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Memories of horseriding pioneer sought for book
Summary
Friends and the Forres, Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled group are collecting pictures and memories of Les Clyne for a small book, and will hold a coffee morning on April 18 at Forres Town Hall to raise funds to cover a year of riding for a child.
Content
Friends and local volunteers are collecting pictures and memories of Les Clyne for a short book about his life. The Forres, Nairn and District Riding for the Disabled (RDA) group will hold a coffee morning on Saturday April 18 at Forres Town Hall to raise funds to cover a year of riding for a child. Les Clyne died in 2019 at the age of 91 and was known locally for his work with horses and community activities. He founded Forres Pony Trekking and Riding Centre and helped pioneer long-distance trekking in the Highlands.
What is known:
- The RDA group runs weekly term-time therapeutic riding sessions and does not charge riders or their schools, funding activities through fundraising and grant applications.
- Les Clyne served in the army in his early years and later ran Forres Pony Trekking and Riding Centre; he helped pioneer long-distance trekking in the Highlands.
- He was involved with the Northern Working Horse and the Horse and Carriage Society and served each year as Herald on Horseback at the Forres Gala.
- He was active in local performing groups, including the Varis players and Forres Drama Group, and won the Bothy Ballads competition in Elgin.
- The group says memories and photographs can be shared at the April 18 coffee morning or sent by email to susiegibbs21@yahoo.co.uk, by post to Torff Cottage, Brander Street, Burghead, IV30 4XD, or by phone to Sonia Howell on 07779082202.
Summary:
The project aims to preserve a range of anecdotes and photographs about Les Clyne before they are lost and to produce a small published record of his life. A coffee morning on April 18 will both raise funds for the RDA’s riding programme and be an occasion for people to bring memories; the group is also accepting submissions by email, post or phone.
