A BURGEONING pleasure ride is looking forward to its third straight year welcoming young farmers to a beautiful setting.
Raby Castle will host County Durham Young Farmers (CDYF) on April 29 to help raise funds for the charity and keep it running.
Enthusiasts can enjoy either a five or a ten mile ride and all abilities of rider are welcome to take part.
County organiser Janice Barker said the event was growing year on year.
She added: “It’s getting more and more popular.
“It’s all day and we do a figure of eight around the grounds.
“People can do half the ride or the full one. It’s for all abilities and there are no jumps – it’s a nice family day out.”
Each of the gates will be manned by young farmers and anyone who wants to attend is welcome.
The cafe will also be open during the day.
Ms Barker also paid tribute to Raby Estates and Lord Barnard for allowing them to use the grounds.
She added: “We’re very grateful to Raby Estates for allowing us to use this fabulous facility.
“They are very supportive of the young farmers.”
Past pleasure rides have raised money for the Great North Air Ambulance Service and other charities alongside the CDYF.
More than 200 people attended the ride last year and committee member Claire Boyes had her fingers crossed for an upturn in the weather.
She said: “It’s a massive thing for young farmers – other than being at school or college, it’s a chance for them to mix with other people.
“The ride is in a part of Raby you don’t really notice – you see the other side of the castle and how pretty it is.
“It’s welcome to everybody, not just young farmers.”
The first riders can enter the grounds at 10am with the earliest arrivals permitted at 9.30am.
The last entry is at noon with young farmer member entry costing £15 and non-members’ tickets coming to £20.
Dogs are not allowed.
Weather conditions will determine whether the ride goes ahead or not – updates will be posted on the CDYF’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
For more information, contact the CDYF office on 0191 3864388 or email [email protected].
