Junior Jumpers and our St James City Farm Initiative: We are always looking for ways to diversify our programmes and an opportunity presented itself for Junior Jumpers in the form of Pony Racing. Offering a glimpse into the future, a springboard for aspiring young jockeys to experience hallowed turf, showcasing their talents at fixtures such as Cheltenham’s Good Friday meeting. It was here that we met Aamilah Aswat. A girl with perfect hands and posture. Despite getting the best from her pony, she came last. For a talented rider to be so well beaten was a shame, so we did some digging. One of the wonderful things about being involved in our local community is that we come across people like Imran. While communities can make great things happen for good causes, this is the story of a good cause making great things happen for its community. Imran and his colleague Sarah support local children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to ride, have access to ponies and lessons. He is the soul of The St James City Farm; a wonderfully hidden gem at the heart of Gloucester City, with chickens, a goat, a pot-bellied pig, a few ducks, and a pony and a girl who captured hearts on Good Friday. When we met Aamilah and Imran, we knew what we wanted to do. We would purchase a pony for Aamilah and the others at St James City Farm to ride and to race, and this time be competitive.

We provide access to our venue or facilities for community groups and or fundraising

We organise or host events for charities and community groups

Our organisation donates to good causes

Our staff fundraise and donate to good causes

Community engagement is part of our day job

We fund the delivery of community engagement and education activity