at Newtonmore Riding Centre, dress casual, but warm, to be held in the stables at Biallid Farm. Please give numbers to Ruaridh in advance – catered by The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore and £15.00 for per person – Bring your own bottle.

You can donate directly online here ‐ https://mydonate.bt.com/events/mailcoach100/225830 In aid of Cairngorms RDA Group (Carriage Driving Section) – a Charity Registered in Scotland as a SCIO (No. SC043835)

Mail Coach 100 – Commemorative Charity Coach Trip – 3rd and 4th of June 2015 Booking Form for a Seat on the Coach ‐ Return by Fri May 22nd Please book my name for a seat(s) on the coach:

Wednesday 3rd June Outward (Kingussie to Roy Bridge) Stage 1 2 3 4 Details Kingussie to Cluny to Loch Loch Laggan Moy to Roy Cluny Laggan Inn to Moy Bridge No. of seats Offer per seat in £

Thursday 4th June Return (Roy Bridge to Kingussie) Stage 5 6 7 8 Details Roy Bridge to Moy to Loch Loch Laggan Cluny to Moy Laggan Inn to Cluny Kingussie No. of seats Offer per seat in £

OR ‐ If you have no particular preference on what stage or day give details here: ______

Numbers for meal on Thursday Night at the Stables (£15.00) : ______

I include a cheque for £ made payable to Cairngorms RDA Group (minimum donation £ 30 per seat per stage). The Meal should be paid separately.

Signed: ...... Date: ......

Name: Address:

Postcode: Phone: Mobile: Email:

Please, return this Booking Form and Cheque or note of alternative payment method to: (Please note payment will not be taken till after 22nd of May 2015)

Mr E. Ruaridh Ormiston (Mail Coach 100 Organiser), Cairngorms RDA Group, Newtonmore Riding Centre, Biallid Farm, Fort William Road, Newtonmore, Inverness‐shire, PH20 1BP Tel: 01540 670000 or 07831 338012 email: [email protected] Alternatively you can pay for your seat online ‐ https://mydonate.bt.com/events/mailcoach100/225830 In aid of Cairngorms RDA Group (Carriage Driving Section) – a Charity Registered in Scotland as a SCIO (No. SC043835)

Riding for the Disabled – Carriage Driving

Driving has been an important part of RDA activities since 1975 and there are now almost 70 Groups involved with over 1000 other RDA carriage drivers! Carriage Driving is where a horse or pony is hitched to a wheeled carriage and driven in an arena or around a course or out in the country enjoying the scenery and atmosphere. RDA Carriage Driving is particularly useful if you can no longer ride due to disability or if you prefer a different kind of challenge to riding. It also allows the use of dual reins.

The Benefits Of Carriage Driving •Improved co‐ordination •Improved muscle power •Relaxation through rhythmic movement and motion •Being out in the open air •Achievement, self‐confidence, team comradeship and FUN !!!

Carriage Driving can range from a relaxing drive through the rolling countryside to exciting competitions where your ability to make quick decisions and having the confidence to control a fast moving carriage are put to the test. If you are a confident driver and would like to compete there is opportunity for competition in RDA as well as British Carriagedriving (BC) and British Driving Society (BDS) shows. Some drivers progress outside of RDA and attend training days and compete internationally.

The group would like to use any money raised from this event to go towards the purchase of a four wheeled carriage for use with wheelchairs or with semi‐ambulant drivers. Two British built carriages that fit the criteria are the Fenix Flyer and the Bennington Challenger and they both cost just over £8000.00 each excluding vat. Another £2000.00 is required for suitable harness and other accessories for the driving section. So we are aiming to raise £10,000.00 in all, assuming we can reclaim the vat on the carriage and harness etc.

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE MAIL COACH 100 RUN WILL BE “RING FENCED” FOR OUR CARRAIGE DRIVING SECTION

Cairngorms RDA is a Charity Registered in Scotland as a SCIO (No. SC043835) Mail Coach 100

Buffet menu 4th June 2015

7:30 pm at the Stables

£15.00 per person (To be booked in advance)

Roast Chicken Drumsticks Honey Roast Ham Roast Beef Sausage Rolls Assorted Quiches

Assorted Salads & Coleslaw

Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives

Assorted Bread Rolls with Butter

***********

Cheesecake or Gateau served with Double Cream

At Newtonmore Riding Centre – PH20 1BP

All Welcome – book with Ruaridh

Mobile: 07831 338012 Email: [email protected]