Rotary presents £500 and memorial trophy to Wyfold RDA

Henley Rotary Club presented a cheque for £500 to the Wyfold Group Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and a trophy in memory of former Rotarian Sam Lamden last Saturday.

Sam Lamden, who passed away in 2024 after more than 40 years as a member of the club.  The trophy will be awarded by the Wyfold Group RDA each year.

“Sam was a much-loved member of Henley Rotary and an ardent supporter of RDA, so it seemed highly appropriate to remember him with a trophy,” said Jeremy Gaunt, this year’s Henley Rotary President.

The presentations were made to former RDA Trustee Adrienne Heriot by last year’s Henley Rotary President Jane Bertelli, who raised the idea of a trophy, along with Jeremy and Sam’s son Gary.

Sam’s other son, Martin, who lives in Scotland, sent the following message: “I wish my Dad, Sam Lamden, was here to present this award; a reminder that hard work and dedication is never forgotten. I know how proud he would be, he never sought recognition but was fulfilled by being a useful service to others.”

RDA Regional Chair Diane Lee said the club would discuss how to award the trophy, possibly making it a “participant of the year” award. Treasurer Liz Jones said the financial donation would allow the group to buy a new harness for “Archie”, who pulls a carriage at the stables. “Archie” has been featured on Meridian TV and Radio Berkshire.