Raising money for good causes is proving to be ‘neigh’ problem for Mayor Councillor Robert Smith, thanks to the support of generous Rhondda Cynon Taf residents.
Cllr Smith was delighted to meet Debbie and Giles Woodward, organisers of the popular Harnessed Horse Parade, to receive a cheque for £3,600 this month.
The money, raised as a result of last year’s successful parade, will be added to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal, launched by Cllr Smith in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Diabetes UK (Cymru) and Help for Heroes.
The hundreds of people who lined the streets of Pontypridd for the event are also to thank for the impressive sum, which will go towards helping people across RCT and beyond.
The Harnessed Horse Parade is one of the most visually-spectacular events in the civic calendar and the most recent calvacade saw over 50 horses and carriages from across the region and beyond on show.
Some of the star attractions were Suffolk Punches Willow and Sorrell – a breed that is rarer than the Giant Panda.
They were brought to RCT by owner Harry Gott who, at the ripe old age of 80, continues to be an avid supporter of the Harnessed Horse Parade and travels from Cornwall, where he runs the Shire Horse Museum.
Crowds lined the route from from Ynysangharad Park to the Rhondda Heritage Park, Trallwn and then back to Pontypridd for the show in 2009.
Plans are already underway to make this year’s parade, which forms part of the Big Bite, even bigger and better. The Big Bite takes place on July 30-August 1, with the Harnessed Horse Parade on August 1.
Cllr Smith said: “The Harnessed Horse Parade is a thrilling event, thanks to the hard work of organisers Debbie and Giles Woodward, those like Harry who travel from near and far to make it such a spectacle and, importantly, those who show their support by attending the day.
“Work is well underway on this year’s Big Bite and Harnessed Horse Parade so get involved now and don’t miss out.”
