LoveLove Films launch documentary starring Martin Clunes at Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy fundraiser

  • Posted by info 24 Nov

LoveLove Films launch documentary starring Martin Clunes at Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy fundraiser

Event goers get an exclusive preview of documentary presented by Martin Clunes, produced by LoveLove Films

Formed in 1976, the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy is a charity organisation whose whole philosophy is based on the notion that young people with physical and mental disabilities can learn essential life skills through working with horses. As far back as ancient Greece, the positive effects of equine pursuits on the mental and physical wellbeing of people have been noted, and in the modern day the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy continues to practice these philosophies.

Based on the edge of the New Forest, the main Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy facility is set in the picturesque grounds of Avon Tyrell, an historic manor house. The facility is one of three that makes up the FCRT, but Avon Tyrell is the largest and comprises paddocks, yards, stables, indoor and outdoor riding areas, a tack room and classrooms. Not only this, the location of Avon Tyrell gives great access to the bridal paths and open spaces of the New Forest itself.

The FCRT’s main function is the teaching of essential life skills to students with both physical and mental disabilities, through caring for horses. While this practice may sound unusual, the students (aged 16 -25) are introduced to the joys of horse riding and associated tasks, but also how these tasks can be transferred for use in everyday life. Things the average person takes for granted, such as budgeting, literacy, cookery, communication, independent living and developing self-care skills. These are all things that a course at the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy can bestow upon students undertaking any of the courses on offer at the centre.

In early 2016, LoveLove Films was commissioned by Red Arrow Entertainment and the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy to create a 30-minute film documenting day to day life at the centre, and detailing how the students develop their skills through caring for horses. Well known TV personality and actor Martin Clunes – the centre’s patron – took part in the documentary as a presenter and was heavily involved in the production of the film, also lending his vocal talents to the film’s voice over. Martin is best known for his portrayal of Gary Strang in Men Behaving Badly and the epoymous Doc Martin in the popular primetime drama series. Martin and the centre’s director Jennifer Dixon-Clegg both worked closely with the team at LoveLove Films to get the feel of the documentary just right, showing the students at work and play, and learning along the way.

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On Saturday 19th November 2016, the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy celebrated its Ruby Anniversary, marking 40 years delivering life-changing skill training. The event, held in a grand marquee at the Avon Tyrell manor, was a highly glamorous affair, welcoming guests from far and wide for champagne, a luxury meal and a number of charity auctions and fun events aimed at raising vital funds for the centre. The event also marked the first time LoveLove Films’ documentary on the Fortune Centre of Riding therapy was shown to an audience, and was introduced by Martin Clunes.

The final version of the documentary went down extremely well with the audience, with several attendees approaching the centre’s director, Jennifer to congratulate her on such a well-produced and informative film. Representing LoveLove Films at the event were editor Steven Boden and animator Jo Salmon, and they were on hand to provide technical support and answer any questions about the production of the documentary. The rest of the event involved a charity auction hosted by Martin Clunes and also a series of simulated horse races where bets placed were split between the winners and the centre’s charity total. Overall, the night raised over £14,000 for the FCRT and will fund the building of new classrooms and the provision of training equipment.

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The documentary produced by LoveLove Films will be launched in early 2017 and will give viewers a fascinating, presenter-lead insight into the inner workings of a unique and highly beneficial training centre.

We are delighted to have been able to work with both the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy and Martin Clunes to produce this documentary. The work the centre does to instil confidence and teach important transferable skills to its students is inspirational, and we hope to be able to support this work in the future.

Watch this space for the release of the documentary in the near future!

Links:

Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy

Bournemouth, Bournemouth based production company, Bournemouth production company, Charity, Charity Video, Documentary, Dorset Production Company, FCRT, Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy, Martin Clunes

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