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Pictures: Lynda Bowyer © Xn Media 2014

A centre that works with young people welcomed a very special guest for its opening ceremony – Zara Phillips.

The daughter of the Princess Royal officially opened Rehoboth, a new equestrian centre run by Just Around The Corner (JAC) and based in Forest Road, Wokingham. The packed ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 13.

Zara was the perfect guest for JAC to invite: a keen horsewoman, she is a member of the Great Britain Eventing Team and won a Silver Medal at the London 2012 Olympics.

During her visit, Zara explored the stables, met the horses and toured the facilities which includes an arts and crafts room, a games room and a teaching and learning zone.

A gymkhana demonstration was commentated on by horse racing expert Richard Pitman. He also acted as master of ceremonies as Zara unveiled a plaque to mark her visit.

The royal visitor also teamed up with JAC’s Sam Milligan to plant a tree in the grounds.

Zara wasn’t the only special guest. The ceremony was attended by several mayors: Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Martin Bishop, Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr UllaKarin Clark and Woodley Town Mayor Cllr Bill Sloane.

Bill said: “We are delighted that JAC’s vision and hard work has resulted in the new Rehoboth Centre, which will be a wonderful resource for their continued work.”

Local businesses which have contributed to the centre, including Mark Ashwell from TradeMark Windows, and church leaders also joined the celebrations.

The Rehoboth Centre will provide a focal point for JAC’s work with young people in the area.

It will enable youngsters to take part in an equine assisted learning programme that will boost skills and self-confidence through working with horses. Other facilities on site include a games room offering table tennis and table football, as well as an arts and crafts centre.

JAC also hopes to welcome corporate team building events which will help fund the new venture.

The site still needs funding and welcomes support.

Sara Yorke, from JAC, said: “We are always looking for involvement from new people in many capacities including sponsorship, We would be delighted to hear from you.”

For more details on sponsorship, contact Sue Stevenson by  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Last modified on Monday, 13 April 2015 09:44