A local charity which features on a new stamp had another piece of luck last month, thanks to a passing mini-tornado.

In December high winds upended Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association (ERDA)'s field shelter at St Ebba’s Farm, in Hook Road.

Then on Saturday, January 25, a powerful squall hit Surrey and a mini-tornado knocked it back the right way up - saving the charity the expense of bringing in a crane.

Your Local Guardian:

Joe Coulman, who is responsible for maintenance at ERDA, said: "The bad weather blew it over. It stayed there until we had the mini-tornado and blew it back. It’s amazing but it’s damaged the shelter more."

On Sunday a message posted on ERDA’s Facebook page said: "Nature has had its own battle of ‘anything you can do I can do better’ with one of our field shelters.

"The storm in December took the shelter, tumbled it along the ground and deposited upside down into the fence.

Your Local Guardian:

"The tornado in January grabbed hold of the shelter, flipped it the right way up and placed it back in its' original field.

"Neither the fence or the shelter have fared too well in nature's game and they will need to be replaced. We would quite like it if nature could now decide it's a draw and the game is over."

The Royal Mail stamp launched on Tuesday depicts Thor, a long-serving pony, and a young rider from the charity as part of a series on working horses.

Your Local Guardian:

Visit www.epsomrda.btck.co.uk or call 01372 743690. 


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