Bds magazine summer

British Driving

Issue No. 364

Summer 2016

Trec

www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk

Training

SOCIETY

Reports

British Driving SOCIETY

Issue No. 362 Spring 2016 www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk The show season and rallies are well under way despite the inclement weather in some places. It’s good to see that they seem to be very well attended which is important when the Area Commissioners work so hard to plan the events that the members want. On that note I’m delighted to see that Wales has now got a full complement of ACs. It is not an easy job and you will never please all of the people all of the time.

There were lots of photographs this time which was wonderful (I can’t have too many to choose from and don‘t forget the photographic competition).

Please keep them coming! Although there are obviously some keen photographers that take their cameras with them to all events, unfortunately many of us tend to take snaps on our mobile phones and regrettably these are of insufficient quality and size to reproduce in the magazine which is a great shame.

Concours d’attelage de Tradition seems to be really taking off and proving extremely popular, they are certainly a spectacle. The event in

Scotland at Glamis Castle for a first try was enormously well received by the estate and they made every effort to facilitate the smooth running. All of this bodes well for next year. It was good to see some turnouts from the south coming to participate and sharing their experiences at a really friendly event.

Good luck to all those entering the forthcoming events.

Smith’s Lawn had its usual strong entry of top notch turnouts as you can see from the photographs in the report and in the same vein the Champagne Driving event looked great fun, a glass of champagne never goes amiss! What we must never forget is the huge number of people that support and help all of those taking part and the organisers and sponsors.

Sadly there are no junior submissions this time for the competition, don’t forget the free membership for the winner. Please put pen to paper for next time.

You will see the notification of the four new Council members so therefore there will be no voting paper.

Enjoy your driving and be safe

Contents 4

Champagne Driving

5

Publicity Committee Report and Council Election Update

6

BDS Annual Show Report

8

England Area Activities

33 Two Grassy Fields 34 Scotland Area Activities 36 Junior Commissioners Report and Quiz

37 Carriages at the Castle and Dorset Area Show

38 Wales and Northern Ireland Area Activities.

17

Joan

Provisional Magazine Copy Submission Dates for 2016/17

Winter edition Monday 31st October

Spring edition Early January 2017

Production Remous Ltd – 01963250920 Front cover Supreme Champion Joe Rowe's Brookeborough Stepping Star photo: www.1stclassimages.com No part of the British Driving Society (BDS) magazine may be copied or reproduced in any form without the permission of the BDS. The views and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the BDS. The British Driving Society has tried to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the date of publication, however we cannot accept liability arising from its use and accordingly, the British Driving Society excludes liability for loss or damage arising from the use of information or any error or omission in the information. The British Driving Society or Remous Ltd will not be held responsible for the appearance of photographic material supplied without the necessary consent, copyright and or photographer’s details. Any advertisement designed by Remous Ltd on behalf of The BDS remains the Publisher’s Copyright and may not be reproduced unless prior written permission is obtained. The BDS and Remous reserves the right to edit all magazine submissions.

BDS Office British Driving Society Endersley, Church Road, Wingfield, Eye, Suffolk IP21 5QZ Telephone: 01379 384612 email@britishdrivingsociety.co.uk

www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk

Reports

BDS Champagne Driving So the sun put in an appearance and there was both quantity and quality on display at BDS Champagne Driving 2016! Forty five turnouts made seventy seven entries across the eleven champagne classes, with Lady/Gentleman Whip class (sponsored by the Newmarket Equine Hospital) and the Private Driving Class (sponsored by Mrs Tessa Reeve) proving to be exceeding difficult for the Judge, Joanne Hartland, to find deciding factors. Mr Paul Mills driving Synbad was eventually declared the best Gentleman Whip taking the Champagne honours from Mr Colin Varle who was driving his pair Xantos and Dowie. Both displayed consummate traditional rein handling skills showing paces within paces and executing wonderful one handed circles.

Spectators didn’t have any time at all to draw breath as another hotly contested class followed straight on, the Private Drive class… Here not only did the winner receive £25 and a bottle of Champagne but also the opportunity to qualify for the Victoria Food Company Private Driving Championship to be held in September. Eight high quality turnouts were forward, Neil Winney with his wonderful bay Welsh Section D was placed sixth, Josie Randall with her delightful Hackney pony Heartland Starlighter positively floated into fifth, Antonia Gallop with her ‘baby’ Welsh Section C Savoy Toyboy gained a deserved fourth and the Welsh A, B & C Osborne Refrigerators BDS National Championship Qualifier. All of this left three competitors vying for the top places and Judge Joanne Hartland later said “all had set a very high standard, each excelled in a different way, so I had to prioritize tiny errors to separate them”. Colin Varle with his pair stood in third place, and ultimately Geoff Dudley with his forward, expressive Welsh D Stockdale Black Prince lost out on the Champagne by a whisker to Paul Atkinson and his rhythmical, mannerly Black Boy. BDS Champagne Driving is enormously grateful to ALL its sponsors whose generosity helps give the show its buzz. The Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Horse/pony class was won by Michelle Docwra driving here sweet little Cookie. Not only did Michelle win a bottle of Champagne but also £25 worth of feed vouchers kindly provided by the sponsor. The Light Trade Class, generously sponsored by Stalleys Barn, the region’s leading equestrian and pet supply retailer, saw four turnouts forward with Tommy Fountain driving Bookham Lodge Logan taking the Champagne and red ribbons.

Holly Smith with her chestnut Welsh Section C Dycott Supreme Demonstrator, demonstrated their paces from the ground taking first place and the Champagne in the initial class of the day, the Long Rein class. James Titmus driving The Outlaw, James won the Novice Whip class out manoeuvred all the received a bottle of Champagne and they also other class contestants to win the Champagne received a £25 BETA voucher organised for the and a lesson voucher from Minta Winn LHHI in show by Stalleys Barn. the Novice Whip class. James went on to be crowned the Exercise Vehicle Hi-Points champion BDS Champagne Driving, as one competitor put and was presented with a champions sash and it ‘a nice show atmosphere in lovely surroundings’, champion rosette very kindly sponsored by Mrs takes place at Ashfields Carriage and Polo Club Tessa Reeve. Leah Marshall won a Junior Sash by kind permission of Mr Terry Chambers and generously provided by Mr and Mrs Hart, and according to the Judge ‘the Champagne adds bottle of Thornton’s Chocolate Champagne in the sparkle to an excellent show’. Hosts, stewards, junior class and Jessie Apicella powered her way judges, competitors, spectators, sponsors, thank to the Champagne honours in the Welsh Wagon you all for your support. Same again next year?

Class sponsored by Mr Freddie Moore, with her Sure thing. Elaine. multi-talented Murrayhall Cadfael Arbenig.

The Exercise Class, sponsored by ‘Eat More Fruit’, proved to be another class where Judge Joanne Hartland had to work hard to find her winner among the quality turnouts on display. Three turnouts were sent back out so that Joanne could finalise the line- up. Emily Hamilton with Tyssul Playboy received the champagne with Gail Mills, Levi Smith and James Titmus all being put through their paces for the 2nd to 4th placings.

Guest Judge Sian Winn, an equestrian artist from the Society of Equestrian Artists, had the difficult task of deciding which exercise and which traditional turnout she would most like to paint given the opportunity. Her eye was taken by Gail Mills and her Synbad driven to a Bennington Four Wheel Exercise Vehicle, and Colin Varle driving Xantos and Dowie. Of course both winners

The Attelage de Tradition Oak Tree is Spreading its Branches Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland, Picton Castle in Pembrokeshire Wales and Euston Hall Estate in Suffolk England.

Concours d’attelage de Tradition has now taken root in GB and is growing in popularity. Aileen MacDonald and her Scottish BDS members had fifteen beautiful Traditional Carriages at Glamis Castle in May. It was a fabulous first time event run in the true spirit of AIAT. Three turnouts travelled from England to enjoy a royal Scottish welcome.

Picton Castle will follow on 25–26 June in the capable hands of Lester Dagge and the Dyfed Carriage Club. We know the Welsh welcome will be equally tremendous.

Paul won the Private Driving class

4

British Driving Society

Jessie Appicella with Murrayhall Cadfael Arbenig receiving her Champagne and Red Ribbons after winning the Welsh Wagon Class

Euston Hall Estate on 20–21 August is primed for another splendid event, its second CIAT. Amy Bracey, project manager for the Carriage Foundation is our commentator for the weekend and will be giving an illustrated talk at the Gala

Dinner. It is a perfect marriage of preserving and using old carriages, giving a very comfortable ride thoughout the routier, skills and cone driving and looking splendid in their Presentation format.

The 20th CIAT Cuts was held in France on 21-22 May. In the single horse class GB members were 1st, 2nd and 4th, in Presentation. The BDS has produced a very high standard which is envied abroad. Now to enjoy and succeed in Concours d’Attelage de Tradition (CAT) we only have to learn the rules and practice, practice, practice.

This competition is new to the BDS but once you try it, you will be hooked! As many members have discovered, it is all inclusive, challenging and very sociable.

Eunice and Wally Binder – Organisers of 2nd CIAT Euston Tel: 01473 830326 email: eunicebinder@ btinternet.com

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Reports

Publicity Committee report; This then is the second of our triannual magazines put together by the Editor Joan Martin and to which every area has the chance of contributing.

As an active member, why not write a report yourself about a Rally or Trec attended recently?

Don`t wait for the next issue to drop through your letter box and be disappointed over the content. It`s as much for the membership to add text and pictures, as it is anyone else.

New this time was the opportunity to add your thoughts to our Letters Page.

We also welcome advertisements from members who might wish to sell carriages, harness or other driving related items. Contact Rosemary Neale via her email – rosemary@ roseneale.com – to book a space in the Winter issue and perhaps on the website too.

The new main website is up and running (at long last I can hear you say!) with some good as well as some less good comments but in general the idea has been accepted and I`m sure as time goes on and more modifications are made then all users will know exactly where to locate the necessary information. All area events, once notified to the webmaster by the Area Commissioner, may be seen via the front page `Events` tab. Enter the name of your area in the `search` box then press `find events` and they will appear!

There are dedicated pages for the BDS Annual Show at Smith’s Lawn, Windsor and the Osborne Refrigerators BDS National Championships (Driving Addington) each found via the `Shows` tab along with an Affiliated shows list for the current year.

BDS Trec, the Leaf Spring Award and many other activities are explained via the front page tab ingeniously entitled `Activities` so be sure to look there as well for details of the Tandem Club (31st July in Somerset) and the Rally Miles Award, remembering that this year`s hard earned medals will be presented at the BDS AGM on 22nd October.

The Publicity stand was busy at the Annual show on 19th June and will be making its first appearance at the New Forest show in July, sharing space in the `Heart of the Forest` marquee with Hampshire BDS and the local Driving for the Disabled group.

Do come along to say hello if you`re planning a show visit and would like to `feel the quality, try for size` one of the gilets or polo shirts with the BDS logo.

Whilst those AC`s in the Branches of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales may gather together on their respective AGM days and have similar issues, as chairman of the AC`s, Linda Swain realised that the areas in England often differed quite dramatically with regard to terrain, size, number of members, type of events and so on. Therefore as well as the meeting for all AC`s on the main AGM day, it was decided that six Regions would be created and that the AC`s chairman would travel to each of these approximately six months from the AGM date to meet local AC`s and other Officials. This arrangement still works well, often giving AC`s the chance to meet not only adjacent area officials, but sometimes those from farther afield. It also enables any new post holder to

Publicity Committee chairman & BDS Council member

ask questions and learn from those more senior members.

The recent round was completed in April, with meetings in Hampshire, Kent, Bedfordshire, Devon and then Shropshire. The BDS chairman Angela Sixsmith this year visited several Northern areas separately.

Various items were included on the Agenda, including discussion on the new BDS magazine, the new website, how essential the Risk Assessment form is, the Official BDS Facebook page, the apparent current lack of Junior members. `Any Other Business` always promotes good discussion and some great ideas too. All of these are relayed to BDS Council by the circulation of Minutes from each meeting.

That is why these meetings are considered to be so important – they are one of the main methods of communicating with Council and are very highly regarded.

Why not ask your AC about this year’s meeting?

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

The four nominees will, subject to ratification at the BDS AGM on 22nd October, join BDS Council thereafter. They are:Gary Docking Julie Elliott Stephanie Evans Roger Hopton We look forward to welcoming them to Council.

SHOWS NOT LISTED IN THE BDS YEARBOOK

July 27

Yealmpton Agricultural Show Venue: Devon Contact: Paul Davis, 1 Castleford Cottage, Combefshacre, Newton Abbott, Devon TQ12 5UQ Tel: 01803-814-390 Email: pdavis536@hotmail.com Website: www.yealmptonshow.co.uk

August

Northern Hackney Horse Club Venue: Derbyshire Contact: Julie Howard, 10 Lenham Close, Brinington, Stockport, Cheshire SK5 8NG Tel: 07789-762-519 Email: rossntrixie21@gmail.com 14 BDS Isle of Wight Show Venue: Isle of Wight Contact: Mrs. Margaret Honeybourne, Longcommon Farm, Stroudwood Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 4DA Tel: 01983-615-338/07845-908-444 Email: m.honeybourne@talktalk.net 20-21 Donkey Breed Society Supreme Championship Show Venue: Derbyshire Contact: Mrs. Barbara Whale, Holly Berry House, Rough Park, Hamstall Ridware, Staffordshire WS15 3SQ Tel: 01889-504-424/07768-686-425 Email: barbara@whaleandco.co.uk 21 BDS Hampshire Area Show Venue: Hampshire Contact: Miss Caroline Douglas, Valley Farm, Arnewood Bridge Road, Sway, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 6DA Tel: 01590-682-678 Email: c215douglas@btinternet.com 6-7

Sadly not all Area Commissioners take this opportunity, thereby perhaps missing out themselves on updates, ideas from other areas or chances to link up with nearby areas for joint events.

Meeting in progress

Four nominations were received for the four vacancies on BDS Council so therefore there will be no election this year.

Linda Swain

Those important Regional meetings!

They may be a mystery to the average BDS member but these meetings should not be so to any Area Commissioner in England.

BDS Council Election Update

September 3 Alresford & District Agricultural Show Venue: Hampshire Contact: Miss B. Beales, Woodview Cottage, Claypits Lane, Dibden, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 5TN Tel: 07825-300-214 Email: bethbeales@hotmail.co.uk Website: www.alresfordshow.co.uk 24 Driving Addington (inc. Osborne Refrigerators BDS National Championships) Venue: Buckinghamshire Contact: Linda Swain, 15 Woodcock Close, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2UW Tel: 07850-706-978 Email: lindaswain10@aol.com Website: www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk

British Driving Society

5

Reports stand. Their day was topped by a win in the new Hartland Wedding/Ceremonial Vehicles class when Lee Cross drove a 1890 Barouche by Thrupp & Mabberley to take the beautiful new Menno Trophy.

Champions all at The 52nd BDS Annual Show Photo: www.1stclassimages.com

Carriages were also to the fore in the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights Vintage Vehicles.

Judge Peter Leech studied the nine entries in great detail awarding top prize to Bob Alexander’s pair Bullet & Bandit to an original brake.

Hackney Champion, Baldwins A Class Act owned & driven by Hayley McNiece

Photo: www.1stclassimages.com

Jessie Dudley Apicella had had a busy day with six entries and whilst she herself did not qualify for the Championship, it was Dad Geoff who did having won the Victoria Foods Welsh Championship with Jessie’s Stockdale Black Prince.

Mr. & Mrs. Titmus’ The Outlaw driven by James Titmus, winner of the Balanced Horse Feeds Pleasure Driving class

Liz Edmonds’ evergreen Maylands Magpie had won a strong T. Cribb & Sons Non-Hackney Type over 13.2hh class thereby earning a chance to compete for the title which they had won in 2011. The two-time Osborne Refrigerators National Champion Brynllwyn Quick-Flash owned and driven by Nicola Salter earned his shot at the title by winning the smaller Non-Hackney Type class.

Neil Wray left his 2015 Supreme Champion horses Binkie & Eric at home, bringing a new single turnout to the show. Plains Royalty rewarded him by not only taking the Novice Horse class, but went on to become Gail Crosier

6

British Driving Society

It was, however, the winner of a very strong KBIS British Equestrian Insurance Hackney Type class – Joe Rowe driving his own Brookeborough Stepping Star who caught Judge Alex Lanni’s eye.

She awarded him the Championship trophy and qualification for the Harness Champion of the Year at the Horse of the Year Show.

In a month that was heading towards being one of the wettest on record, the show was a very welcome dry day much appreciated by both exhibitors and spectators alike. In a year when some shows are struggling to attract driving entries (competitors be warned – shows will cancel classes if they are not supported) organisers were delighted and grateful that entry numbers at Smith’s Lawn were up on 2015 figures. Despite this two classes were cancelled having received not one entry. One was the Miniature Horse class the other being the Young Driver 10-14 years. Nevertheless the older young driver category attracted more entries than usual and proved a very strong class indeed. Coming out top and winning the famous Langdon Dowsett trophy for the Thimbleby & Shorland Young Driver Championship was 15 year old Rachel Milton driving Jessie Dudley-Apicella’s Brookfield Show Time.

Traditionally Light Trade classes at the BDS Show are some of the most popular. Twenty-one entries were split into three divisions and it was the responsibility of Wiltshire judge Charles Roger Jacobs to find his three winners and ultimate Champion. He chose James Edwards’ Marylind Lady Jane in the Fenix Carriages Four Wheel and Steve Watts with Trixies BreninGwalia in the Thimbleby & Shorland Costers, but it was K.R. Howman’s Philmarsh Sam, winner of the Fairbourne Carriages Two Wheel Light Trade who ultimately went on to become champion.

The T. Cribb & Sons team had a busy day with horses in five classes; they also generously provided a display of carriages for the Carriage Foundation

Photo: www.1stclassimages.com

They included Paul & Christine Bassett’s lovely Highland Staffin Peigi of Castlegreen who had won both the Alexander Mountain & Moorland and Binder Ltd. Country Vehicles 13.2hh & under thereby making their long journey from Derbyshire worthwhile. The winner of the larger height Country Vehicle class, Lucy Smith’s Waunoris Melody also joined them in the final.

Novice Champion and entry into the Supreme Championship.

Thimbleby & Shorland Young Driver Champion, Rachel Milton driving Jessie Dudley Apicella’s Brookfield Show Time

Awards Committee Chairman Mark Broadbent had a particularly busy day, not only with the Coachmakers, but also presenting the awards for the Fenix Red Rover to Joyce White and helping his wife Joanna with her pony team.

The Worshipful Company of Farriers prize is judged through four classes with the top prize awarded to Jenny Todd’s Springfield Park Rumpus. A delighted Jenny cheerfully gave all the credit to her farrier Gareth Thomas.

The show is also grateful to all its stewards and officials without whom it, like all other shows and events, could not run. They, the unsung heroes, work all day bringing expertise, enthusiasm and ultimately pride in a job well done. No task is too big or too small, but it was disappointing that the clear-up team had to deal with soiled babies

Photo: www.1stclassimages.com

There was a new name on the famous BDS Supreme Championship Trophy at the BDS Annual Show on 19th June. Joe Rowe took time off from his duties as a farrier to come out top of a very strong class of nine competitors who had qualified throughout the day to compete for the supreme title.

Thank you to all the sponsors for their support, and also to the Livery Companies who attend the show. The Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights support the Vintage Vehicle class and bring a large party to the show, with a similar number from the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers & Coach Harness Makers for whom the highlight is the presentation of their Award by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. This year’s winner was Margaret Brockie.

Margaret Brockie receiving her award from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers & Coach Harness Makers, Michael Kimber

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Reports nappies left in the horse box park (and blocking the disabled toilet thereby leaving it unavailable to those who might need it). So Show Director Barrie Luck would like to say a big thank you to everyone who gave up their time to come and help.

Driving classes. Joanna Seaman driving Mr and Mrs. Armstrong’s Erris Gold Coin won the Two Wheel category with James Titmus driving The Outlaw winning both the Four Wheel and Pleasure Driving classes. Judge Justin Cowles had a difficult task finding his winners so congratulations to everyone who took part in these competitive classes.

Winner of the Donkey/Mule class – Alan Larner’s Harry Potter

Stewards in the Tom Coombs Ring had a particularly busy day with large entry numbers in all four Hackney classes. Judge Peter Andrews said that they were some of the best Hackney classes that he had seen in 25 years. He picked as his Champion Hayley McNiece’s Baldwins A Class Act, repeating her win of a year ago.

Spectacular action was also to the fore in the Brightside Welsh Cob Wagons with Dawn Groom winning both classes but her Section D Thorneyside Gold Dust came out top in the Championship.

Large numbers could also be seen in the Balanced Horse Feeds Exercise and Pleasure

Frank and Jane Warrender, long-time supporters of the show, presented their Surtees Trophy to Alice Pritchard when she won their Ride & Drive class with Trixies Top Dollar, and it was 16 year old Westbourne High Flyer driven by Pauline Holcombe who took top spot in the Grayswood Carriages Veteran class.

Carriage Driving Magazine editor, Stephanie Kill, had to replace her pen with a hat and took on the task of judging the Truckbusters Concours d’Elegance. She watched the competitors at various points throughout the drive in the Park and chose as her ultimate winner Bob Alexander

So he joined six other champions centre stage in front of the Royal Box of Guards Polo Club.

There they were privileged to receive their prizes from HM The Queen accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. It is a tradition of the BDS Show that competitors parade in front of the Royal Box at the end of the day, all competitors are welcomed, indeed some just enter in order that they can parade. Polo enthusiasts joined by the show’s own spectators were treated to a wonderful spectacle of private driving and this was the culmination of a very special day at the 52nd BDS Annual Show.

Photo: www.1stclassimages.com

Photo: www.1stclassimages.com

The donkeys were moved to the Sanders Watney Ring which proved very popular with many of the show’s visitors. Regular steward, Alan Larner, asked if the show would mind if he reverted to being a competitor this year – the show said ‘of course not’ and a delighted Alan went on to win the class with his donkey Harry Potter.

and his spectacular unicorn of coloured horses.

It was a fabulous end to a wonderful day of four wins for Bob whose enthusiasm for competing with multiples is unbounded.

HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with K.R. Howman and Philmarsh Sam, Light Trade Champion

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Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

05/07/2016 10:27

British Driving Society

7

Area News

Area Activities Beds, Bucks & Herts AC Linda Swain Tel: 07850-706978 Email lindaswain10@aol.com AAC Shirley Higgins Tel: 01923 267919 Email: shirleyhiggins@btinternet.com AAC Tanya Howard Tel: 01923 284462 / 07788 27526 Email: tanyarhoward@yahoo.co.uk Publicity Officer Sylvia Sullivan Tel: 01767 677906 Email: ssulledit@aol.com ROW – Brian Worrell Tel: 01442 258602 Email: brian.worrell@ridgelea.freeserve.co.uk Many BBH members took turnouts to compete in the Annual show on Smith’s Lawn, Windsor on 19th June and also joined in the parade at the end of the afternoon in front of the Royal party.

Well done to you all!

Remember the Championship show on 24th September at Addington needs your support too – there are open classes to enter as well as the Osborne Refrigerators classes if you have been lucky enough to win one of those precious Qualifiers rosettes.

30 Jul – BDS Trec afternoon event from Twintrees EC Northill, Beds SG18 9AB Contact Linda to book your place please. A minimum of five turnouts is required before this event can take place.

13 Aug – Afternoon tea at Fallow Fields, Sandy, Beds. All members and friends welcome from 2pm. Please bring a small cake donation. Contact Linda to confirm attendance.

27 Aug – Afternoon drive out from Twintrees EC, Northill, Beds SG18 9AB. Short or longer routes with written directions available, convoy or small groups.

Contact Linda to confirm attendance by 22nd August please.

17 Sept – Drivers Dream show near Biggleswade, Beds with the National Finals for the 2016 Style & Performance

Liz Edmonds

8

British Driving Society

classes plus Osborne Refrigerators qualifiers for 2017. Schedules from Linda – lindaswain10@aol.com 24 Sept – Driving Addington BDS Championship show nr Buckingham. Free entry for spectators! Helpers always needed – please contact Linda for details.

30 Sept – Coffee Morning at Fallowfield, Sandy, Beds SG19 2UW from 10am in aid of McMillan Cancer Support. All members & friends welcome also donations of cakes & biscuits. Contact Linda a few days beforehand so enough cups & seats are available !

9 Oct – Trec morning at Wrestlingworth, Beds with safety presentation , arena skills , cones course & non scoring optional road drive.

Hard standing for lorry & trailer parking.

Entry form available from Linda nearer the date but please note that there must be minimum of 5 turnouts entered for the event to take place.

22 Oct – BDS main AGM day at Hilton Warwick …. All members welcome.

3 Nov – Social evening at The Guinea PH, Moggerhanger, Beds MK44 3RG from 7pm.

Please contact Linda in good time to book your places – 07850 706978.

12 Nov – Evening pub meal near Chipperfield, Herts. Please contact Shirley Higgins well in advance to book your places.

Members with turnouts will be very welcome at all meets and drives. The areas are defined for administration only and all members are welcome at events in any area. However, Area Comissioners would welcome a phone call to know that you are on your way 3 Dec – Our popular Christmas meal at The Green Man , Stanford nr Shefford , Beds SG18 9JD – just £25 pp with FREE raffle and entertainment!

Accommodation is available for those travelling from farther afield but do book this B&B well in advance by ringing 01462 812293.

Cheque payments for the meal should be made out to `Beds, Bucks & Herts BDS` & sent to Linda Swain , 15 Woodcock Close, Sandy , Beds SG19 2UW asap please.

10 Dec ( prov.) – Morning coffee in Blossoms café from 10am at the rear of the Home & Garden Centre, Bedford Road, Willington , Beds MK44 3PR. Please contact Linda to confirm this event.

10 Dec – Evening pub meal near Chipperfield, Herts. Please contact Shirley Higgins well in advance to book your places.

Remember that your BDS membership card should be with you at all driving events as proof of insurance and may be checked before each event.

Those aged under 14 years must wear hard hats at all times whilst in a carriage , and the wearing of high- viz gear for driver, groom, horse and carriage is highly recommended on any road drives – be seen !

Geraldine Pearson

Charlie Sherfield

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News Denis Walmsley Memorial Drive: 8 May 2016

Berkshire AC Joanna Holland Mob: 07766 751 352 Tel: 01635 230486 Email: Joeyhol34@gmail.com Assistant Area Commissioners Colin Pawson LHHI Email: pawson@sheltonfarmcarriages.co.uk Tel: 01189 842619 Clive Collins Email: clive7845@gmail.com Tel: 01635 862863/07799 892007 Joanna Holland Email: joeyhol34@googlemail.com Tel: 01635 230486 Martin Pink Email: martinpink302@btinternet.com Rights of Way: Margaret Pawson Email: pawson@sheltonfarmcarriages.co.uk Tel: 01189 842619

Some four years ago the late Denis Walmsley, known to many primarily for his courtesy and most wonderful driving whips, asked me to help organise a pleasure drive over the Laverstoke Grange Estate to raise money for the Newbury Group of Driving for the Disabled. Since then the drive has become an eagerly awaited established event at the start of each season.

Denis died shortly before last year’s drive and from this year it has been renamed in his memory. Twenty five turnouts, the maximum that can be squeezed into the parking, enjoyed a completely off-road drive over the most wonderful open countryside with outstanding views and raised just over £800 for the Disabled Driving Group. I’m sure Denis would be proud of his legacy. (CCMP) Brockhurst interval drive organised by Clive Collins and with grateful thanks to Brockhurst School for the use of their car park and playing fields for a quintessentially English picnic location. Once again this gave us a beautiful sunny drive through the Pang valley with two splashes through the Bucklebury Ford providing a good opportunity to get the grooms feet wet.

Brockhurst Interval Drive

Brockhurst Interval Drive

The Berkshire area started off the year with News Years Supper at the Four Points at Aldworth, lots of great company and a hearty supper.

The annual quiz evening with fish and chip supper at Beenham social club was a great success with Clive the legendary quiz master and score keeper Fee

Up & Coming Events

A new drive on 7th August at Bramshill Forest near Reading, contact Colin Pawson, email pawson@sheltonfarmcarriages. co.uk

Brockhurst Interval Drive

Brockhurst Interval Drive

Brockhurst Interval Drive

Brockhurst Interval Drive

12th September Englefield Drive, Mortimer, contact Clive Collins, email clive7845@ gmail.com 18th September drive at Windsor Great Park, contact Martin pink email martinpink302@btinternet.com

Brockhurst Interval Drive

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Brockhurst Interval Drive

British Driving Society

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Area News Cheshire To be Announced

Cornwall Email: maureen.ryder@hotmail.co.uk Lappa Valley – Sue Heather

AC Maureen Ryder-Gordon Tel: 01566 785241 Mob: 07782 413307 AAC Bryony Maunder Tel: 01752 851800 Mob: 07966 069099 Email: bryonymaunder@btinternet.com

Lappa Valley – Elaine Kearney

On January 15th around fifty members met at the Sladesbridge Country House Inn, Wadebridge for the members meeting. This was an opportunity to discuss which events are most popular and vote for then in the coming year. It was a great success with so many able to attend and provide their input. Then the work really began to build a programme for the year.

February 5th was officially quiz night at Jamaica Inn, Bolventor for the BDS. We were delighted to welcome thirty two members from both Cornwall and Devon. It was a very cheerful and light hearted evening. Michael Talbot-Smith was quizmaster for the evening and his wife, Jane kept us abreast of the “scores on the doors” and perfected an amazing pen juggling act to amuse us all. ‘Love to Crew’ were the proud winners who were awarded some very nice wine kindly supplied by Michael and Jane.

March 11th we ventured back to Jamaica Inn, this time for an interesting and informative talk on Attelage de Tradition with Lester Dagge. Lester gave a fascinating summary of the history of carriages dating from 1900 to present day along with Attelage, how it is extremely popular in Europe and what is involved. Lester than briefed the forty one attendees on the elements which are presentation, road drive and cones and how they are run. You never know you might see an Attelage event in Cornwall.

Sunday April 3rd we went to Halvana Plantation to drive through quiet country lanes and Forestry Commission land. Unfortunately, we had far too much liquid sunshine but still with that horrid weather nine turnouts came along to brave the elements. Jane Talbot-Smith aided by husband Michael did a fantastic job at selecting and marking the course. The cups of tea and slices of cakes were plentiful and well appreciated. Pauline Jeffery and Carole Cleaver very kindly helped with the refreshments.

Minta Winn was kind enough to attend our Training Day on Saturday April 16th at Lower Croan Farm, Sladesbridge by kind permission of Roger and Gill Derryman. It was quite a long day starting at 10am and concluding at 4.15pm.

Lappa Valley – Sheila Sexton

Valley Steam Railway as a base which gave us a huge expanse to park needed for ten turnouts.

We had one team, two tandems, one pair and six single turnouts attend the event. The route was devised by David and Dolly Scott. David and John Gordon marked the course out the day before whilst Dolly and Marion must have baked non-stop! After the drive everyone gathered for a cup of tea, slice of cake and a chinwag in the lovely sunshine. The owner of Lappa Valley, Keith, was asked to nominate the turnout which he found the most eye catching. The winner was Roger Derryman with his team of Gelderlanders.

Judging by the smiles it was a very successful first drive of the season.

Minta Winn training day – Trudie Merchant

It was a delight to see Minta work with each turnout individually to address what they thought seemed to be amiss or needed some extra work or advice. Minta advised from the ground, sat alongside, stood on the backstep and took the reins in order to advise on improvements. A Cornish pasty was in order for lunch and on we went into the afternoon with a quick turnover of attendees. The participants numbered five single turnouts (including Trudie Merchant and Julie Morrisroe from BDS Devon), two pairs and three tandems. Lovely to see the different combinations and there was great excitement over the thought of some members attending the Tandem Club meet at Fenix Carriages on July 31st.

Lester Dagge talk on Attelage

It was a busy weekend as on the Sunday (March 13th) we had a lovely drive around Cornish country lanes in the sunshine. We were lucky enough to be able to use the car park for Lappa

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British Driving Society

Lappa Valley – Roger Derryman

Minta Winn training day – Anne Honeywell

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News

Colquite drive – Jo Sincock

May 22nd was the date BDS Cornwall headed to Colquite, near Bodmin for a leisurely drive around the Estate and into Forestry Commission land. We always love this drive as it offers an all off-road experience which is great for bringing on a novice turnout whether that is horse or whip.

The weather forecasts was not good but on the day was just what we wanted. Paul Maunder and John Gordon kindly organised the course incorporating detours to improve the route and avoid a rather large tree which had blown down.

Thank goodness they were both fully fledged Boy Scouts and came prepared for all eventualities.

If you ever fancy a game of sardines make sure Mike Mitchell is on your team. I still don’t know quite how Mike managed to fit sixteen turnouts into the allocated parking areas.

Mary Cummings delighted with her shetland Shamus, Judge Michelle Peters looking on

that Mary Cummings was delighted to take second place with her new Shetland so an extra big round of applause for Mary. Leah Worth won the ridden section of the Ride and Drive class and looked just the part on Brian Colebrook-Clarke’s

Junior whip Leah Worth driving Brian ColebrookClarke's cob

BDS Cornwall Annual Show – Junior whip Caitlin Barnett Nicky Buxton receiving the Victoria Foods Championship with Heartland Christie

Colquite drive – Diane Hirst

At 1pm there was a steady flow of turnouts ready for a picturesque tour of the estate. We try to avoid convoy driving to allow everyone to go at their own pace and enjoy the experience as they wish. Some participants came back one hour later and some were enjoying themselves so much that they took over two hours. No matter what the timing, everyone came back safe and sound which is of utmost importance. Everyone was invited to help themselves to the buffet which was “manned” by Pat Mitchell and Hilary Taylor (who is also our very well qualified first aider). Thank you to Pat and Bryony Maunder who liaised with Colquite Estate and Forestry Commission to obtain the required permit and permissions to make this drive possible. It was a very enjoyable day, watching all the turnouts whether it was a single, pair or unicorn take to the route in the sunshine.

Sunday June 26th was the Annual Show at Bugle, Cornwall. The field was prepared the day before with parking area, warming up area and the all important ring. It was an early start for our Judge Michelle Peters and the organisers. The full results are given at the end of this report but let me give you some highlights. The programme started at 10am with the In-hand class. I know

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

black cob Murthwaite Percy.

Jane Talbot-Smith was delighted to take the Long Reining first place rosette. Nicky Buxton with Jane Dowle’s Heartland Christie looked very smart indeed and took the Private driving 13.2hh and under, the Concours d’Elegance (judged by Jenny Smith) and the Victoria Foods Championship. The Private Driving over 13.2hh was won by Pat Maunder and her son Paul who won the in-hand class earlier in the day. Well done to Caitlin Barnett, just one of the very competent young drivers we have who won the Junior whip class with Frodo. The driven part of the Ride and Drive class was won by Brian Colebrook-Clarke. Lyn Downes looked delighted to win the Mountain and Moorland class with Louise Withnall who stepped in to act as temporary groom. Lyn went on to win the Veteran class too. I won the Multiples class with my Dartmoor ponies and well done to Jane Talbot-Smith who came second with a fairly recently assembled tandem and new groom, Linda Spry. The Pleasure Driving class was won

Junior whips Caitlin Barnett and Leah Worth receiving their rosettes from Judge Michelle Peters

BDS Cornwall Annual Show – Maureen Ryder-Gordon winning the multiples class

by Nicky Buxton with Blackhill Peggy. Well done to Jane Talbot-Smith and Shannon Fahey who also entered the Pleasure class. The open Exercise Vehicle class was taken by Mel Wilton and her lovely ponies, Titch and Mark. Great to see Shannon Fahey and sister Caitlin taking second place in this class too. Caitlin then went on to take the Best Groom award.

Mel & Carl Wilton

British Driving Society

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Area News Trophy Winners at the Cornwall Show

Derbyshire Staffs Joint AC Margaret Norris Tel: 07900 211634 Email: margaret.norris@chatsworth.org

Best Male Whip Best Female Whip In Hand Ride & Drive

Brian Colebrook-Clarke Mel Wilton Paul Maunder Leah Worth and Brian Colebrook-Clarke Concours d’elegance Nicky Buxton Victoria Foods Private Driving Championship Nicky Buxton Best Hackney Nicky Buxton Best Mountain & Moorland Lyn Downes Best Groom Caitlin Fahey

Joint AC & Press Sally Cowan Tel: 07802 470167 Email: sally.cowan@dsl.pipex.com AAC Rita Stevens Tel: 07920 282334 Email: ritastevens60.rs@gmail.com Treasurer – Sharon Allsop Tel: 07764 309436 Email allsopgshs@btinternet.com Support Officer – Carolyn Bryers Tel: 07791 069107 Email: carolynbryers@icloud.com ROW – Reg Muggleton Tel: 07896 878571 Email: carole.muggleton@o2.co.uk Rights of Way Officer David Kent Tel: 07929 193769

10th April Training Day BDS Cornwall Annual Show – Lyn Downes receiving a Queen Elizabeth II 90th Birthday commemorative rosette

Once again, thank you to all the helpers, it is all appreciated and without you it wouldn’t happen – thank you again!

Our season started with two training events, the first was held at Barleyfields, Equitation Centre, Derby. We were lucky enough to get Nicola Salter to take the training session. Nicola kindly did two sessions, the first on paces and precision within a driven dressage test and the second session was on Show Ring Craft.

Six turnouts attended with lots of onlookers both members and non members. We had a really enjoyable day with everyone learning something. We are very grateful to Nicola for making the day so informative and fun.

came under the eagle eye of Caroline, whilst onlookers observed correct methods of harnessing, putting to and taking out, with discussions on the fitting of various types of harness, vehicles and ‘quick release’ features.

Long reining in harness was also demonstrated, thanks to Sharon Waterfall and David, who brought along their handsome coloured cob, ‘Dancer’.

There were several people in attendance who were relatively new to driving who will, most certainly, have benefitted from the very informative demonstrations, as did we all.

1st May 2016 Training Event

Helpers at the Show

Right are only the confirmed events for your diary. Please keep an eye on the new BDS website for more diary dates.

Some dates for your diary

2016

The second Training event was a Safety Day for Derbyshire/Staffordshire area BDS members on Sunday 1st May 2016 and was tinged with a mood of celebration! It was Red House Stables 70th Anniversary and thirty members (including five juniors) gathered together at the home of Caroline Dale-Leech MBE for their annual Health & Safety day. Several new members were welcomed by our Area Commissioners, Sally and Margaret. After a comprehensive discussion on Risk Assessment, three turnouts

Safe and Sound Day at Redhouse

July 24 – Enys estate drive (please book in with Diane Hirst 07966 595153 or Maureen Ryder-Gordon on 01566 785241) August 7 – Treolwyn Drive (please book in with Brian & Brenda Ball 01726 851144 or Maureen) September 4 – Boconnoc Estate Drive (please book in with Brian & Brenda Ball or Maureen) November 11 – Annual Meeting (please book in with Maureen) Happy and safe driving!

Maureen Ryder-Gordon

Maureen Ryder-Gordon, Area Commissioner

Cumbria To be Announced 12

British Driving Society

Derby Staffs Team helping to celebrate 70 years of Redhouse Stables

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News Afterwards, our AC’s, Sally and Margaret, kicked off the celebrations by presenting Caroline with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Everyone tucked into the Celebration Cake and Punch, courtesy of hosts Caroline and Peter who had made a tremendous effort to make the day special by decorating the lecture room with balloons and garlands and providing a Celebration Quiz which was won by Samantha Jones and Christine Bassett.

Special thanks to our hosts and the people who brought their ponies, Sally and Terry Lugg with ‘Jack’, Tilly, Vicky and Chris Gottschald with ‘Sam’, and Sharon Waterfall and David with ‘Dancer’.

Thank you all, and thanks to all those who braved the bitterly cold weather to be there on this momentous occasion.

Chatsworth Challenge – special mention to Emily her first event , well done

Lyn Marshall Road Assessment Day

Future Events

It is a well known fact that anyone who visits Red House Stables, for whatever reason, comes away having learnt something new, and this day was no exception!

July

8 May 2016 Anslow Cross Country

3rd & 4th Bakewell Show 6th & 7th Northen Hackney Show/BDS Classes 10th Ashover Show 13th Manifold Show 21st Brick Kiln Drive by invitation of Rob and Jan Hutchinson

30th Leek Show

August

th

Twelve turnouts took the opportunity to enjoy the Cross Country course at Poplars Farm in Anslow, as ever this course never disappoints.

5th June 2016 Chatsworth Challenge

Chatsworth Challenge Margaret and Pete Minshull

A great day enjoyed by all. There were eleven turnouts including four new Members. Special thanks to Margaret Norris for hosting the event.

Competitors could do all or some of the five disciplines on offer.

Points were awarded for each discipline and totalled with Rosettes to 6th place for both Whip and Groom.

A turnout inspection by Mary Glossop and Gwen Floyd. An Obstacle course to test Pony, Whip and Groom set by Pete and Margaret Minshull and judged by Carolyn Bryers and Martin Parder. A cone course set and judged by David and Marie Tivey. A Treasure Hunt set and judged by Margaret Norris and Drivers Dream judged by Chris Bassett and Alison.

1st Sharon Allsop / Andrew, 2nd Julie Barker/ Jane, 3rd Katie Wileman / Reece, 4th Tilly Gottschald / Chris, 5th Philip Wright/ Barbara, 6th Rita Stevens/Martin

Results over 5 disciplines

Congratulations to all who competed and a huge thank you to all involved in helping and judging.

19th June 2016 Anslow Drive Six turnouts enjoyed a beautiful drive of 14 miles around the Anslow/Hoar Cross area. The route planned by Reg Muggleton was on quiet lanes with excellent marshalling on all main road crossings thanks to Reg’s Family. Bob did a great job in the front car and David also helped keep us all together by bringing up the rear in the back car.

Chatsworth Challenge – special mention to Emily her first event , well done

Special thanks to Ann and Bernard Greer who kindly hosted the event and provided a fine tea on our return

ROAD DRIVING ASSESSMENT

Chatsworth Challenge Overall Winner Sharon Allsop

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Congratulations to the following BDS members who were successful in achieving their BDS Road Driving Assessment which took place at Red House Stables, Darley Dale, Derbyshire on 25th May 2016, under Examiner, Sarah Wildy.

Lynn Marshall (Derbyshire) Loretta Storey (Derbyshire) Emily Hulme (Derbyshire) Michaela Kemp (Yorkshire) Laura Clark (Yorkshire) Examiner, Caroline Dale-Leech

September

2–4th Chatsworth County Fair. The Second Official Meet of the British Driving Society is to be included at Chatsworth Country Fair Horse Driving Show on Sunday Sept 4th 2016. The highest placed BDS member in the Concours d’elegance class will receive the Phyllis Candler Trophy to hold for 12 months.

11th Hartington Show 18th Catton Park 25th Equine Boot Sale Redhouse Stables

October

2nd Freehay Trophy Drive by invitation of Graham and Helen Lovatt.

November

12th Area Meeting Bentley Brook Inn 27th Christmas Rally Drive Redhouse stables.

2017 February

25th Annual Dinner. Bentley Brook Please note booking is essential for all events, please contact Margaret Norris or Sally Cowan to reserve your place at events and to get timings and full addresses.

At all events there will be a safety briefing 30 mins prior to the start time, please ensure each Whip is available for this.

Remember that your BDS membership card should be with you at all driving events as proof of insurance and may be checked before each event. Those aged under 14 years must wear hard hats at all times whilst in a carriage and the wearing of high- viz gear for driver, groom, horse and carriage is highly recommended on any road drives.

British Driving Society

13

Area News Devon Email: noel.danagher@btinternet.com

AC Noel Danagher Tel: 01409 261322 Mob: 07768 173177

On January 10th we got off to a good start with our New Year drive at Burrator Reservoir, when members enjoyed a lovely drive and took in the wonderful views from Sheeps Tor. When everyone was back and the horses boxed we all enjoyed a bring and share tea.

On 21st February Stuart Pohill organised a drive from Evergreen Farm when members enjoyed a scenic drive through country lanes, forestry and farm land. Afterwards whips, grooms and helpers tucked in to hot homemade pasties and cakes washed down with plenty of hot drinks all supplied by Stuart and his family at the Farm Shop.

On 20th March Devon Training Officer Jane Dowle put on another Road Assessment Test Day at Burrington Village, with Brian and Tracey Ball being our Assessors. Ten members took the test with singles or pairs. The day was a great success.

On Saturday 30th April we held a Training Day at the Grange Equestrian Centre, near Okehampton with Roly Connolly about

preparing for the Show Ring. Members took part in classes ranging from Long Reining, Exercise, Pleasure, Private Driving and ending with a Trade Class. We would like to thank Roly for all his help and Sam and her family from the Grange for making us so welcome.

On Sunday 29th May Brian Colebroke-Clarke organised a drive from The Village Inn, Ashwater, to Commemorate HRH Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday. Fourteen turnouts enjoyed a nine mile drive around country lanes and farm land,

before returning to the Village Inn for cream teas. The Whips were then presented with red, white and blue commemorative rosettes.

One of Devon’s well respected members Brian Colebroke-Clarke and his wife Molly travelled up to the London Harness Parade with their black Fell pony, “Murthwaite Percy”, this was something Brian had often dreamed of doing and decided this was the year to make a dream come true. All three of them thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Events planned for 2016 Sunday 14th August Fun Day at Evergreen Farm, Ashwater, Beaworthy,EX21 5HE. To include Road Drive, Cones and Dressage.

Please ring Noel to book. Food will be available.

Sunday 28th August Trudie’s Fun Day, at Great Sloncombe Farm, Moreton Hampstead, TQ13 8QF. Please book with Trudie (01647 440595) September Drive from Pat Martin’s, Little Thriverton, West Putford, Holsworthy EX22 7XA. Date to be arranged, please check with Noel.

Sunday 9th October Haldon Forest Drive EX6 7XR. Please ring Gina Saunders (01392 832529) Wednesday 16th November Devon Annual Meeting, 7-30 pm at Hatherleigh Community Centre, Hatherleigh, Okehampton, EX20 3HB. Saturday 26th November Christmas Fun Day, at Cholwell Equestrian Centre, Lewdown, Okehampton, EX20 4PT please contact Noel.

Saturday 10th December Christmas Lunch at Fingle Bridge Inn, Drewsteignton, EX6 6PW, please ring Iris to book (01409 261322)

Please remember to carry your BDS membership card with you at all driving events.

FOR ALL EVENTS PLEASE BOOK ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE SO WE KNOW WHO IS COMING, AS IF WE ONLY HAVE ONE OR TWO TURNOUTS BOOKED WE MAY NEED TO CANCEL. IF YOU HAVE BOOKED BUT CANNOT COME TO THE EVENT PLEASE LET US KNOW, EVEN THE SAME MORNING.

CARRIAGEHOUSE INSURANCE 1992

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Providing excellent, value for money insurance cover , with a superior claims handling service.

Plus inurance for horses or donkeys used for breeding, private exercising use, showing inhand or under saddle or ridden dressage, showjumping, eventing or hunting.

In addition, cover provided for your carriages, harness, saddlery, grooms, horseboxes and trailers For more details call us on : 01206 337388 or visit our website: www.carriagehouseinsurance.co.uk For instant quotes, taking out a policy, renewals, FAQs & testimonials Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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British Driving Society

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News Dorset and South Wiltshire AC Dryden Pennington Tel: 01305 853936 Website coordinator and Treasurer Ann James Tel: 01202 886501 Email: dogdean.farm@gmail.com Newsletter Editor Sandy Smyth Tel: 01258 880197 Email: smyth.bfs@gmail.com Rights of Way Officer Trevor Poole Tel: 01929 47149

Dear Members, We’ve enjoyed some really interesting and instructive events this summer and our outdoor season still has more to come, see the list of forthcoming events below. Many of these events are only possible thanks to the generosity of hosts who kindly provide venues and parking areas, etc, as well as organising and running the events. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank them on behalf of BDS members who very much enjoy these days out.

Don’t forget, membership support for all our events is vital if the Dorset and Sth Wilts Area is to flourish and move forward.

Thinking ahead to next year’s programme, if you feel you can offer a suitable ‘space’ for one of our events, do please get in touch with me to discuss the possibility.

In the meantime, happy driving to you all...

Trot on!

Dryden Pennington

Whips and Grooms Training

17th April: Whips and Grooms Course. A friendly and informative day with Sue Wiles and Tony Munt giving hands-on tips and advice, with an emphasis on safety. Anne Roots had very kindly made her large outdoor school available for the event and her beautiful Friesian took turns with Tony’s impressive Gelderlander to provide two very different paces so that grooms could learn how best to balance the vehicle and keep all safe.

Forthcoming Events Sunday 14th August: Demonstration of Multiples with Tony Munt, Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester DT2 8PY. Call Tony on 01305 849056 for details.

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September: Drive from Marlpitts Farm, West Milton, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3TN. For details call Phil Worley or Helen Minter on 01308 485389.

Limited space, early booking essential – and your horse needs to be fit!

Sunday 2nd October: Treasure Hunt (book by Wednesday 28th September): from Chilbridge Farm near Wimborne BH21 4DY, by kind invitation of Wendy Richards. Further details from Wendy on 01258 857203.

Thursday 8th December: Annual Meeting, Bere Regis Sports Club, Bere Regis, Wareham BH20 7LA, 7.45pm.

Sunday 11th December: Christmas Lunch at The Fox, Ansty, 12 for 12.30.

If you have any ideas and suggestions for further events, please contact Dryden.

Many thanks to the volunteers and helpers at Holton Lee who made this event possible and ran it so well.

Past Events 3rd March: Pony Drive. This friendly and sociable table-top game (our version of a Beetle Drive) was good fun and warmed us all up on a cold March evening. It involves moving round from table to table, so it’s a good way to get to know fellow carriage-drivers and make new friends.

14th April: Skittles Evening. Two teams of eleven played three rounds of skittles, culminating in a tense play-off, with the eventual winner confessing it was his first attempt at the game!

Whips and Grooms Training

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Whips and Grooms Course

22 May: Holton Lee Fun Day. Thanks to the Holton Lee RDA driving group, we were once more able to enjoy a great day out. The group had organised a variety of activities for us, ranging from a woodland drive to a small obstacle course and a challenging cones course.

A great day was had by all at Holton Lee on 22nd May

nd

Fun Day Photo Marie Stuart

12th June: Area Show Area Show, see separate article and photographs.

The Late Jim Richards It is with great regret that the Area advises Members that Jim Richards, a stalwart and long-standing Member of the BDS, died suddenly at the beginning of May.

A service of celebration of Jim’s life was held on Tuesday 24th May in St Mary’s, Sturminster Marshall.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Wendy and all the family.

We shall all miss our lovely ‘Gentleman Jim’.

British Driving Society

15

Area News Essex & North London Email: eunicehopton2@gmail.com AC Eunice Hopton Tel: 01268 773291 Mob: 07948 221297 AAC Roger Hopton

After heaping praise on Essex Girls in my last report I must now praise the lads, or at least two lads, Michael Howell and his stunning Section C stallion, Gwenllan Gwilym who have swept all before them over the past couple of years and even went on to achieve Supreme Animal at the 2015 Royal Welsh Show, something that no driven exhibit had ever done before. Very well done Michael, may your success continue.

Some of our Essex members had the privilege of joining the festivities at Windsor for the Queen’s 90th Birthday Pageant. Jessie and Geoff Dudley, Kevin and Kelly Searle, Roger and Eunice Hopton, with Mr. John Peacock our Carriage Master spent the most fantastic week in the Queen’s back garden. During the evening performances we were dodging WWII fire engines, ambulances, NAAFI wagons, motor bikes and dancers, all a little daunting and something you don’t always encounter in the show ring!

Our Summer Show on 12th June at Ashfields was a resounding success with most of the classes very well supported. We were lucky enough to have Mr. John Walker from Lincolnshire as our Judge for the day with Angela Sixsmith stepping in to judge the Concours. Mr. Rob Shave from Stowmarket awarded Best Shod of the day to Stevie Watt’s Brenin Gwalia (farrier James Scammell).

We stayed fairly dry, by the skin of our teeth. Just as we had finished clearing up the monsoon started with thunder and lightning the like of which I had never seen before! This was probably due to the fact that the local Vicar, the Reverend Gannon had joined us to say a prayer for our horses and the Lord didn’t want them to get wet!

Stevie Watts with Brenin Gwalia was Champion of the day with Jean Claydon’s Cosford Iziwotnot driven by Jessie Dudley in Reserve Let’s hope the rain stops before our Autumn Show on Sunday 11th September at Battlesbridge.

Hampshire AC Sarah McBride Tel: 07717-467562 AAC Gill Shorter Tel: 07718-787652 AAC Sam Searle Tel: 01420-587437 ROW Mrs Gail Johnson Tel: 01962 736556 We started the new driving season with a series of drives, organised by Georgina Burrows, Margaret Travers, Mark Shaw, Sue Kennedy, Terry Newman and Gillian Riley. One of these was a BBQ on the New Forest, where over £300 was raised for Cancer Research UK. Many thanks go to you all for your efforts.

We held a couple of instruction days, the first being a day with Anna Grayson, World Pony Pairs Champion. Anna worked tirelessly all day, with various turnouts ranging from a pair of Welsh Section Ds to a pair of Shetlands. All participants agreed it was an extremely interesting and worthwhile day. Due to popular demand, Anna also ran another clinic in June, at Grayswood Carriage Driving Centre, which was also very well attended.

Another instruction day was for grooms who back-step for our many pleasure drivers. Our instructors were led by AC Sarah McBride, who was assisted by Rick Patrick, Cheryl Clevett and Brenda May, and we had three carriages available to take the back-steppers out on the roads for some practical experience. As we were oversubscribed for this day we will be scheduling another day next year.

Ginny and Tom Parker kindly organised a Le Trec at their lovely farm near Droxford, where they had ten entries, and the eventual winners were Di and John Siviter. All participants agreed it was a very successful day and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. Ginny also provided a lovely tea at the end of the day!

I was disappointed that after a request from members to run a road safety training and test day, only three people came forward. For us to run a Road Test day, we need a minimum number of five candidates, so unfortunately we had to cancel the day. We would like to run another day in conjunction with our neighbouring BDS Areas next year. Please contact me if you would be interested in taking your Road Test.

The BDS will be having a stand at the New Forest Show this year (July 26-28) which we will be sharing with the New Forest Driving for the Disabled group. If anyone can spare a couple of hours on any of the three days to help on the stand, please let Barbara Mills know (02380813141).

Michael Howell's Gwenllan Gwilym at Queen's Pageant

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British Driving Society

We still have plenty of drives organised for the summer, so I hope to see some of you there. It is quite easy to organise a drive, so why not have a go? We need more organised drives in the north

Daria Howard from Berkshire

of the county, so if you feel like running one, please give AAC Sam Searle a call and she will be pleased to help you. Sam can be contacted on 07883-538591 or 01420-564129.

Queens’ 90th Birthday Celebration Interval Drive 11 June A very special interval drive was organised by BDS Hampshire in the New Forest to mark the official 90th birthday of Her Majesty on the 11 June. By kind permission of Dan Tanner, we were allowed to use Burley Park directly in front of the impressively situated 1850’s Burley Manor Hotel off the High Street. What a lovely setting in which to pause for a cup of tea before putting to for the nine mile drive through the Forest. At intervals, the seventeen turnouts, complete with extra polish, smiling whips and grooms, and carriages festooned with flags, set off from the lawn northwards towards the gravel paths of South Oakley Inclosure with a choice of routes. Along the way the turnouts passed teenage groups with backpacks and compasses (the stewards were often called upon to point them in the right direction), because Burley Village and surroundings are very busy areas for tourists. However out on the drive, there was plenty of room for everyone and the horses and ponies seemed to enjoy the easy forest drive and thankfully there was no rain. After taking out, participants found that Steve Croll of the Rising Sun pub at Wooton provided a marquee and very well-received hog roast, salads, desserts and liquid refreshment. As Hampshire members sat outside enjoying the feast, everyone was relaxed and happy that this special day had passed in such an enjoyable fashion. Sam Searle, AAC, kindly sponsored the lovely, very large rosettes.

Thanks to all those who helped to make this such a special day. Special thanks to Barbara Mills who organised the drive and all the stewards who cheerfully volunteered to make the drive a success.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News

Ttrec

Caroline Douglas driving Norman

TREC ‘A fun day out’ was our Trec held on May 21st at Broom Farm. Eight turnouts braved the ‘certain to get wet’ weather forecast and came forward to be judged by Stuart Johnstone assisted by Sarah Mc Bride. Hi-viz was in abundance and some very high Presentation scores were achieved.

John Redman and Tony Truder

The short drive, all off-road round field margins and through ancient woodland, offered varied terrain and some wonderful scenery.

Then to the Skills, where whips found out how difficult it is to actually drive a straight line and circles that are round! An obedient pony, and teamwork between driver, pony and groom certainly helps here.

In the end the final scores were very close, but the worthy winner was Jon Siviter and Jack, with Di as groom on this occasion! Runner-up was Kate Malam, with Roger Page a close 3rd.

Jenny and Simon Dyer driving Drizzle

Many thanks to Stuart for judging and to my team of helpers both on the day and in preparing the course beforehand. And………….we didn’t get wet!

Barbara Mills and Gillian Riley driving Bill Trec

Robert Young from the Isle of Wight driving Murray

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Ttrec

BDS Trec Inspection

Diary Dates July 26-28 – New Forest Show. We will have our own BDS stand this year in The Heart of The Forest area, next to the Members’ Enclosure. If you can spare a couple of hours to man this stand on any of the three days, please contact Barbara Mills on 02380-813141 who will be pleased to hear from you.

Saturday July 30. Drive from Lower Soldridge Farm, Medstead (GU34 5JF). This will be a processional drive of approximately nine miles, starting at 1.00 p.m. with a pub stop.

This will be followed by a BBQ and music. £10 per head. Names to Sam Searle on 01420-564129 or 07883-538591.

Wednesday August 17. Spider drive to Hasley, by the western gate to the inclosure (map ref: SU189119). There is no water but plenty of space and trees to tie up to. This can be driven to from Ogdens, Fritham, Janesmoor or Ocknell carparks. To meet at 12.30 pm, please call Barbara Mills on 02380-813141 if you intend to come.

Sunday August 21. Inaugural Hampshire Area show, to be held at New Park, Brockenhurst. Schedules (sae) from Caroline Douglas, Valley Farm, Arnewood Bridge Road, Sway, Lymington, SO41 6DA. Tel: 01590-682678.

Wednesday September 7. Spider drive to White Moor, Emery Down, to arrive at 12.30.p.m. Bring a picnic. Names to Sue Kennedy on 01425-272211.

Wednesday September 14. Spider drive to The Royal Oak at Fritham, to arrive at 12.30 p.m. Names to Barbara Mills on 02380813141 a few days before, especially if you intend to have one of the lovely lunches at the pub, so the landlord can be informed of numbers beforehand.

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Area News New Forest Driving Weekend. This year all events will be by entry form and ticket only, and are for current members of the BDS only (excepting social events). For entry form please send an sae to Barbara Mills, Oakleaf Cottage, Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hants SO43 7GG or download an entry form from our website. No telephone entries. For driving turnouts, a number will be issued which you must produce for each drive.

Thursday September 22. Social evening at Copythorne Village Hall, Pollards Moor Road, Winsor (SO40 2NZ). Buffet, supper and dancing to singer Mickey Page, raffle, bar available. Tickets £16 per head.

Friday September 23. Spider drive to Beaulieu Road, to arrive from 12 noon onwards. Light refreshments available from the ladies of Cancer Research UK. £5 per turnout.

Saturday September 24. Spider drive to Cadnam’s Pool, to arrive from 12.30 p.m. £5 per turnout.

Saturday September 24. Dinner at The Forest Park Hotel, Brockenhurst at 7.30 p.m. for 8.00 p.m. Tickets £25 per head.

Menu includes: starters, soup, prawns, pate; mains, cod, chicken, roast lamb, risotto; desserts, crumble, chocolate tart, lemon syllabub, cheese & biscuits.

Sunday September 25. Sunday Best drive from Aldridge Hill camp-site. This is a processional drive and will be divided into two, one for multiples and single horses and the second drive will be for ponies or those who wish to go at a slower pace. There will be two awards for each drive, given to the turnout the judge would most like to take home.

There will be an additional award of The Pretty Polly Plate to the best overall coloured horse/pony (i.e. skewbald, piebald, spots, roans, palomino). £5 per turnout.

Wednesday October 12. Spider drive to Splash Bridge, located on the northwestern side of Holly Hatch inclosure.

Bring a picnic. To arrive from 12.30 p.m.

Names to Sue Kennedy on 01425272211.

Sunday November 13. Annual social in Copythorne Parish Hall, near Cadnam (SO40 2NZ) at 7.00 pm. We will have a guest speaker, horn-blower Colin Pawson, who is known to most of you and has kindly agreed to entertain us after our meeting. Light refreshments will be served. To have some idea of numbers attending, please call Barbara Mills on 02380-813141 a few days beforehand.

Thursday December 8. Annual Christmas lunch at The Rising Sun, Wootton, 12.30 p.m. Please call Ann Mouland on 01590678321 for menu choices and to book in. We will be pre-ordering this year as the numbers for the lunch are so large by pre-ordering it means we can all eat at the same time.

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Herefordshire Email: kaywalton49@hotmail.co.uk AC Kay Walton Tel: 01981 540209 Mob: 07786 628274 AAC Mandy Reddock Tel: 01568 720395 AAC Roy Moore Tel: 01568 797776 AAC Jane Friend Tel: 01568 708074 Herefordshire is a small community and the number of people Carriage Driving is proportionate to that; however there are a number of interested owners for whom our traditional rallies are not suitable. We decided that we should put on a fun activity day to encourage these owners to come along and meet us.

AAC Jane Friend and BDS member Katja Jones had been to a BHS agility day last year and suggested we should put one on for BDS members. The response was overwhelming and we had to close entries at twenty. We held it at Monnington Court by the very kind invitation once again of John Bulmer. We decided to use the indoor school as it was a controllable and safe environment for the youngsters particularly to have a go in.

Roy Moore with Pixie

The challenges were demanding and everyone had a chance to have a practice in the morning then we ran a competition in the afternoon. The school was stewarded by Jane and Katja with help from Roy with the donkeys who initially were completely phased by the whole thing. Two of the donkeys aged five and three had never been to anything before. Lesley and Johnathan Andrews their owners approached the day with trepidation, with Roy’s help the two donkeys took part in the afternoon competition and looked completely at ease.

The Tinsel Arch

Russell Knight with Pais at the Agility Day

We also had a number of experienced driving members with their youngsters and several members with older horses who enjoyed the challenge. The day was sociable, entertaining and certainly educational for both handlers and equines. They were either long reining or leading and the competition was divided into four classes. Equines 5 years old and over on lead rein , equines 5 years old and over long reined, equines 4 years old and under on lead rein, equines 4 years old and under long reined.

The Agility Day participants. 21 of them.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News

Roy and Peter ‘Walking the plank’ at the Carriage Driving Experience Day

Roy Moore and Sheila Bell (Peter the Donkey’s owner) at Kings Equestrian Centre in Bromyard for the Carriage Driving Experience day.

We will definitely run this event again, it was fun for everyone who took part.

Roy Moore with Bess ,Jane Friend and Mandy Reddock with Rosie, Jane Allcoat and Matt Allen with Merlin. The audience loved it and when Jo demonstrated how to do it a’ little faster ‘with her pony Shamrock they cheered her home.

Our rally at Erwood was well supported and we had a lovely day for it again. Thanks to the Jones family for organising this.

The Carriage Driving Experience day on 15th May was organised to allow people with an interest in Carriage driving to come along and see our pleasure driving showcased by members of the local Herefordshire and Worcestershire BDS. Everyone did a fabulous job and the audience were treated to an arena of constant activity.

A long reining display to music, then a Trec challenge with three exercise vehicles one turned out for showing class, one for a rally and one for a cones or pleasure driving class. We were then blown away by a display organised by Robbyn McClements our star junior driver with Kay’s pony Bess and an entourage of Zebra, Giraffe and Lion cubs doing a musical drive to The Lion King music.. Her groom was Pat Dutson’s granddaughter Khyra also a junior whip.

Roy with his pair at the Carriage Driving Experience day

The morning ended with a display from Roy Moore and his fabulous Commercial turnout complete with flowers and plumes on his Irish Draughts Dreamer and Albert.

The afternoon started with a display from Anthea Birches lovely Section C pony Penclose Wotsit showing us how to drive and turnout for a Private Driving Class. Merlin (Wotsit’s stable name) was ably driven by Anthea’s sister as his usual whip Rhian Ralph was working.

The next display was a cones course competition. Jo Pitts kindly brought two ponies and her nephew and niece (both junior members ) took on Robbyn Mc Clements and

The final display was by Roy Moore with Sheila Bell’s donkey Peter this partnership have a very special relationship and we are often treated to some great spectacles at our events. This display was different but no less heart stopping. Roy was demonstrating the sure footedness and reliability of the donkey and the difference in flight and fight mentality. It was definitely a DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME moment.

We enrolled four new members and everyone had a wonderful day.

All our events are listed on our Website BDSherefordshire. All BDS members from any area are welcome to come along. We also now have a Facebook page and you can keep up to date with events and changes on this.

Kent AC Antonia Gallop

Tel: 07976729862 Email: gallop.kentbds@yahoo.com

ROW Officer – Anne Rillie AAC Julie Elliott

AAC Carol Gillings

Tel: 01622 710582 Tel: 07768 348123 Email: kenttiddy@btinternet.com Tel: 07964 216930 Email: carolandstorm@gmail.com

I hope you are reading this with the sun shining and lots of plans to enjoy it with your equines.

We have had a lovely spring and start to summer, firstly our social Valentines drive to Chiddingstone Castle near Penshurst where nine turnouts led by Julie Elliott and the evergreen Duchess, trotted around the villages finishing in the castle grounds.

Moira Evans and Rebel took home the bubbly (she wouldn’t share!) for the best turned out and all went home with a super rosette.

The following month, Carol Gillings ran a drive in the beautiful setting of Stelling Minnis. This side of our county has some lovely scenery and five turnouts took advantage of another lovely day, setting out at intervals so as to set their own pace.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

We try to offer drives covering both east and west Kent as it is such a vast county but would love to hear from you if you know of a route you think would be suitable. It needs to have a large parking area and we try to avoid all busy roads but do contact us and we can check it out.

In April we ran our first Road Safety Awareness training with Sara Howe at Bradbourne Carriage Driving Centre in Sevenoaks and as ever Sara made it a really fun and informative session. Lots of helpful tips and areas to practice before our candidates took their test the following week and a huge well done to Tania Thompson, Debbie Tatton and Teresa Whitehead who all passed.

Valentine's drive to Chiddingstone Castle

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Area News

Private Driving Champion – Mrs E Edmonds and Maylands Magpie Members practising rein handling

We will be running another test day in September so please contact Antonia if you would like to put your name down. With lots of interest and campaigning currently in the press and social media around horses on the roads, who knows what legislation may be passed in the future that will require all of us who have to use the highway to ride or drive to be deemed competent.

May 8th was our annual show at its new venue of The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood and what a day it was. I can honestly say I was overwhelmed by the generosity of our sponsors, the willingness of our helpers and most of all our wonderful competitors who all contributed to a truly amazing atmosphere. Of course it helped it was the brightest, driest day (ok bloomin’ hot with a breeze) and we had the fairest judges, nicest stewards and a scrumptious lunch (thanks to Julie) It was an enormous amount of hard work but well worth it to see so many happy people.

For those who weren’t there, please come next year and why not have a look at the photos to see what you missed, Melody Fisher Photography has some great shots from the day.

For those of you who were there, thank you for making a truly great day and see you next year.

For those of you who gave up their time for many weeks beforehand, the days leading up to and on the show day itself, we salute you.

A big thank you must go to Dawn Postlethwaite, the events manager and her team at The Hop Farm as they were extremely helpful and supportive of our venture. As a thank you we will be sending a copy of the photograph taken at the end of the day featuring some of the winning turnouts in front of the iconic Oasthouses. The original photo is being inscribed and given to Her Majesty on behalf of Kent BDS as a birthday gift from our area.

Moving to this venue has not only enabled us to expand the show but to give us a platform to show the general public our sport and that is exactly what I think the area commissioners role is about and on that note…….there are guidelines given out when you become an AC

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that requests you should offer the post up every three years and this October I will have served my time.

If anyone would like to take over this role or become an assistant then I would love to hear from you but I am willing to continue if members wish. On this note I must also say a big thank you to Carol Gillings who stepped up to AAC when I wanted some help to cover the East side of Kent. Carol has been responsible for setting up the lovely drives in Stelling Minnis but has now decided to have a break from horses and pursue pastures new so if anyone else would like to be an assistant AC please do make contact.

If you have any ideas for events or social meets then please let any of us know as we are always open to suggestions. We were asked for a Christmas Social event and will be running our first one 10th December at Bradbourne Training Centre with a supper and a guest speaker to entertain you. Tickets will be available from Antonia from September.

In the meantime we hope to see you soon and happy driving.

Antonia

Pleasure Driving Winner – Teresa Whitehead and Brackenthwaite Duke

Diary of Events 11th September – Road Safety Tests at Bradbourne Carriage Driving Centre.

Please contact Antonia if you would like to take your test on this date.

24th September – Driving Addington featuring the Osborne Refrigerators BDS National Championships.

13th November – Children In Need drive in Stelling Minnis. Social drive setting off in intervals £5 per turnout to go to charity.

Rosettes for all. Contact Carol for an entry form.

10th December @7pm – Christmas Get together at Bradbourne Riding and Training Centre Clubhouse, Sevenoaks.

A chance to catch up with fellow drivers without your equines, guest speaker and supper. Tickets available from Antonia at £5 per person.

19th February 2017 – 11.30am. Joy Claxton talk “ English Carriages from Elizabeth I to HM Queen Elizabeth II” followed by our Area Meeting at Challock Memorial Hall, Blind Lane, Challock. Ashford. TN25 4AU. Free to members, £5 to non members to include refreshments.

Lancashire AC Pat Calderbank LHHI Tel: 01772 423630 / 07734 176827 ROW Alistair Mitchell AAC Hellen Perry BHSI

Here are a few snaps from the Pleasure Driving class at the Caerwys show which I was asked to judge on 11th June. As you can see they all made a jolly good effort and the day was enjoyed by all.

Tel: 01706 872698 Tel: 01282 436821 Email: hellenperry@ntlworld.com

I hope you are all enjoying a summer packed with carriage driving fun.

If anyone would like to host a drive or knows an interesting speaker who would like to come and talk to members please contact me on 07734 176 827

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News Dates for Your Diary Would anyone interested in taking the WATO assessment please telephone me. I am happy to arrange a training day and an assessment day if there are enough interested members.

I am running ongoing training towards the BDS Assessments and BDS Road Assessment, date TBC, if you would like to book a place please give me a ring This is an excellent time as the group fees for Assessments are at the lowest they have been since 2011 for groups of five or more

Pleasure Driving Class at Caerwys Show

Pleasure Driving Class at Caerwys Show

Pleasure Driving Class at Caerwys Show

12-14th August – Lowther Carriage Driving Trials (not BDS) Thursday 1st September – evening carriage drive to local hostelry, mainly quiet country lanes Tuesday 20th September – evening Spider drive Sunday 23rd October – Jacobs join and afternoon tea drive-last Sunday before we turn the clocks back...

Sunday 20th November – Quiz and Carvery-( humans only ) Saturday 10th December – Christmas dinner at the Italian Orchard Restaurant, Broughton, Preston For all the above events please telephone me for details re timing, booking your place etc; 07734 176 827 Hope to see you soon, best wishes,

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Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

British Driving Society

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Area News Diary Dates

Leicestershire and Rutland AC Linda Cotterill Tel: 0116 2776242 / 07939 150079 AC Jane Stretton

Dawn Moore winner of the championship

Tel: 0116 2707732 / 07711 084142 Email: robert.stretton@ntlworld.com

Reserve champion Andrew Wright driving his Welsh section D

Jane Austin

Dawn Moore winner of the championship with her pair of ponies Lottie and Empress with Norman Moore as groom

Trec Winners

Lincolnshire AC Mary Janes

sylviamary.janes@googlemail.com

AAC Gill Reynolds AAC Kenina Fallon Platts AAC Jayne Hayes ROW Officer Lt. Col Peter Robinson

Tel: 01778 440449 / 07790979147 Tel: 01522 778332 / 07932550475 Tel: 01526 398637 / 07713882289

On 23rd April a road drive set out from Fleet Fen and meandered through the village of Gedney where some of the turnouts commented on the lovely old parish church building. The route then took us through the hamlets of Gedney Broad Gate and Clarks Hill, ending our circular route back at Fleet Fen after about two and a half hours. There were eight turnouts in total, some of which had come quite a distance to join in.

We must have created quite a spectacle as local residents watched us pass by.

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14th August – Treasure hunt from Dawn Moores Stoke Golding Tel: 07940522179 28th August – Fun Dog show in aid of Springbridge Carriage Driving for the disabled organised by Rosemary Hall 07979027694 7th September – Reading Carriage Sales 11th September – Rally from Freda Martin Tel: 07887409636 24th September – Addington Championships 25th September – Anniversary Rally organised by Dawn Moore Stoke Golding Tel: 07940522179 9th November – Reading Carriage Sales 11th November – Social December 10th – Christmas Grotto at Springbridge Stables December 11th – Christmas Drive from Springbridge contact Jane or Linda January 1st – New Year Day Drive contact Jane or Linda

Tel: 01778 343383

As to be expected in April we had a mixture of weather, sun, rain, hail and wind but we were able to see that spring was just waiting to happen as many of the gardens we passed had a good display of colourful plants and flowers and the trees were just starting to make an effort to show a bit of greenery.

The ponies and horses all seemed to enjoy the first drive out together with some getting quite strong, they all arrived back to the home field and

enjoyed being made comfortable with either hay nets or a nibble at the early grass. Whips and grooms then all congregated in the yard where we enjoyed hot vegetable soup and rolls followed by two different cakes. A good social time followed with groups chatting and sharing their experiences and thoughts of the next event.

The first of May saw most of us at Grimsthorpe Castle Charity Drive and although this was not a BDS event it was organised by some BDS members and well publicised.

Some participants of this event had come significant distances but it was totally worth the effort and our thanks were given for such a super drive in lovely parkland. There was a wide variety of turnouts, with some very smart carriages and some with their Dalmatian dogs in attendance.

The route took us past some spectacular scenery and we all had some photos taken by volunteers which we were able to purchase if we wanted.

Again a good social time followed the drive and delicious cakes were offered by the organising

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News committee. The proceeds from this event go to the local parish charities.

A weekend gathering was our next event and took place over 7th and 8th May at Abbey Farm in Norfolk where we were joined by Norfolk members. There were 8 turnouts from Lincolnshire again six of which had come for the full weekend and either camped on site or enjoyed the B+B at the farmhouse. The weather was very hot and we split into two groups as the people with smaller ponies wanted a less challenging route. This took us along sandy tracks along field headlands, though some wooded areas which provided some welcome shade, there was a short distance to travel on the road as we approached home and the traffic was quite busy but we all returned safe and sound. We made our ponies comfortable and then sat to eat our picnic lunches and chat. The second group of larger equines set off for a longer drive after lunch and took in some similar terrain. This location is mainly off road and we were able to enjoy seeing the livestock in the fields enjoying good grazing and some hot sun.

Abbey Farm roads and tracks

Early June, rather chilly to say the least, and Lincolnshire members ventured out mid-week to explore the BHS Paralympic Legacy Access Project route at Newton (PLAP). We parked up on a wide grass verge and despite a few worries about locating each other we all did end up on the same bit of road. Pete was on watch duty whilst we were away from the vehicles, sadly this is necessary.

Our variation on the route saw us cover 13.3 miles. You could easily do just a few miles or extend it to cover more.

Our next event is Brocklesby Country Fair on 19th June followed by a drive on 3rd July from Kirby Underwood and a weekend at Orchard Farm near Skegness mid July. Further dates are to be found on the calendar list on the website.

7 August – The Lincolnshire Area Show at Revesby Country Fair. Long Reining, Private Driving, Exercise Vehicle, Pleasure Vehicle and Driver’s Dream. Victoria Foods and Osborne Refrigerators qualifiers. Entries close on the 31 July. For a schedule email gill@woodsidecattery.com or phone 01778 440449 28 August – Fun Day at Mary’s. 01406 420053 11 September – Road drive from 54 Glen Road, Castle Bytham kindly hosted by Mrs. C. Wright. Bring a picnic lunch. To book call Carrie Wright on 07747700666 / Tel 01780 411194 to confirm attendance , 18 September – TBC. Drive out from Southrey with fun and skills driving after lunch. Please confirm attendance by calling Jayne on 01526 398637 a week before.

25 September – Parson Drove Show (not BDS event) schedules call 01406 420053 9 October – TBC. Road drive from Girton. Call 01406 420053 a week before to confirm.

16 October – Drive out from Glen Lodge, Careby kindly hosted by Martyn Bradshaw approximately 9 miles. Arrive by 10am with plan to set off by 11am. Bring a picnic lunch.

Confirm attendance by calling 07801304816 the week before.

27 November – Annual Meeting at The Plough Inn, Walcott. Meet at 12 noon for meeting and lunch to follow. Call 01406 420053 to book a place.

Norfolk Email: palominocobs@gmail.com AC Miss Deleyse Masters-Brown Tel: 07769960695 ROW Officer Ann Melhuish Tel: 01366328057 Support Officer Justin Cowles Tel: 07887 890016 Email: justin.cowles@btinternet.com AAC Miss Jenny Sewell

A chilly start to our June drive

This isn’t a single route but a jigsaw of connecting quiet lanes, green lanes and other routes with public access. We avoided the ford at Walcott as it had an exceedingly slippery bottom and trotted our way through the prettiest of villages, saw some beautiful views and avoided the dustcart which was the only big vehicle on the entire route.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

31st July – Mrs Lewis Abbey Farm East Walton PE32 1PP Tel 01760 337438 14th Aug – Sandra Cooke, Wymondam NR18 9DF Tel 01953 603173 25th Sep – Rob Richardson, Whiterails Great Melton, Norwich NR9 3BX Tel 01603 810261 We are also trying to organise a BDS Trec event and we have another possible drive in late July mid August.

PLEASE send me your email addresses so I can contact you with events or event changes as it is impossible to phone everyone. It is not cost affective to mail letters out as it depletes our funds that can be used for other events. My email address is palominocobs@gmail.com If you do not have an email address I can text you so please message me on 07769960695 or failing that call me to let me know if you can only be contacted by phone.

Hoping to see you all at some drives or events this summer.

Thankyou

Deleyse

Northumberland and Durham AC Ali Wrangham Tel: 016682 17329

Mob: 07970 857603

Email: aliwrangham@btconnect.com

North Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Email: wiltsandglosbds@gmail.com Web: www.northwiltsandglosbds.com AC Hazel Woodbridge BEM Tel: 01793 770862 AAC Joyce White Tel: 01249 720608 AAC Richard Berry Tel: 01380 828034 Email: richberry60@hotmail.co.uk AAC Stephanie Dale Tel: 01666 505051 Email: cotswoldcarriagedriving@yahoo.co.uk AAC Sue Johnson Tel: 07891 117384 Email: sue.johnson2@sky.com ROW Wiltshire Hazel Woodbridge Tel: 01793 770862 Email: wiltsandglosbds@gmail.com ROW Gloucestershire Stephanie Dale Tel: 01666 505051 Email: cotswoldcarriagedriving@yahoo.co.uk

News from the Area The weather seemed to continue to mar our events at the start of the year and drives just got washed out. In March we held our annual meeting and our National Chairman Angela Sixsmith attended. Colin Henderson gave a very interesting talk on Traditional Harness and illustrating his talk with some beautiful examples of different types of Harness. After the main meeting Amy Bracey gave a short presentation on the Carriage Foundation, outlining its future aims now that it has charitable status and the forthcoming programme of events that it was holding around the Country. Members enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch which also gave them an opportunity to talk individually with Angela.

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Area News

Kennet Valley RDA Group with their turnouts

Birds eye view from the driving seat Hazel Woodbridge's Stanley in the woods at the BDS Trec on May 1st

The first main event of the year was the Joint BDS Trec with Oxfordshire Area, an annual event that has now been going for 11 years, where did the time fly by, it has been held at the same venue for all this time and is mostly on tracks and roads on the Eynsham Estate and just timed right for the bluebells. The entry numbers are not quite as strong as they were five or so years ago when we had anything up to twenty five entries however fifteen were entered this year, disappointingly not everyone completed the skills.

Colin Benford Reserve Private Driving Champion driving Red Admiral at the North Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Area Spring show 2016

Westbourne High Flyer driven by Pauline Holcolme being judge by Mary Ford Spring show 2016

kindly invited us to hold a drive on the estate.

It is hoped that there will be two routes one suitable for traditional vehicles and one that will include tracks and roads on and around the estate suitable for exercise type vehicles. There will be rosettes for the best turned out to make it altogether a special occasion. Turnouts will then be given the routes to drive at their leisure.

Sue Johnson and Toby with Carriage Dog Lemmy who completed the full 13 miles Mike King with Menai Leo winner of the In Hand and Exercise vehicle Spring show 2016

Sue Johnson and Toby. The drive raised ÂŁ300 towards their funds. The views are fantastic and there will be another opportunity to drive there at the end of July so when you read this pick up the phone and book yourself in!

Drummer the 22 year old RDA horse driven by James Oliver

Just a fortnight later, we had the annual Sponsored drive for our local RDA Driving Group-Kennet Valley based just outside Malborough. The Barbary Castle Estate are our hosts and also arrange for us to drive over adjoining estates which means that we are able to provide a different route each year. It was rewarding to see the RDA horses completed the full drive themselves this year with able bodied whips at the helm who are also members of this Area, driving the longer twelve mile route plus the short drive from their stables on an adjoining estate. We also had Lemmy the Carriage Dog who completed the route with

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British Driving Society

The area have decided to retain their own website on the same basis as before, but will need to use a new name, which I am hoping will be available by the time this newsletter goes for publication. It is intended to augment the main BDS website by giving a lot more local information, which will include events that are arranged at short notice.

Hazel Woodbridge

At the end of May we started the first of the shows in the area and by re-arranging the schedule we have included Pleasure Driving classes in at least five shows. In this area these are Open classes as we have proved over the years that it is not always the experienced whip who wins. Hopefully there will be lots of members all over the country who will get their five Carriage Driving Magazine rosettes.

Followed a week later by the Area Spring Show we were able to enjoy both shows in almost perfect driving weather, however in both shows a reduced number of entries. If anyone would like to gives some idea as to why this might be it would be interesting to hear. This is the case of most events including drives.

In the Autumn we have a new event to look forward to, many years ago there was always a drive at Stowell Park in the Cotswolds. After a recent meeting Lord and Lady Vestey have

Joe Rowe driving Noddy Vyse Temptation winner of the Pleasure Driving Class and presented with his Cup and Carriage Driving Rosette by Judge Michelle Peters at the Cotswold show 2016

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News Sunday July 31st – Fun Day – details to be confirmed plus Sponsored Drive in aid of the Kennet Valley Driving Group to be run alongside a Fun Day for those who would only like a drive to enjoy the superb views all on estate roads and tracks. Details and entry forms availale. For any other information please contact Hazel Woodbridge 01793 770862 or email wiltsandglosbds@gmail.com Sunday August 7th – Poulshot Driving Show Nr Devizes Schedules and entry forms on the web page. For any other information please contact Hazel Woodbridge 01793 770862 or email wiltsandglosbds@gmail.com Wednesday August 10th – Beaufort Hunt Supporters Club Show, The Slaits, Badminton Estate Glos Three afternoon affiliated Driving classes starting at 2.30- Details available on The Beaufort Hun Supporter Web site Saturday August 20th – Brinkworth Horse Show at Grangewood Farm, Idover Lane, Dauntsey SN15 4JH, All types of ridden, showing and jumping classes plus a full day of carriage driving Osborne and Victoria Foods Qualifiers Schedules available see also www.brinkworthhorseshow.com.

For any other information please contact Hazel Woodbridge 01793 770862 or email wiltsandglosbds@gmail.com Monday August 29th – Cricklade Show – Nr Swindon All types of ridden, showing and jumping classes plus a full day of carriage driving Osborne and Victoria Foods Qualifiers Schedules available shortly For any other information please contact Hazel Woodbridge 01793 770862 or email wiltsandglosbds@gmail.com Sunday September 4th – Brinkworth Country Show- Half day show suitable for Novices as plenty of space Schedules and entry forms will be available. For any other information please contact Hazel Woodbridge 01793 770862 or email wiltsandglosbds@gmail.com Sunday September 18th – North Wiltshire and Gloucestershire BDS Area Autumn Show / Fun Day at Mocha Farm, Little Buckland, Aston Somerville, Nr Broadway WR12 7JH by kind invitation of John Albutt. Morning session is especially for small ponies and donkeys. Schedules and entry forms will be on the web page. For any other information please contact Hazel Woodbridge 01793 770862 or email wiltsandglosbds@gmail.com Sunday October 2nd – Drive at Stowell Park Nr Northleach by kind permission of Lord and Lady Vestey to include Concours d’elegance for both traditional and exercise vehicles.

There will be a choice of road drive only suitable for more traditional vehicles or a much longer drive combining estate roads/tracks and lanes. This is a preliminary notice more details will follow later. For any other information please contact Hazel Woodbridge 01793 770862 or email wiltsandglosbds@gmail.com It is hoped to hold further drives during the Autumn as well as social events.

If you can offer a venue for a drive or have any ideas please can you contact either Hazel or any of the Assistant Area Commissioners?

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Oxfordshire Email: leeox8@btinternet.com AC Karen Harvey Tel: 01993 880445

Karen

We’ve had a few enjoyable drives since our joint Trec with the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Area at Eynsham Park at the start of May. These have included a drive we had been invited to organise celebrating 300yrs since the death of Capability Brown at Kirtlington Park. We have had TWO Jubilee drives one on the Ridgeway and one from Tackley which also celebrated June Collier’s birthday. A big thank you to both June and George for organising this and providing their new barn as the venue for the lovely barbecue get together afterwards.

recently qualified for HOYS with the Osborne Scurry group. Both Sally and Danny often attend Oxfordshire Area Drives when they can in between their busy Scurry schedule.

Party Peter Shetlands

Party

Congratulations should go to Amy Stone who was Reserve Young Driver driving Cosmo at the BDS Show at Smith’s Lawn.

Sturdy's Amy at Smiths Lawn

Although not down as an Oxfordshire member congratulations also to Sally Marshall and her husband Danny with her pair “L 4 Leather” they

Show and Fun Day on the 14th August.

Camp weekend with drives on the Ridgeway on October 7th & 8th.

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Area News Shropshire AC Philip Holder

Tel: 01952 242495 Email: philip@wellingtoncarriage.co.uk

AAC Elisabeth Lawrence AAC Dorothy Moreland ROW Janet Mees-Robinson Website Philip Holder

Tel: 01691 656805 Tel: 07718 060547 Tel: 01952 502433 Tel: 01952 242495 Horse Blessing

The atrocious weather preceding the Easter bonnet event on Easter Monday resulted in fewer turnouts than usual taking part. As the drive proceeded from Prees to Whitchurch organizer AAC Dot Moorland in the lead car with AC Philip began to worry that one member had not turned up. He was responsible for bringing the rosettes and brasses. After some desperate phone calls he duly arrived at Tesco’s car park all be it with pony still in trailer having misunderstood departure time. The duly decorated turnouts now lined up outside the store the Mayor Mike Macdonald gave out the brasses, rosettes and Easter eggs before presenting the trophies. Everyone then drove back to Prees to box up

Mayor Mike Macdonald Presents Easter Prizes

Horse Blessing Ceremony

The Horse Blessing at Aston Hall in May began with sunshine as equines were tacked up. When the turnouts proceeded to assemble in the court yard the clouds had gathered and as the blessing was taking place there was a torrential downpour resulting in some rather wet horses and people. The seven turnouts departed for the drive and the rain eased off and stopped. By the time we were boxing up the sun appeared again. Whilst everyone enjoyed an excellent tea Mrs. Whitaker gave out the rosettes and presented the Stroller memorial trophy this year to Felicity Stubbs. Our grateful thanks to the Griffiths family for the use of their estate and AAC Lizzie Lawrence for organizing the event.

On the28th May we had been invited to have a presence at the Shropshire Show. Sadly only a few members took part. The small static display of different types of mainly original carriages, potentially provided an opportunity to interest visitors in driving and promotes the BDS membership. We were kept busy trying to keep the BDS banners from blowing over.

Russell Hand brought along a restored, locally built market cart, put to a full sized fiberglass horse in suitable harness which proved to be the centre of attraction. Around lunch time we had the use of the main ring for half an hour. Russell Hand drove a mixed team of horses and Willowe Keeley and Felicity Stubs paraded with their show turnouts. Julie Wedgebury demonstrated driving a cones course with her team of Shetlands in the centre of the ring. Tony Gregory provided an informative commentary and described the turnouts to the large crowd looking on.

23rd–27th July – Shropshire Driving Days contact Peter Phillips 01994 453571 4th August – Burwarton Show contact 01746 787535 September – Carriage Parade Attingham Park contact Philip 01952 242495 18th September – Shropshire BDS Trec Sweeney Mountain Oswestry contact Lizzie 01691 656805

Somerset & Avon Email: khillsa@yahoo.co.uk AC Mrs Kathleen Hill Tel: 01823 672377 Mob: 07860 608501 Newsletter Sarah Cartwright Tel: 01984 623605 Email: cartwright742@btinternet.com Six turnouts braved the slightly dodgy weather to enjoy Jo Green’s Easter egg drive on 3 April.

Spring was beginning to show along the narrow Devon lanes, and the potholes were negotiated safely. Very few of the hidden eggs were found but everyone enjoyed the event and it was good to get together afterwards for tea, hot cross buns and a natter.

Six turnouts attended the Bank Holiday drive from Sampford Arundel on 2 May together with several members on foot who were able to be passengers which was excellent. The weather started fair enough but drizzle persisted later.

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British Driving Society

Victoria Morris driving Dryson Daniel AP Jet

There was a choice of routes and every turnout had a map to follow. As always Mrs Hill’s organisation made the day run smoothly, and she very kindly entertained everyone to lunch in the old parlour afterwards.

Linda King kindly took on the organisation of a three-day ‘holiday’ in the New Forest in early May. Mrs Hill managed to join the group for the Sunday. Six turnouts attended and the campsite was excellent. Each turnout was free to choose the routes according to size and stamina, one drive stretching to twenty-four miles with a break for lunch at a pub. Permits were available together with a gate key for access to the tracks

An evening get-together

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News Dates for Your Diary

Bailey King

and cycle-ways and a very adequate forest map could be bought. Jill Acheson kindly cooked breakfast for anyone who wanted it each day, and there were several pleasant places to meet for an evening meal. The area was excellent for driving, the event was a great success and it is hoped it will be repeated.

The BDS Somerset Area Show was held on Sunday, 5 June this year. The weather was warm and stayed dry. Entries were down unfortunately, and it is hoped this event will be better supported next year. The results have been sent to Carriage Driving Magazine for possible inclusion in their next edition.

Sunday, 31 July 2016: Tandem Club Meet at Fenix (www.fenixcarriages.co.uk). Anyone wishing to steward should contact Fenix.

Sunday, 21 August 2016: Mid Somerset Show. Please contact Christine Barham (tel. 01749 938044) for a schedule.

Saturday/Sunday, 27/28 August 2016: (Provisionally) Two-day training course at Fenix Centre, Higher Hill Farm, Clayhidon, Devon, EX15 3TW. For further details contact Mrs Kathleen Hill (tel. 01823672377, mob. 07860-608501).

Saturday/Sunday, 10/11 September 2016: Victoria Foods Carriage Driving Extravaganza, Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre, Greylake, Near Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 9BP. Contact: Vicky Morris, Hay Moors, Batts Lane, Long Sutton, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9EQ; (tel.

07531-081723; email showsecretaryVFC@ gmail.com) for further details.

Wednesday, 14 September 2016: Visit to Arlington Court National Trust Carriage Museum. Meet at 10.30am at Sampford Farm, Sampford Arundel, Wellington, TA21 9QN to share travelling in members’ cars. Group price (min. 15 non Nat. Trust members) £8.50 each. For further details contact Mrs Kathleen Hill (tel. 01823672377, mob. 07860-608501).

Sunday, 18 September 2016: Horseman’s Sunday..Meet at Kerlyn Farm, Churchstanton, TA3 7QD. Move off at approx. 1.00pm for a 6-mile drive to St Andrew’s Church Field adjacent to Clayhidon Parish Church. After a short service at 2.30pm there will be a drive of about 4 miles before returning to the Church Field for tea. The afternoon will finish with a 6-mile drive back on a different route to Kerlyn Farm, making a total of approximately 16 miles. For further

details contact Mrs Jacqueline IsdellCarpenter (tel. 01823-601396) by Sunday, 11th.

Sunday, 25 September 2016: Fun Day at Fenix Centre, Higher Hill Farm, Clayhidon, Devon, EX15 3TW. For further details contact Jo Broadbent (email joannabroadvent@yahoo.co.uk, mob. 07870 784708). This is not a BDSorganised event; separate insurance is required.

Sunday, 2 October 2016: Drive from Beeches Farm, Buckland St Mary, Chard, TA20 3QY, by kind invitation of Jill Acheson. For further details contact Jill (tel. 01823-421375, mob. 07749 021736).

Sunday, 16 October 2016: Beach drive at Brean Down Cove, TA8 2RS at 11.30am, move off at 12 noon. (Sat. nav. will take you as far as Warren Farm. Then go straight on for Brean Down Cove.) A 7-mile drive along the beach will be followed, possibly, by a simple lunch at the National Trust Café. There is ample parking in the coach park near the café.

For further details contact Mrs Kathleen Hill (tel. 01823-672377, mob. 07860 608501) by Sunday, 9th.

Saturday, 22 October 2016: BDS AGM in the afternoon at Hilton Warwick Hotel, Stratford Road, Warwick, CV34 6RE. All BDS members are welcome to attend.

Sunday, 4 December 2016: Christmas Lunch at Oake Manor Golf Club, near Wellington, TA4 1BA. 12 noon for 12.30pm. Contact Mrs Kathleen Hill, Sampford Farm, Sampford Arundel, Wellington, TA21 9QN (tel. 01823672377, mob. 07860 608501) to book before 27 November 2016. A prize for the Christmas draw would be much appreciated.

Suffolk Cambs & Huntingdon AC Elaine McCarthy

Tel: 01223 870181 / 07968 759245 Email: elaine@sterlingresearch.co.uk

AAC Jean Clayden

Tel: 01473 658400 / 07788 484623 Email: jeancpops@aol.com Tel: 01473 830326 / 07584 692686 Email: eunicebinder@btinternet.com Tel: 01473 830326

AAC Eunice Binder ROW Officer Wallace Binder Amelie Milton

Jo Green

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

The Summer season is now well under way and it is lovely to see so many of our area members out and about enjoying their driving. Congratulations to Danni Claydon on making her debut in the Private Drive classes with her lovely Shetland, Dave, how does she manage to get him so clean and keep him, so clean!? (photograph courtesy of Holly Smith) Congratulations also to Laura Priestley for keeping the knitting so elegant! Isn’t it fabulous to see Junior Drivers mastering the art of tandem and preserving driving traditions. Finally, it’s a delight to see Jo Cornell’s wonderful donkey

Laura Priestley BDS Essex 2016

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Area News Surrey Email: brightwell419@btinternet.com AC Jane Brightwell Tel: 0208 6579393 AAC David Pritchard Tel: 01372 457074 Danni Claydon BDS Essex

Our events this year started in January with a get together and meal at the Hurtwood Polo Club which was attended by around forty members and friends. Thanks to Will and Elaine Leslie for organising this for us, it was a great night at a lovely venue.

Jo and Flora

turnout grace our rings and he announces his presence so beautifully, braying for all to hear.

They say variety is the spice of life and long may that be the case when it comes to turnouts.

Enjoy your driving everyone.

Diary Dates Sunday July 24th – BDS Area 24 Summer Garden Party. All Area 24 members and friends are invited once again to Tye Farm for a social lunch and chit chat. Contact Jean if you intend on dropping in.

Sunday 7th August – Pleasure drive from Barretts Farm, East Lane, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6BE. If you wish to go on the drive please phone at least a couple of days beforehand to let the organiser, Paul Mills, know to expect you and to find out times. Please take your BDS Membership Card Tel: 01206 323645 Mobile: 07850 642025 Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August – Attelage de Tradition at Euston Park.

Following the immensely successful event last year Eunice & Wally are planning a second event. Places are limited to 30, so if you are thinking of entering this fabulous weekend event get in touch with Eunice earlier rather than later. Entries close in early July.

Sunday 11th September – Driven Dressage and Driven Dressage to Music competition at Blandings Farm. Two classes, one with music and one without, with places limited to 12 per class so enter early. Contact Elaine for more information.

Sunday 16th October Area 24 – Communal Buffet and Annual Meeting at Exning Village Hall (CB8 7HF). As the season comes to a close come and join us for a review of the highlights and even some prize giving! Bring a plate for the buffet table. 11am to 2pm.

Early December – Christmas Meal venue and date to be confirmed, but get in touch with Helen Seymour closer the time for more information.

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British Driving Society

In February we had our Valentines Drive at Horton Country Park. This event was very well attended with members coming long distances to take part.

It is quite a spectacle so early in the driving season.

Thanks to the Rangers at Horton Country Park and Lawrence Saupe and Dave Steer for their help on the day.

In March Gail Brownrigg arranged another evening at the Hurtwood Polo Club this time with guest speaker Colin Pawson giving a wonderful talk on Coaching. It was good to see so many members and friends attending.

April saw our BDS Area Trec at the Bookham Equestrian Centre which was as usual organised

by Helen and Dave Pritchard. A lot of work goes into this event and it is much appreciated. The weather was kind and we had a good entry of competitors coming to enjoy the day. This year our overall winner was a delighted Cherry Chidwick with her pony Crossfields Tommygun.

Cherry Chidwick WINNER BDS TREC 30.4.2016

When you read this newsletter we will have had our Area Show, so we are all hoping for good entries and fine weather.

We will be holding a Drive and Cones plus picnic at Nicola Farm, Banstead on Sunday 7th August, so please make a note in your diaries.

If anyone would like to hold an event please get in touch, we are always looking for new venues.

Sunday 7th August – Drive and Cones at Nicola Farm, Banstead, Surrey. Details from Cherry Chidwick, Nicola Farm, Woodmansterne Road, Banstead, Surey. Tel. 01737 350052.

Sunday 14th August – Chertsey Agricultural Show with driving classes and Osborne Qualifiers see Show website www.chertseyshow.co.uk November/December – Winter Social

Sussex East Sue Page

AAC Helen Bridges AAC Louise Woodward AAC Pearl Hudson ROW Cathy Millard

Event Calendar Events for the remainder of 2016 are as follows: Sunday 14th August – Oaks Driving Club Annual Show (affiliated to the BDS) Saturday 27th August – Sheffield Park Drive Sunday 18th September – Lou’s Waldron Drive Sunday 16th October – Havenswold Drive Please see our website for more details or contact Pearl Hudson.

Tel: 07842 806855 Email: bds-sussex@hotmail.com Web: www.eastsussexbds.co.uk Tel: 01825 872030 Tel: 07854 460305 lwd@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 01323 509986 pahudson@aol.com Tel: 07887 654174

We want to try and plan some more impromptu pleasure drives. If you would like to be informed of any drives that may be arranged please send your email address to Pearl Hudson at pahudson@aol.com.

We are still looking for more venues to hold BDS drives, so if you would like to host a drive can you also please let Pearl know. Even if you can only cater for two or three turnouts it would be good to be able to offer more drives to our members.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News Website – www.eastsussexbds.co.uk Following the launch of the main BDS website and the loss of the area sub domain, East Sussex have now got their own area website. Please make a note of this www.eastsussexbds.co.uk. You can see it by typing this address into your search engine or you can reach it by going to the main BDS website, clicking LINKS, then AREA WEBSITES and selecting SUSSEX EAST. This website is now ours to run as we like. Please check the website regularly as we are posting new events and updating the website regularly.

Your email address For those of you who would like to be personally reminded in advance of an event, please let Pearl Hudson have your email address, send it to pahudson@aol.com Emailing is our preferred method of communicating with you. Your email address will not be disclosed to any other members or third party organisations.

2016 Achievement Award Please don’t hide your lights under a bushel we want to present this award. This is the first time we have offered it and if successful it will become a regular award for our members and those regularly attending our area events. We need to know your wins at shows and events involving anything to do with driving and the harnessed horse. This includes indoor driving trials, shows, Trec events etc. In fact any classes involving driving or harnessed horses/ponies even a win long reining will all count.

Points will be awarded as follows: 1st place =6 points, 2nd place= 5 points 3rd place =4 points, 4th place =3 points, 5th place =2 points, 6th place =1 point, Champion = 6 points Reserve Champion = 5 points The points will be totalled up at the end of the year and the member with the most points will be awarded the rosette. This award is for the member, not the horse. So if you win with different horses throughout the year, it will all count towards your points. In the event of a tie, each will get a rosette and a prize. To be considered for this award, simply email your wins to AAC Pearl Hudson at pahudson@aol.com. This will be reported in the magazine and on the website so you will be able to monitor your progress.

Achievement Award Scoreboard so far (in alphabetical order by surname) Jane Bellingham =6, Helen Bridges=40, Christine Buckland=6, Joe Carter=6,Moira Evans=19, Rosie Fieldwick=18, Robert Gabriel=10, Gina Jeffreys=30, Kevin Jeffreys=14, Dick Tanner=6 Louise Woodward=26

we had eight turnouts and a rider. Although it had rained heavily the week before, all the off road tracks were firm under foot. Everyone had a safe and enjoyable drive despite it being cold. As usual, Mary, Dick’s wife had prepared a wonderful buffet for us all to enjoy. Thank you goes to Mary.

Sunday 20th March – High View, Framfield Drive A very cold but dry day met the brave group of five turnouts. Once again we were pleased to welcome a turnout from the Kent group. Clear maps with directions were provided for those that did not know the route and some of the turnouts set off on their own. Despite the cold this was a very pleasant drive along quiet country roads with superb views.

Everyone arrived safely back to High View to tea and biscuits and a warm welcome were provided

by Sue Page.

London Harness Horse Parade Easter Monday The London Harness Horse Parade took place amid 70mph gales. The organisers had over a hundred entries but just fewer than fifty turned up on the day due to the weather. Moira Evans was there with Rebel as well as Dick Tanner driving Bob to his beautiful Trolley. Among the first timers were Gina and Kevin Jeffreys with Beau and Joe Carter driving Dick Tanner’s Amber. Well done to all our members who braved the weather and made it to this prestigious event. Fortunately the sun shone so the photos look good and everyone will have forgotten the cold winds with the passing of time.

Dick Tanner with Bob

Sunday 29 February – Havenswold Spring Drive Despite the cold weather there was a larger than usual attendance at this popular venue. We were very pleased to welcome some members from our neighbouring regions, namely Kent and West Sussex, as well as some new members who turned up to see what it was all about. In total

This event was held at Golden Cross Equestrian Centre and proved to be very successful. The event was well attended with eight turnouts.

Gary Docking gave a very comprehensive talk imparting his wisdom and knowledge, illustrating his advice with innumerable anecdotes, which

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

It is hoped to repeat this event again as it was very enjoyable and informative.

Sunday 1st May – East Hoathly Drive This is always a popular drive and this was no exception. There were eight turnouts in total with some newcomers to this drive as well as members from the Kent BDS group. We are always pleased to see newcomers and members from other areas We had a lovely warm sunny day for our drive around East Hoathly. There were two routes available and most decided to drive the longer of the two routes. Detailed maps and directions were provided for all those that required it. Participants were able to drive on their own if they wished or in small groups. This drive is particularly lovely as the scenery is always changing, bluebell carpeted woodland to country villages and out into open farmland with extensive views across the verdant Sussex countryside. The route is along quiet narrow country lanes with very little traffic. All in all it was a very relaxed and soul enhancing drive.

Sunday 5th June – BDS East Sussex Show Now in its second year, this show was again held at Stuckles Farm, Chiddingly by kind permission of Helen Bridges. Colin Hurd was the judge with his lovely wife, Lesley stewarding. Gary Docking provided the commentary.

The results were as follows: Class 1 – In Hand – 1stSteve Tubbs, 2nd – Kerrie Alymore, 3rd – Denise Green.

Class 2 – Novice Driver 1st – Sue Nebbling, Class 3 – Exercise Vehicle 4 Wheeled 1st – Louise Woodward, 2nd – Gina Jeffries, 3rd – Christine Buckland Class 3 – Exercise Vehicle 2 Wheeled 1st – Sue Marskell, 2nd – Alice Brownings, 3rd – Lara Heath Class 4 – Pleasure Driving 1st – Alice Brownings, 2nd – Gina Jeffries, 3rd – Lara Heath Class 5 – Mountain and Moorland 1st – Steve Tubbs, 2nd – Louise Woodward, 3rd – T Whitehead Class 6 – Ride and Drive 1st – Kevin Jeffries, 2nd – Robert Gabriel Class 7 – Concours d’elegance No entries Class 8 – Open Private Driving 1st – Steve Tubbs, 2nd – Antonia Gallop – HC, 3rd – Paula Woolgar

Kevin Jeffries with Beau

Wednesday 13th April – Showing Master Class with Gary Docking

th

were both enlightening and amusing. Novice and experienced whips will have without doubt taken something of value from this talk. All the turnouts received a rosette in appreciation of their efforts.

Steve Tubbs Supreme Champion

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Area News

Ottawa

Ottawa is no stranger to the camera as he is often appearing on wedding photographs through his work with castlecarriages.com. So, despite the fact that there was no rehearsal beforehand, he took it all in his stride. Although, he was a bit dubious about the large fluffy microphone covers.

Sue Marskell Osbourne Qualifier

Ottawa should be appearing on our television screens sometime in October 2016.

Alison Burgess

Alice Brownings Reserve Champion

Supreme Champion was Steve Tubbs and Alice Brownings the Reserve Champion. Louise Woodward received the Osborne Qualifier for the four wheeled exercise vehicle and Sue Marskell for the two wheeled exercise vehicle.

Error Apologies to Jane Bellingham as the photo of her with Shadow was incorrectly captioned in the last issue of this magazine.

On behalf of everyone who attended we would like to thank Helen and Pete for their hard work in organising the show and in preparing the showground so that we all had a smooth ride.

Superstar Ottawa

Louise Woodward Osbourne Qualifier

Sussex West AC Colin Hurd Tel: 01243 776809 Mob: 07973 682861 (eves only) Email: c_hurd@sky.com

Sitting here writing the report for West Sussex in the middle of June I’m aware of the rain running down the window. Let’s hope for a respite to this unseasonable soppy unflaming June. I’m sure we are all getting a little cheesed off with soggy harness, muddy carriages and damp horses.

In West Sussex we have held our annual Trec, which attracted ten fine turnouts. We were lucky with the weather, very little rain, not too cold, and again we had the use of Ryefield farm with its stunning bluebell wood for our drive and acres of rolled grassland for the skills section. This year we had two judges which made for interesting

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British Driving Society

The beginning of March saw one of our members in the limelight. Vivien Daglish and her beautiful Comtois Ottawa had the honour of taking Paul Martin in their carriage to Herstmonceux Castle when it was hosting “Flog-It”. results. Thank you to Mark Fuller and Penny Richmond. Tea and coffee and vast quantities of cake were consumed during the prize giving.

Well done to all our competitors and a big thank you to Jeff Osborne for welcoming us all to his farm.

On April 23rd West Sussex Area Show was held.

Four days prior to show day our venue of The Weald and Downland museum asked us to cancel due to, guess what persistent rain which had left the museum too wet to use! However, due to the kindness of Jeff Osborne who offered us Ryefield farm we were able to go ahead with the show. I know that Jeff, Alison and the staff at Ryefield worked very hard to organise a ring, parking and laid hard core in a gateway in order to help make a success of the show.

The show was well attended, with six turnouts of superb quality forward for the private driving class. Two brand new members attended and gained good results, two 3rd places for L. Sayers, and Carly Smart won the novice whip. Well done both ladies, both of whom took advantage of the first class, which is a ‘training class’. It’s free to enter and our judge Mary Ford took time to help

Jane Bellingham with Shadow

and tutor the entrants. It certainly paid off for these ladies.

Well done to show champion Steve Tubb and reserve champion Lucy Smith.

On the subject of showing, entries to county shows have been poor to non-existent, Cranleigh actually withdrew their classes due to poor entries, turnouts at the South of England were light on the ground and also at our Premier show ground of Hickstead, again, few driving folk. Please please don’t be put off just because it’s a County Show I know that many of them only have private driving classes, but there are turnouts around that are more than capable of competing at these shows.

Cranleigh welcomes exercise and trade classes, but had no entries. The public like to see our beautiful horses and traditional carriages, let’s not allow these classes to fall by the wayside. I know entry fees can be steep, but you get to drive in good arenas and a good look at the stands and other exhibits, and a chance to show off your beloved four legged friends.

If there is anything we can help you with, please get in touch.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News Warwicks West Mid and Northants

South Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

AC to be announced AAC Oliver Belcher AAC Dianne Austin

AC Nicola Salter Tel: 01777 248210

Tel: 01926 815240 Tel: 01922 637191

AAC Graham Schofield Tel: 01709 586829 AAC Joy Ashton-Beard Tel: 01777 817679

Yorkshire & Cleveland Email: tallgirl1965@hotmail.co.uk AC Leah Swindlehurst Mob: 07799 884560

I must also take this opportunity to congratulate my husband with Newydd Beau again on gaining his Horse of the Year Show qualification at the South of England Show taking the show championship, well done Malcolm. Not to be out done I gained my HOYS qualification with Brynllwyn Quick Flash at the Aintree International Show, so there may be a little family rivalry there!!

A few words of introduction...

I have volunteered for this role as I wanted to get more events going for members, both driven and social, across the whole of the Yorkshire and Cleveland Area and be able to keep everyone in touch and hopefully also recruit new members.

I will be organising a “Meet and Greet” event shortly at a location as central as possible to give all members the chance to offer their input as to what they would like to do. I would love to hear from you – please let me have your suggestions for drives, rallies, competitions, events, trips, venues, speakers and anything else.

As to my background, I have loved horses since an early age, and after an initial career in the West Yorkshire Police, I pursued a life with horses at the Yorkshire Riding Centre and ultimately achieved the BHSI Stable Manager’s Certificate and HND Equine Studies. I was professionally involved with Carriage Driving and Clydesdale Horses at Capel Manor College in Enfield, Middlesex 1994-2000. During this time I developed a range of courses in these disciplines and with sponsorship from Marks & Spencer and Eqvalan, set up a heavy horse team and private driving turnout with our students.

I have been fortunate to have had extensive training with Caroline Dale-Leech at the Red House Stables in Derbyshire, achieving the BDS Intermediate Certificate and Road Driving Assessment.

Now married with two children, I work part-time as a Property Lawyer. Carriage driving is still a big part of my life but my equines run a little smaller these days (!). I now have two Welsh Section A›s which I have broken in myself and am just putting together as a pair. This has been a slow job, given three house moves in two years, a resident mother-in-law with terminal dementia and the adoption of two children. I am very much looking forward to getting out and about with the ponies to as many events as possible.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

On Sunday the 22nd May, Joy and John Beard organised the drive from Carlton on Trent. Five turnouts enjoyed the route which included several miles of tracks and a little on the roads.

The drive was followed by tea and cakes, we have to say a big thank you to Joy’s son Henry who kindly allowed us to use his yard to park in, he led the drive and then we sat in his garden to enjoy the tea and cakes. So THANK YOU Henry and his wife Rachel.

I was unable to attend the Little Carlton Drive on the 12th June but Joy tells me there were four turnouts and they had a lovely drive and only saw a little rain. A big thank goes to you Joy and John for organising these lovely drives.

AAC Lynda Smith Tel: 01964 602081

I would also like to extend my thanks to the outgoing AC Daphne Summers, for all her hard work for the society and its members over the years.

them all especially my husband who took the overall championship with Mike Clark’s Welsh cob Newydd Beau.

Osberton 2016 John

Saturday 2nd April was our first drive of the season around Osberton Estate which was a success as always. Six turnouts enjoyed the picturesque surroundings all driven on the private roads and tracks of the estate, so no traffic to contend with which is a real bonus.

Thank you to Malcolm for organising this drive for us.

Forthcoming Events Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th August – Owston Ferry Weekend. By kind permission of David and Susan Owen.

Tel Nicola 01777 248210 Saturday 24th September – BDS National Championships. Addington Buckinghamshire. By kind permission of Mrs Brown. Tel Joy Ashton-Beard 01777 817679 Sunday 30th October – Girton Drive NG23 7HY. By kind permission of Mr & Mrs Platts. Tel Kenina Platts 01522 778332 Anyone wishing to attend, please telephone the host at least 7 days beforehand. A contribution of £5 will be requested from all turnouts at a drive to cover the cost of a rosette and a gratuity to the land owner.

Osberton 2016 Janet

The Nottinghamshire County Show saw several area members taking part, I must congratulate

N.B. Drivers and Grooms who are under the age of 14 years and who are participating in any British Driving Society officially organised event, activity or competition, will be required to wear a hard hat which fits whilst on any horse drawn vehicle and this will include Grooms who have dismounted to assist with the horse.

Osberton 2016 Janet Goldsborough

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Area News Guernsey AAC Rose Yates Tel: 01481 258181 Email: rose.yates@cwgsy.net The GHDS has had an encouraging start to 2016 once the better weather came. Skilled driving rallies have been held and one cross country so far with two new horses competing. Nicola Jee’s Tommy and John Le Cheminant’s Maggie May have both done well in their first events in Guernsey.

The club is only small but have a keen hardcore of competitors that support events and it is lovely to see juniors Phoebe and Millie Le Carpentier taking part in the skilled driving rallies with pony Twinkle helped by dad Steve.

Events are usually held every two weeks depending on the weather and availability of competitors and venue.

Isle of Man AAC Wendy Kirkpatrick Tel: 01624 851302 Email: wendykirkpatrick@mcb.net

Isle of Wight AC Margaret Honeybourne AAC Gail Yardley Tel: 01983 873529 Mob: 07850 380616 Email: quackersandneighs@msn.com

Jersey Email: phyllis.gouedart@googlemail.com

AC Phyllis Gouédart Tel: 01534 721151

Ivor Barette just returned from competing at the Royal Windsor Show with his team and coach (no mean feat from Jersey) won the Spring Show Championship with a pair from his team put to a Roof Seat Break. Incidently the coach that Mark Broadbent won with at the Windsor show was purchased only a few years ago from the former owner in Jersey. Ivor also won the Pairs, Country and Concours Classes, also the Osborne Qualifier.

Reserve Champion went to Sheila Vetier with her versatile cob Charlie.

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John Le Cheminant driving Maggie May with Peter Bourgaize as passenger

Nicola Fallaize driving Missy with dad Dave Fallaize grooming for her

Nicola Jee driving Tommy with husband Nic Jee grooming

The schedule is aimed at the novice and junior members and novice horse or pony with In Hand, Long Reining and Novice Driving classes in the morning. BDS Judge Mrs Rachel Bown commented that these grass roots classes were perfect for introducing and encouraging would be drivers.

Posy Biles was also at Windsor showing her grey Shetland and duly won the In Hand Novice Driver in the hands of Kelly Moulin, Jamie Laffoley was second with another of Posy’s ponies. Linda Lutz won the Novice Driver Long Reining and Novice Whip classes. Also taking part were Zoe Gallichan with Jerry and Margaret Robinson with Danial.

Kim Murray’s 3 Dartmoor Hill Ponies enjoyed success, in particular Middle Lake 3 in the hands of Peter Gouedart winning the Novice In Hand Pony which had seven entries, then driven by his wife Phyllis to win the Novice Driving Pony and Exercise classes. A quick change of harness and put to a C Spring Spindle Gig which hadn’t been seen for a number of years and which suited him perfectly, Ben (known to his friends) won the Private Driving and Concours for ponies.

Tarrant Morelands Murphy

Peter & Phyllis Gouedart Middle Lake

Another of Kim’s rescue ponies Morelands Murphy (just arrived here) shows immense promise to head the line up in the Junior In Hand for Narissa Tarrent from Amy Smith and Aimee Lutz, then winning the Long reining in a well presented show by Kim Gallichan (it helps to have long legs)!. Aimee was well in command of Burnhead Jester to win the Junior Long Reining.

There were three entries in the Van class which was won by Vincent Obbard with his beloved Max from June and John Vibert long time supporters of this class with their Fell and Dales Ponies who were also driven in Tandem in the Multiple class.

Sheila VetierCharlie Reserve champion (photos by TP Vardon)

The once popular On The Move Classes had only three entries in the horse section. Sheila pulled out all the stops to win with Charlie and

consequently the On the Move Championship reserve went to John Vibert with Globetrotter Mosquito.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Reports

Two Grassy Fields in Hampshire Two grassy fields in the New Forest, separated by five miles and fifty one years, have an important connection to the history of the British Driving Society.

It was raining on the first field. There are no photographs to be found, no report appeared in the Society’s Yearbook and few people now recall the day at Yaldhurst Farm, Pennington, Hampshire when the very first BDS Annual Show was held.

It was added to the programme of activities held during the already- established New Forest Driving Weekend in September 1965. It is easy to forget that the Annual Show hasn’t always been at Smith’s Lawn. One person has reminded us: Sallie Walrond, who along with Pam Greene organised the Society’s second Annual Show the following year in Suffolk. The schedule closely followed that of the 1965 show. Sallie recalls that Richard James organised the 1965 show and several sponsors were found. Eric and Mary Hancock found a suitable field on a farm next to theirs. They, Sandy and Biddy Watney, Bunny and Phyllis Candler (secretaries of the BDS) and Betty Parsons played important roles in running the show. Having just moved to Fawley, Hants, Bunny and Phyllis’s home became BDS HQ, so the first annual show was, in effect, being held locally. The council’s intention at the time was to have regional areas host the annual shows in turn and the format of the first show served as a useful template later on, evolving as it went. Regional volunteers organised the Annual Show for a few years: Hampshire in 1965, Suffolk 1966, Surrey 1967, Warwickshire 1968.

The 1965 provisional show schedule, kindly reproduced by Sallie Walrond in “The history of the BDS 1957—2007”, indicates that the show catered for a delightful mix of skill and obstacle classes in addition to turnout classes. For instance, the first three classes included competition driving around obstacles barely recognisable today (and somewhat daunting ) with small upright jumps and water jumps and precision driving through “windmills” that turned when

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

very First Area Show will be held in this prestigious arena on Sunday, 21 August. A warm up area, catering and ample parking will be available. At a time when shows are slipping off the calendar, this is an addition that will interest veteran show people, juniors and novices alike, for all have classes to suit their turnouts. To round off the day and following the Championship, there is a BDS Red Rover Show Drive through the New Forest for turnouts that have competed earlier in the day. For whips who perhaps find the East Wing during the New Forest Show a bit intimidating and the July atmosphere slightly too electric, it is worth noting that by August, the New Forest Show will have vanished for another year, taking with it waving banners, marquees, showground rides and other sights and sounds. But it will be no stroll in the park because this show is bound to have a buzz of its own making. This will be a dedicated driving show in a quietly sensational grassy Hampshire field, organised, judged and stewarded by BDS members who understand and love showing. (For details of classes and qualifiers go to: www.hampshire-bds.co.uk. Entries and enquiries to the Secretary: Miss Caroline Douglas, Valley Farm, Arnewood Bridge Road, Sway, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 6DA.)

hit. These classes were very well supported. The competition was keen and usually, but not always, driven coachman’s using traditional vehicles.

Points were deducted for touching obstacles— not so easy with protruding hubs. There were cash prizes and the overall winner was awarded the Golden Guineas Trophy.

Following the Golden Guineas classes were conventional showing classes. Turnouts were divided by size (over and under 13.2 hh), singles or multiples, hackney or non-hackney, after which there was a championship. As it happened, a coughing epidemic led to the cancellation of the Royal Windsor Horse Show BDS Meet in 1965 and it was decided that the Langdon Dowsett trophy (for best turnout driven by a member under 21 years of age) would be transferred to the Annual Show in Hampshire that year. It was won by Diana Parsons (Brownlie). The other class winners are unknown, but are likely to be named on BDS trophies.

When Caroline told me that I had been sponsored, and that my membership of the Carriage Foundation had been paid for by Mr Derek Whiting I was highly delighted!

I was then invited along with my grandma and granddad to attend the Carriage Foundation launch at Southwark Cathedral and told that the patron of the foundation HRH Prince Michael of Kent would be there and would be introduced to the three junior members.

To round off the day, Utility Pony Race and Musical Sacks Classes were on offer. These must have lightened up the occasion as ponies, with guidance from their humans, were tested for speed and bomb-proof credentials and afterwards the grooms leapt into sacks when the music stopped. It must have rained hard at some point during the show because after the last class, Eric and Mary Handcock deployed their son Adrian and a tractor to tow vehicles from a sea of mud.

We got an early train from Warrington and arrived at Southwark in plenty of time to explore the Cathedral and the surrounding areas.

This brings us to the Second Grassy Field in the New Forest, and another “First” for Hampshire.

This grassy field, south of Lyndhurst and north of Brockenhurst, is kept in pristine condition.

Each year in July, part of the field is fenced into a generous space known for three days as the East Wing of the New Forest Show. It is a wonderful space where ponies and horses, singly and in multiples can open up their stride and show themselves off properly .

The Prince arrived and we were introduced.

After the introductions the Prince gave a very interesting talk on how he got into carriage driving and how he was encouraged by Prince Phillip.

BDS Hampshire is pleased to announce that their

We met some very interesting people prior to the actual launch. Caroline introduced me to Richard Forder who is an engineer and served in the RAF. We had lots to talk about as I hope to join the RAF when I leave school.

I would like to thank Mr Derek Whiting and Caroline Dale-Leech for making this unique and memorable day possible for myself and my grandparents

Joseph Carney British Driving Society

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Area News

Scotland

Chairman: Clive Rushton Green Email: CliveRG123@hotmail.com Tel: 07486 605898

Central Scotland Email: gow@pitscandly.plus.com AC Heather Gow Tel: 01307 462437 AAC Ann Small Tel: 01334 840609 annsmall@talktalk.net

BDS CENTRAL SCOTLAND AREA SHOW – Inchcoonans Equestrian Centre Sunday 5th June A wide variety of turnouts from Shetland ponies, donkeys, private driving and exercise all took part at this BDS Central Scotland Area Show held as usual at Inchcoonans with Joan Martin judging the showing classes and Joyce Simpson judging the dressage.

The classes started with the Open Private Driving with three turnouts forward. This class was won by Caroline Watson driving her Welsh Cob, Llanarth Tango to an original Dogcart by Mulliners of Birmingham circa 1890 with Elinor Bosanquet driving her pair of grey Shetland Ponies, Clothie Humble and Clothie Night Idiot driven to a Fenix Dog Cart in Second Place and receiving the Osborne Qualifer for Pair and Tandem. As Caroline and Tango had already previously qualified in the County Turnout section of the Osborne Qualifiers this qualifier went to the third placed turnout, Kim Pearson driving her Welsh X Stallion, JD’s Eldorado to a 1902 Lawton of Liverpool Beaufort Cart.

The second class was the Mountain and Moorland Class where again we had three turnouts forward, with first and second places being the same as the private driving class. Next in were two young drivers with Mhairi Hume driving Kinnness Mentor taking first place and the 10-14 year old Osborne Qualifier and Beth Thom driving Clothie Nightcap taking second place and the 15-17 year old Osborne Qualifier. Four Exercise Vehicles were in next with Wendy Scott driving her Welsh Part-Bred Llandderfel Penny Black placed first and taking the Four-Wheeled Exercise Vehicle Osborne Qualifier and Heather Gow driving her Shetland Pony, Kinnness Mentor taking second place. This was followed by the Championship which was very generously sponsored with prize money from Springfield Saddler where Joan Martin’s choice for Champion was Wendy Scott and Llandderfel Penny Black and Reserve Champion was Caroline Watson and Llanarth Tango. That concluded the traditional format showing classes.

Next in was the Style and Performance Class where the four turnouts forward had to perform

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a three minute individual show with some set movements. This class was won by Caroline Watson driving her Welsh Cob, Llanarth Tango who also received the special award for the Highest Placed Traditional Turnout with Wendy Scott driving her Welsh Part-Bred, Llandderfel Penny Black in second place and the special award for the Highest Placed Exercise Vehicle.

After the lunch break the classes resumed with the long reining which had three entries forward where Claire Armet Long Reining her Donkey, Baxter were first and Mhairi Hume Long Reining the Shetland Pony, Kerryston Winson were second.

Things then speeded up somewhat with the cones class which had eight entries forward where Elinor Bosanquet and Clothie Flyn won and Claire Armet and Baxter were second. Joyce Simpson then took over judging for the final class, the dressage class which had three entries forward.

This was won by Elinor Bosanquet and Clothie Flyn with Wendy Scott driving Llandderfel Penny Black in second place.

Dumfries & Galloway Email: janette.watson1@sky.com AC Janette Watson Tel: 01557 870342 AAC Jean Clarkson Tel: 01557 814672

After the long wet winter and early spring we are now enjoying warm dry weather.

The Annual Sunday Lunch and General Meeting at the Cocoa-Bean, Twynholm in January was successful with a lovely meal in very pleasant surroundings, looks like we could be back there next year by the comments received.

Fully subscribed trainings went ahead in February and March.

We tried a Table Top Sale in March but unfortunately this didn’t attract many buyers, we did have a variety of goods but not a lot of sales, if we try this again we will look at a different time of year.

The shared South West Scotland Horse Driving Club/BDS Dumfries & Galloway training day was a great success, with requests for another. Justine Hunter coached the dressage phase and Pat Gillan showed members how to walk the cones and obstacle, members then drove the course twice.

Wigtownshire Driving Club got us off to a good start mid- April when seven turnouts enjoyed a forestry drive followed by the option to drive a cones course.

Jean Clarkson. This was a relaxed day, members completed the drive, had lunch, tackled the skills and finished off with a cones course.

Glorious Glamis lived up to its’ title, this was a wonderful social weekend, three members, Douglas Robertson, Kirstine McBride and myself from Dumfries & Galloway brought home several rosettes.

Two evening drives, first one in May hosted

by Eillen Dunlop and the June drive hosted by Barbara Patterson were well attended with ten turnouts at both events. These are proving to be popular and sociable outings with pleasant drives on nice nights followed by delicious suppers plenty of banter.

Dates Thursday 28 July – Evening Drive, Low Kirkbride, Auldgirth-D&G BDS Zan Kirk 01387 820258 Sunday 7th August – WDC Competition Day (not BDS) Sunday 21st August – BDS Area Show, Barstobrick Sunday 25th September – Raiders Road Drive th

Lothian & Borders Email: CliveRG123@hotmail.com AC Clive Rushton Green Mob: 07486 605898 AAC Nan Marshall nanettejane@fsmail.net AAC Ruth Martin ruth@halspan.com We completed our fun days at the Ian Stark Equestrian centre (ISEC) with the final rounds of Constacles, Accumulator Cones and Style and Performance and a good time was had.

It proved popular and so we will repeat these events in the autumn with two before Christmas and two next spring once we have dates agreed with ISEC. The Attelage followed in May and then in June a picnic drive organised by Nan Marshall on the lovely estate of Bowhill House.

It was a great drive including tracks circling the lake. Afterwards we sat in the welcome sunshine and enjoyed chat and a picnic.

Congratulations to members Pat Gillan and Iain McKendrick who both attended the West of Scotland Carriage Driving Extravaganza, they won prizes in every class they entered.

A successful TREC was held in May at a new venue in the Forestry at Talnotry Park which is situated on the Newton Stewart/New Galloway Road, eleven turnouts enjoyed the drive and skills set by AAC

Bowhill Drive

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News If you are not entering the Scottish Show at Kelso, do come along for tea and a chat and enjoy the hospitality of our BDS ringside tent.

InHarness magazine are sponsoring as always and will be in attendance too.

Finally a word about the first Attlelage event at Glamis Castle at the end of May. With my Chairman’s hat on I would like to thank the organiser Aileen McDonald and her many helpers who put together such an outstanding event especially as the first is always the hardest. There were so many memorable moments including a fabulous location, good stabling, a lovely cones ring, fantastic rosettes, top notch evening reception in the Castle followed by a guided tour of the Castle and then dinner in the great hall that was magnificent. There was so much more but you will need to read the full report. It was a great success and the BDS Committee thanks every single person involved.

Diary Dates 30 July – BDS Scottish Show at the Border Union Showground. Kelso.

13th August – Peebles show 27th August – Spottiswood Drive out.

17th September – Mellerstain House Drive. th

Grampian Email: strathornfarm@yahoo.com AC Ruth Skinner Tel: 01464 851204 AAC Anne Macdonald Tel: 07753 802917 a.mcdonald0775@ googlemail.com

10th September starting 12noon, Captain Barclay Drive and picnic at Fettercairn by Laurencekirk. Please contact Ewan MacInnes on 07764575291 or Anne Thwaite on 07751326404 if you wish to attend or if you would be available to provide much needed help in stewarding on the day. nd 2 October starting 12 noon Drive and Picnic at Blackhall Forest and the banks of the River Dee near Banchory, contact Anne Macdonald on 0775380917 or Anne Thwaite on 07751326404 to express your interest in this drive and again if you would be able to help in marking and de-marking the route and providing stewarding skills.

Our end of season meeting is on 29th October, we are excited to announce that Colin Henderson will be joining us to give a talk.

Colin is currently Chairman of the Carriage Foundation and an authority in all matters of driving in particularly traditional driving and coaching. He was for many years the head coachman at the Royal Mews but now retired. He is also chairman of the Road Club.

If anyone wishes to attend any of our drives in beautiful Aberdeenshire, please contact those listed above or contact the BDS Grampian facebook page.

West of Scotland & Glasgow Email: kendallyoung99@ymail.com AC Kendall Young Mob: 07736 960081 AAC Carol McAllister Tel: 0771 3130103

Obituary

The Late Jack Clyne It is with immense sadness that we mourn the loss of a great character in the Scottish Driving world and now look to celebrate his life.

Jack was involved in driving for very many years and, with his wife Maureen, became experienced, helpful and loveable figures.

Many of us will remember his later years driving Mr Blobby!

After he finished actively driving he and Maureen were reliable stewards at many events and together they also encouraged and helped numerous drivers to get started.

For many years Maureen and Jack ran a friendly, and informal, weekend driving event at Milton of Buntait, which was renowned for the wonderfully sociable Saturday evening get-together.

As well as a driver, Jack was an incredible engineer who designed and built his own carriages. Though fewer of these were produced than some of the larger companies they remain on the circuit to this day and are well known for their stability and durability.

He also designed 4-wheeled carriages for many RDA Driving Groups in Scotland, which allowed their drivers to have a more stable drive, without the bouncier ride of a two wheeler, and the horses to have less weight on their backs than with a badly balanced two wheeler. These vehicles are still active

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

in several of the Scottish RDA Driving Groups.

He kept his interest in carriage driving by being the Chairman of the Highland Carriage Drivers group for many years.

Here he would gladly give encouragement and guidance to any up and coming drivers, many of whom owe the enjoyment they now get from driving to both Jack and Maureen.

Tabe and Helen with their pair

As Jack’s health deteriorated, he turned his talents to the canvas and painted many stunning paintings of subjects ranging from the Scottish countryside to family pets and horses. He and Maureen loved to travel around the country in their camper van, taking their beloved dogs with them. They would journey as far as the deep south of England and over to Ireland. In supporting a local charity, two years ago, Jack won a holiday week for six in Spain and decided to take the holiday with some friends. While there he had the opportunity to take a swim in the Mediterranean Sea which he said he had never thought he would have been able to do again.

In the last three years Jack’s health took a downward turn and he had several visits to hospital for various operations and tests. His

arthritis became hard to bear but he endured the pain as best as he could. In June last year he was admitted to hospital and remained there until November. He was given the opportunity to move to Isle View Nursing home in Aultbea where he was happy to look out over the water and be cared for by a tremendous team of carers. In late March Jack developed an infection and had to be admitted once more to Raigmore. This sadly, was Jack’s final journey and as he passed away he was in the care of two very compassionate nurses, who kindly played him some of the classical music that he loved. They told him that Maureen was on her way as he closed his eyes for the final time.

Rest easy now Jack, you will be missed terribly but never forgotten.

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Reports

Junior Commissioners report Congratulations to the young drivers who are out and about getting involved in all the driving activities. I love to hear your news and find out what you like doing.

I was sorry not to be able to attend the Annual show at Smith’s Lawn this year but WELL DONE to those who did and to our young drivers who competed. Special congratulations to the Young Driver Champion Rachel Milton driving Jessie Dudley Apicella`s Brookfield Show Time and Reserve Champion Amy Stone with Nicola Waddicor’s Cosmo. Last year’s Reserve Champion Josiah Rowlands was third with a new drive this year of Monnington Verdi owned by Alison Kesans. Fourth was Alice Fulford with her own Dylan, fifth Leah Marshall with her Noddy VyseShowgirl and sixth Jorge Hill. All these drivers impressed with their turnout and driving expertise. Well done to you all! What a shame there were no drivers forward in the 10–14 years old age group. I know it can seem intimidating to drive at such a prestigious event as the annual show but we need these youngsters to come forward and have a go! I would be very interested to hear from adults supporting young drivers in this age range so I can address any issues that might be holding them back.

I TRULY HOPE that some young drivers and ESPECIALLY these younger ones 10-14 will come forward to take part in the Brian Sims Scholarship.

Entry is free and as well as trophies and rosettes the lucky scholarship winners in each group are given £500 each to spend on their driving.

Everyone taking part in the scholarship day is also invited to an exciting driving experience day with a coach and four! There’s nothing to lose and much to gain .....not least the chance to enjoy two days of interesting driving activities and meet friendly fellow young drivers. You will probably find you know more than you think you do. The atmosphere will be encouraging and supportive so everyone not only enjoys themselves but feels it has been a very positive and worthwhile experience.

The summer will offer the chance to try new driving activities so don’t forget there is BDS Trec as well as showing and rallies to enjoy, There are also some driving camps and these will be detailed in the Junior Spotlight of Carriage Driving Magazine.

There are already a big group of enthusiastic young drivers interested in the BDS Wales Junior Camp 23rd, 24th, 25th August and Swingletree will also be hosting their annual camp in August.

I hope that other areas might offer junior camps and training and am very happy to liaise with ACs

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The generous Brian Sims Scholarship is for ages 10–14 years and 15–17 years.. (Ages for all groups are age on Jan 1st 2016).

As I’ve mentioned above in my report entry is free and as well as trophies and rosettes the lucky scholarship winners in each group are given £500 each to spend on their driving. Everyone taking part in the scholarship day is also invited to an exciting driving experience day with a coach and four! The scholarship day is Tuesday August 9th at Bradbourne Carriages, Seven Oaks.TN13 3DH The expanded guidelines and application form for the BDS Scholarship Day are on the BDS website:

BDS junior scholarship day by Linda Swain

and BDS approved training yards to help set up and promote these activities.

Please feel free to contact me on emilyrham@ gmail.com with any news, questions or points.

Calling all BDS Junior Drivers Would you like the chance to win a bursary of £500 to use at a BDS approved training yard?

Don’t forget to enter the BDS scholarship and portfolio competitions. Details and guidelinesare now on the new website and can also be obtained from myself at emilyrham@gmail.com Both are very rewarding and you would gain a lot from having a go!

Junior Quiz The photograph shows a well known breed of driving horse or pony. Work out the answer to each of the questions below. The first letter of each answer should be written down and the 12 letters in order will spell the name of the breed. For extra points can you identify the type of carriage in the photo?

1. A carriage favoured for taking out children with the driver sitting in with them 2. Springs much used in the late nineteenth century to give a smoother ride on carriages 3. A popular wedding carriage seating four people on two facing seats with an elevated front seat for the coachman. It is distinguished by two folding hoods, one at each end, which meet at the top to form a boxlike enclosure with side windows.

4. The name for a heavy wagon pulled by draft horses 5. This is the small callous that may be found on the underside of the horse’s fetlock 6. These pass through the terrets on the harness 7. The name for the smart uniform

Dress to impress! Wear clothes suitable for driving including a jacket. Most people dress as if for a showing exercise class.

You will be driving so need to bring your hard hat, gloves and driving apron. As well as showing your driving using the BDS coaching hand you will be expected to know how to harness up and put to and be able to talk about carriages! The BDS want to encourage your interest and experience of driving. An important part is being able to talk about what driving you do and the ponies or horses you use and how you look after them.

A portfolio of writing and photos is very helpful and double up as a portfolio entry for the Ian Townsend Award.

If you would like to be a part of this please contact the BDS Junior Commissioner Emily Ham on emilyrham@gmail.com or on the landline 01874 690253.

worn by the grooms of grand private carriages 8. A high stepping horse is said to show this at its various gaits 9. While the people in a carriage can get away with doing this it is considered bad behaviour in a horse!

10. The route taken in the ring to safely change the rein 11. A carriage that has a special compartment for man’s best friend!

12. What the judge is looking for in a Concours Class.

13. The setting on a Liverpool bit that is one step stronger than the snaffle setting.

Answers on Page 45

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Reports

Dorset Area Show – Sunday 12th June

Carriages at the Castle 2016 This May Glamis Castle opened its grounds to BDS Scotland for an event unlike any they had held before. ‘Carriages at the Castle’ was an Attelage de’tradition which was open for both traditional and contemporary turnouts to compete in these spectacular grounds.

Friday evening brought the arrival of many of the competitors, giving them the chance to settle themselves and their equine friends into camp. Once camp was set up and happy horses munched in their stables the BBQ and hog roast got underway to mark the start of a great weekend.

Saturday morning began with bright sunshine and a relaxing start to the morning as competitors had until 2pm to get ready for their inspection. Turnouts would present themselves in groups of three to the three judges who closely inspected each aspect of their horses, harnesses and carriages. The three judges scores were then put together to determine who was in the lead after day one. All turnouts were extremely well presented and watching this large variety of carriages and horses was a real spectacle.

That evening a Champagne Reception and Gala Dinner was held inside the very grand dining hall of the castle. We were also lucky enough to be given a tour by the castle’s tour guide. A prize giving for the first day of competition and a very generous raffle were held after dinner as well as a silent auction for a beautiful holly whip. The dinner was fantastic and the whole evening was a very special experience. Sunday morning started with the Routier, a drive around the castle ground and surrounding roads, which included along the way five ‘difficulties’. These were a 20 meter circle one handed, a halt and reign back, a downhill halt, driving over a carpet and the champagne challenge which involved competitors lifting a glass of champagne from one tray, driving forward and setting it down on another. These difficulties each had a judge present and competitors were given a score.

Lastly came the cones course which tested competitors not only due to the course being tricky and requiring accuracy and precision but because from start to finish the heavens truly opened and drivers had to drive through torrential rain and even thunder. Everyone stayed in high spirits and made light of the weather.

A prize giving announcing the overall winner of the weekend took place last thing on Sunday.

Everyone from competitors to helpers had a

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

wonderful experience and hope there will be many more events like this in the future.

Attelage de Tradition Driving Event Results Champion: Mr Wallace Binder from Suffolk driving Llanwnd Reserve Champion: Mrs Ann Rushton-Green from Hawick driving Michael Presentation Champion: Mr Wallace Binder Open Single Pony: Mrs Ruth Martin from Bo’ness Driving Merineth Tymestu AP Storm Open Single Horse: Mr Wallace Binder Pony Pairs: Rosemary Neale from Cambridgeshire driving Tycwm Sebastian and Stationtown the Guvernor Horse Pairs: David and Jean Calvert from North Yorkshire driving Rosehall Vanity and Rosehall Victoria Mulitple Horse: Mr Alasdair Govan from Montrose with his team of Clydesdales Best Shetland Pony: Mr Douglas Robertson from Dumfries driving Erray Rosebay Best Highland Pony: Kirstine McBride from Annan driving Little Fenwick Kaitlin Best Clydesdale Horse: Mr Alasdair Govan Best Traditional Scottish Turnout: Elinor Steven from St Andrews with Glenbanchor Somerled Best Lady Whip: Mrs Ann Rushton-Green Best Gentleman Whip: Mr Wallace Binder

Contemporary Driving Event Results Champion: Mr Alan Ross from Kinellar driving Woodhouse Maggie Reserve Champion: Mrs Janette Watson from Kirkcudbrightshire driving Dollar Presentation Champion: Mrs Janette Watson Best Shetland Pony: Elinar Bosanquet with her team of Clothie Shetland Ponies from Aberdeenshire Best Traditional Scottish Turnout: Elinar Bosanquet Best Young Driver: Beth Thom Driving the Shetland Pony – Clothie Nightcap Best Lady Whip: Mrs Janette Watson Best Gentleman Whip: Mr Alan Ross

The Matthews family from Weymouth are a very horsey family and their talented, 10 year old skewbald 14.1hh Dartmoor cross pony Banjo turns his hoof to in hand and ridden showing with 12 year old Chanie, while her twin sister Charlotte competes with him in show jumping and cross country, and mum Karen does dressage on him as well. Having made his driven show ring debut just a week earlier at the Royal Bath & West Show, Banjo demonstrated his flair for driving at the Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Show. With Karen on the box seat and Chanie grooming, they triumphed in three classes and went on to win the Dorset & South Wiltshire Area Championship. Judged by Andrew Counsell, the Reserve Area Champion was Phil Worley, driving Helen and Tony Parker’s Fell pony Banksgate Shannon. Earlier, the tables had been turned, when judge Caroline Douglas awarded the Grooms Championship to Tony Parker, with Chanie in reserve spot. Sister Charlotte also enjoyed the show, grooming for Sophie Matthews (no relation!) who with her Shetland Sooty won the Pleasure Driving class, ahead of Anne Jones, Susan Wiles and David Bull, the latter two having taken first and second places in the previous Exercise Vehicle class, ahead of Sophie and Ray Glen.

In the first class of the day, Sue Popham’s piebald mare Willow had repeated their 2015 win in the In Hand class, led up by husband Chris. Another returning competitor enjoying success at this year’s show was Joe Rowe, with his classy hackney Noddy Vyse Temptation. In 2015 Joe and Temptation had been reserve show champions, behind Clare Wigmore and her Dutch horse Winston. This year, with Temptation put to a Spindle Back Gig, Joe headed Clare in the Private Driving Class and, judged by Caroline Douglas, went on to win the Show Championship, with Karen Matthews Reserve Show Champion.

From mid-afternoon the classes took place in monsoon weather conditions, with the torrential rain forcing the abandonment of the Fenix Red Rover show drive, but all credit is due to the competitors, their grooms and helpers, the judges, the stewards and show officials, and also the spectators and sponsors, who all dug deep and came up smiling, although extremely wet, to complete the day.

Full results and photographs by Helen Lorentzen of Dorset Equestrian Photography from the show can be viewed on the Dorset & South Wiltshire Area website – www.dorsetandswiltsbds. co.uk Helen Lorentzen of Dorset Equestrian Photography did a fantastic job for us at the show, despite the dreadful weather. One of her photographs that stands out for me are the two youngsters, smartly turned out, the young whip correctly driving coaching style, whip in hand, hard hats, pony bobbing along cheerfully and broad smiles – just what we all in the BDS need to encourage!

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Reports

Wales

Chairman: Michelle Peters Email: michellepeters2912@gmail.com Tel: 07966 515325 For the first time in a few years now, BDS Wales will have a full house of ACs, a wonderful reason to be excited. Edwina Hart has stepped forward to take on the role and responsibility in N. E. Wales supported by Faith Saunders as AAC (Health & Safety) and Lynda Roberts as AAC (Treasurer). In the South, Joanne Lambert has stepped forward to take on the Mid South Wales area which has sadly been dormant for a few years with no-one interested in the role. Mid South Wales is being set up from the ground up, which takes time unfortunately, so that Joanne can have everything in place to hit the ground running. I am sure that she will welcome any help from members within the area. Thank you very much to everyone for stepping up and taking on what is a serious but also potentially fun role as you meet everyone in your respective areas and extend our driving family.

BDS Wales has now invested in its own website which also supports the individual area websites within Wales. Have a look at bdswales.org.uk for our new layout. Thank you very much to Chris Laing for his hard work in setting this up for us.

Further on there are details which pertain to an In Harness and BDS Wales Road Driving Assessment Training Day to be held in South Wales. Take advantage of a training day which will cost you nothing except for food! Full details are also available from either the BDS Wales website or the BDS Wales Secretary, Anthea, with whom you need to book. The intention is to set one up in North Wales as well. To see how much interest there is would anyone who is keen please contact me at michellepeters2912@ gmail.com to register. Thank you

the role would entail, please contact me at michellepeters2912@gmail.com It is anticipated that where possible local officers from each area would support this volunteer especially with regard to looking at routes.

In Harness and BDS Wales

Road driving Assessment Training Do you tremble at the word ‘EXAM’ or does the very thought of the word ‘ASSESSMENT’ threaten to stress you out completely. Well fear not, because BDS Wales have come up with the solution for you. In partnership with In Harness Magazine, BDS Wales will be hosting two training days, one to be positioned in North Wales and one in South Wales which will focus on the Road Driving Assessment, specifically what’s in it and how to pass it. Why do I need that? I hear you ask. With increasing traffic on the road, less off-road driving available and all the associated legislation, every BDS member is in a much better position to prove their competence in a court of law, if God forbid it, they end up in the horrible position of having being involved in a road incident, or just for your piece of mind that you are doing everything as correctly as possible. This is why BDS Wales have identified that having an RDA certificate would be of benefit to its members, and to help with the costs of a formal qualification have undertaken to provide these training days FREE of charge for the instruction to its members. The

Last but not least, BDS Wales is looking for a volunteer to take on the BDS Wales Rights of Way Officer role. This is a vastly rewarding role which will be the pivot point in preserving carriage routes for future generations to enjoy. If you have an interest in this and would like to have an informal chat about what

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The first day is being kindly hosted at Waunddu, Duffryn Crawnon Llangynidr Crickhowell NP8 1NU by BDS Wales Secretary, Anthea Birch, and her husband, Brian. This will be held on the 16th October 2016 from 11am until 2pm.

Putting the lucky volunteer through the test will be LHHI, Sarah Wildy, who as an assessor will have the ability to answer any questions that participants may have about the test. There will also be some information to take home with you in case you want to read it again later. There will be tea and coffee on arrival with some food later on at the end of the day for which there will be a very small charge. As nobody needs to take their horse to this event, there will be no limit on numbers attending but please make sure you book in with Anthea at birchanthea@ aol.com or 01874730724 so we can make sure there will be enough food.

BDS Wales hopes to announce its day in North Wales shortly.

Hopefully these days will inspire everyone to carry on and take their tests which we then hope to arrange with our local assessment centres. We look forward to seeing you there.

Margaret Toye Accepts a New Challenge at the Conquest Centre in Taunton the Manageress said: “You could do carriage-driving”, “But I can’t walk so how do I get into a carriage?”

Don’t forget the BDS Wales Trec Championship competition which is to be held on September 11th. This years’ Championship is kindly being hosted by Morfydd Greatorex and the N.W.Wales Area. Details are available from Morfydd 01248 601012/ 07759 607556 The BDS Wales AGM is taking place on November 13th starting at 1pm which will be held at the Newbridge on Wye Community Centre, Newbridge on Wye, Llandrindod Wells, Powys 6LU. Tea, coffee and a buffet will be available. The agenda and minutes of the 2015 Interim AGM will be available from the BDS Wales website and both these plus the financial report will be available by request from the BDS Wales Secretary, Mrs A. Birch, Waunddu, Duffryn Crawnon, Llangynidr, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1NU, 01874 730724 birchanthea@aol.com All proposals should be submitted in writing to Mrs A. Birch by October 23rd 2016.

days will showcase a lucky volunteer turnout provided by BDS Wales who will be put through the test by a BDS Assessor showing that in actual fact the test is just a formalisation of what all BDS members do each time they go out to drive on the road.

Margaret Toye assisted by Barbara Nadin

As I lay in my hospital bed, I went through every fun-ride, eventing course and dressage test I could remember. After a fall from my horse four years ago in which my spine was broken I presumed that was the end of horses for me. However when I went to watch a friend do a dressage competition

“We put up ramps at the back of the carriage and push you up so you can drive from the wheelchair” she explained. Since then I have been driving a beautiful, forward-going dun, Fjord pony called Bella for two years and have become involved in another horsey world. There is a lot of skill needed in driving cones and obstacle courses and I have really enjoyed learning this technique.

I have won two trophies and find my competitive spirit has been rekindled. I look forward to my lessons each week and aim to improve every time I go out. At the Conquest Centre we are encouraging other disabled people that carriage driving is possible for all!.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News Mid East Wales Email: mjamham2@tiscali.co.uk AC Mrs Ann Ham Tel: 01874 690253 AAC Anthea Birch AAC Elizabeth Powell Support Officer: Emily Ham

North East Wales Email: Edwina@edwinahart1.orangehome.co.uk AC Edwina Lawson Hart Tel: 01978 861638 AAC Zena Spencer spencerz30@gmail.com AAC and Health and Safety Officer Faith Sanders Email: faith.sanders@btinternet.com AAC & Treasurer Lynda Roberts Email: lynda@lynda-roberts.co.uk I am the newly appointed AC for BDS North East Wales Area 37.

This is not a post I sought and wish to state that I along with all Area 37 Members was shocked and saddened when Janet Williams resigned. Janet has left a fantastic legacy which we will try hard to emulate. Her promotion of the recreational delights of Carriage Driving knew no bounds.

People young and old including those with disabilities – all have benefitted. I am fortunate to have inherited Zena as one of my AACs and newly appointed Fay and Lynda are good news for me too. Lynda is our new Treasurer.

The weather and a local outbreak of strangles caused cancellations during the spring. Our first advertised event to go ahead was the Trec Qualifier. We handed the organisation over to Julie Fergusson who did a superb job foregoing taking part herself. The Inspection Phase was ably taken on by Colin and Lyn Walmsley. Julie had provided each competitor with a folder containing rules and guidelines also the Map of the drive and useful contact numbers. The drive proved that a steady trot was what was required, by measuring the route it was possible to come in within the optimum time! The skills tests were set out in the dressage arena and halting with front hooves on the line proved the most difficult of the tasks! The cone course was very fair and flowing, the Driving Trials members collected penalties for breaks of pace and with Eleri Roberts so close to Diana’s score it cost her valuable points.

1st Diana Rimmer and Anne Gregory with Mitch 2nd Eleri Roberts and Sioned Hughes with Pepper 3rd Felicity Stubbs and Avril Pluck with Amber.

Future dates at Sontley Farm Erddig – all members welcome for help and training.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Trec Winner Diana Rimmer with Mitch

Diary Dates Saturday July 30 – Sunday July 31 Saturday August 13 – Sunday August 14 All info on “Forest Drive” contact Lynda, Saturday September 10/ NB Sunday September 11 – will be our Annual Show. Alternative Show with Handy Pony classes for all abilities. Tests for “Grooms” as well!

Saturday September 17 – Sunday September 18 Medina, Erddig Hall’s Equestrian Manager has offered us a visit to Erddig Carriage House and introduction to their new pair of horses plus the Donkeys/Mules!

Date to be confirmed

North West Wales AC Morfydd Greatorex

Tel: 01248 601012 AAC Neil Buffery Tel: 01654 712727 AAC Michael Greatorex mike@tygweddings.co.uk

Training day

In February and April we held training days covering harnessing up, different types of ponies and carriages. Some people had a go at long reigning and driving in the school. We had some members of a local pony club come along to see what driving was all about, we even gained a few new members and a lot of fun was had by all on both days.

March saw us hold our indoor cones competition with good entries forward despite the awful weather. We were lucky we could use one end of the indoor school as a collecting ring or we would have all been like drowned rats.

The winners were; Long reining Faye Saunders; Novice cones Elaine Jones; Open cones Morfydd Greatorex; OAP cones Margaret Fearne; Challenge Morfydd Greatorex.

In May we travelled down to Neil’s yard in Tywyn for a de-sensitizing / cones day. We had a great day and a lot of fun and of course a lot of cakes. The winners were: Long reigning Neil Buffery; Novice cones Morfydd Greatorex; Open cones Morfydd Greatorex; Challenge Morfydd Greatorex.

Due to the wet weather several of our early drives were cancelled. In February we were asked to put on a cones driving demo at a stallion parade over in Anglesey which we also attended with a BDS stall showing what we do in our area.

We have held several Newborough forest drives over the summer months, the off road driving is great and so many lovely tracks to follow.

De-sensitizing on tyre

De-sensitizing over the bridge

Newborough forest drive

The beginning of June was our first driving show which was held in Bethesda, three competitors were forward for the driving classes, the show was well attended and the weather was nice and dry. Champion Morfydd Greatorex with Jac; Reserve champion was Sharne Bellis with Jaffa.

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Area News lorries on the ground. People were collecting their numbers and it still wasn’t raining.

Class one and two were combined as there were not that many entries. Classes three and four were better numbers and the show was going well. The food people had phoned to say they were not coming as they thought it would rain and none of the sponsors had shown up to present their class rosettes. There were a lot of other people on the ground though and the show was moving on briskly and we had a nice number of entries.

Our winners were all really pleased with their performance and Modris was proclaimed universally to be most helpful.

Trec competitors

Our area Trec competition was next with six turnouts competing this year, the first three qualifying for the BDS Wales trec championships to be held in North Wales this year. Qualifiers were Neil Buffery with Miggy, Sharne Bellis with Jaffa and Tony Tharme with Wallace.

We now look forward to the shows over the summer months and hope we have some nice weather to continue our driving activities as the winter is fast approaching.

Sue and Tony

Sue and Tony

It is with great sadness that two of our long standing members Sue and Tony Osborne have moved to pastures new in Scotland. They have been area members for several years and have helped with all our events. They will be missed by all our members but we wish them both all the best for the future.

South East Wales Email: patriciadutson@gmail.com AC Patricia Dutson Tel: 01495 791898 AAC Karen Morgan Tel: 01291 641244 AAC Bethanie Headworth Tel: 07920 016901

So May arrived and the date for our BDS Show was getting nearer. Time to panic, is the field confirmed, have I ordered enough rosettes, will

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Forthcoming events 29th July Beach drive at Penmaenmawr to start at 1pm.

10th August Anglesey show with driving classes.

13th August Eglwysbach show.

14th August Funday / de-sensitizing at Barn cottage, Llanllechid to start at 10.30am.

20th August Llanrwst show with driving classes.

23rd – 25th August BDS junior camp.

Contact Emily Ham. 28th August Shire horse open day at Waen, St.Asaph. The BDS will be putting on a cones display if you would like to be a part of the display let me know ASAP. 11th September BDS Wales trec championships to be held at Barn cottage, Llanllechid, North Wales 25th September Newborough forest drive for permit holders only to start at 12noon.

13th November BDS Wales AGM 19th November Indoor cones competition at Bryn Derw, Nr. Llanberis. To start at 10am entries close 14th November.

3rd December BDS quiz/presentation night at the Split Willow hotel, Llanfairfechan to start at 7pm. Buffet £9 per person payment for buffet to be in by 26th November.

As our day ended at four thirty the heavens opened but only my husband and I were left on the field so we were the only ones to get a soaking.

All in all a great show with lots of family involvement and a nice turnout of juniors as well as adult competitors.

Our Points Champion for the day was Jane Friend with her lovely Dartmoor pony Rosie.

For more information on all of the above events please contact Morfydd Greatorex.

anybody enter? The schedules have been out for weeks but not a lot of interest so far. Did I remember to arrange for a coffee and food stall?

Needless to say the Friday prior to our event arrived and the ring went up. It was too late to panic, if it rains it rains. We had received quite a few entries and were hoping there would maybe be more on the day.

Saturday dawned overcast but dry. Having put the ring up the night before we only had to get the tent up and all the paperwork sorted for the girls who were going to run the secretary’s tent.

9.30am our lovely judge Modris Kesans had arrived and there were quite a few trailers and

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News South Mid Wales AC Joanne Lambert Mob: 07814288369

West South Wales AC Mrs Gwenda Kesans Tel: 01792 01792 651522 Mob: 07970 424128 Email: Gwen.kesan@virgin.net The sun shined on us for the Area Show in June, a beautiful day and some lovely turn outs this made up for the nightmare I had when,with my original judge unwell and so many others already busy, I found one just two days before. I then lost my judge again and my steward became unavailable and it looked as though I would have to cancel the show. Luckily father in-law is a BDS judge so a big thankyou to Modris Kesans for stepping in and to Alison (his wife) for still turning up knowing she could only show in the Concours, worth the effort though as my Concours judge Mrs Ann Walters fell in love with her turn out.

Our Grassroots champion was well deserved, Mrs Hazel Knight and the immaculately turned out Gellidywyll Miss Jenny and Reserve going to Mr John Williams and Dottie. Grassroots entries were up on last year and included first time in the ring for Miss Kate Chandler in the disabled whip class, but Private Drive entries were near non-existent. This has led me to change the format for next year. The show field is fantastic and the Gower coast so close there will be Grassroots classes only in the morning followed by a show drive out to the coast after lunch.

The sun also shone for the annual Sunday Best Drive at Llandeilo, but sadly due to commitments many regulars couldn’t come so we were down to only two turnouts. With a Team of Shetlands giving the public a real treat to see on the new route and at our stop in Dynefwr Parc we all had a lovely day. A big

Sunday Best Drive Llandeilo

thankyou also goes to The Cottage Inn for providing tea and sandwiches which went down a treat and I hope will be a definite stop for us next year.

Mrs Avis Purnell hosted our annual Trec event at Tyn Ton in April. Thanks to Mr Callum Felthum for marking the putting to, quite a stickler it seemed. Also thanks to Avis, Janet and the stewards, without you all we couldn’t have run.

The weather was a little challenging with the wind picking up luckily right at the end and a mountain bike event meant the drive could only go one way. It was still a good test of skill and great fun as well. We look forward to seeing the qualifiers at the trec championship later in the year 1st Mr John Williams 2nd Janet Purnell 3rd Juris Kesans.

Junior Camp is coming up and my whole family are involved with that as well as taking two turnouts so looking forward to another hectic , fun time with all of the keen youngsters who join us.

Tyn Ton Trec

As stated in the last newsletter my summer is very busy this year and I haven’t had time to confirm any activities from time of going to press to December as requested but there will be some drives and an evening quiz as well as the carriage maintenance evening through the winter. If you are interested in any of these or would like to organise something please contact me.

West Wales Email: admin@pant-y-cendy-hall.co.uk AC Penny Hopkins Tel: 01267 281738 Mob: 07850 589121 AAC Mrs Dee Williams Tel: 01994 453571 AAC Mrs Tina Rae AAC Mrs Maggie McMullen Mob: 07799704658 Treasurer: Mrs Susan Jackson We have had good weather at last and eight brilliant rallies so far.

Sunday Best Drive Llandeilo

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

A bombproofing day, visit to Wellinton Carriages, Cilycwm drive, and a drive from Cresswell Quay.

The dressage and cones day was very well attended and judged by our Welsh Chairlady Michelle Peters. Our next drive was courtesy of the National Trust at Dinefwr Park where we were able to drive through the parkland and observe the long horn cattle, a shared tea brought everyone together for a laugh and chat.

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Area News

Forest Drive

On the Drive

Harnessing Up

This last weekend we were driving in the Preseli hills, Seventeen turnouts attended for the weekend rally from North (Llangollen) and South and mid Wales, Ludlow and Shrewsbury.

A little rain first thing on Saturday but clear by noon and a beautiful dry and sunny afternoon.

Driving along the Gwaun valley with a stop off at the famous ‘Bessie’s Pub’ we were back at base in time for a sumptuous BBQ kindly provided by our host Carolyn Morgan at Crosswell Riding Centre. Sunday was a little damp but the drive was enjoyed by all.

We had a great weekend camping at St. Dogmaels, some off road driving, quiet lanes and the beach, courtesy of Susannah Powell who also gave a demonstration with her working mules.

Unfortunately our Trec competition was cancelled

De sensitizing

A fantastic weekend with amazing driving shared by lovely people.

Our area is going well with an average of fifteen turnouts at each rally.

Washing Line

Out in the Hills

Dates for the future: August 13th – BDS Wales Show September 3rd – Amroth drive, driving some parts of the coastal path.

September 24th – Challenging Cross Country drive (if the paths are completed in time).

October 7,8,9th – Pembrey Country Park weekend. Beach drive, Park drive, BBQ Come for a great weekend or just a day. Please see website for details.

October 23rd – Slebech Rally, driving through the wonderful estate.

November 6th – Poppy Drive at the Botanic Garden of Wales in aid of the Poppy Appeal.

Mule Pulling Log

BRITISH DRIVING SOCIETY WALES Annual General Meeting Sunday 13th November 2016 at 1pm To be held at the Newbridge on Wye Community Centre Newbridge on Wye, Llandrindod Wells, Powys 6LU Tea, coffee and a buffet will be available.

The 2016 agenda and minutes of the 2015 Interim AGM will be available from the BDS Wales website and both these plus the financial report will be available by request from the BDS Wales Secretary, Mrs A. Birch, Waunddu, Duffryn Crawnon, Llangynidr, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1NU, 01874 730724 birchanthea@aol.com

All proposals should be submitted in writing to Mrs A. Birch by October 23rd 2016.

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There is still time for all you budding young writers to submit something for the Winter Magazine. This will be your last chance in 2016 to win a years free membership to the BDS. Send your submission to joan.gmartin60@gmail.com Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Area News

Northern Ireland

CLASS (13) Lady Whip 1st Jill Castles driving ‘Golden all Smiles’ to a trap: 2nd Mary Farrell ‘Rockmore Willow’ CLASS (14) Light Trade 1st Ruairi Creighton driving ‘Felix’ to a London Trolley: 2nd John Weir jnr. driving ‘Rosehall Alexander’ to a Butchers Cart (Massey the Butcher Saintfield)

Chairman: Liz Kelly-Ward Hon. Secretary: Margaret Carlisle Treasurer: Mrs Staceyann Strain

Northern Ireland

The Hospitality Hostess Mrs. Celine Larkin, show Secretary Margaret Carlisle and Show Director Norman Brown and all the Stewards had a busy day.

Email: margaret.carlisle@hotmail.co.uk AC Margaret Carlisle Tel: 02892 665893

Hope you have all been enjoying the summer weather and the various Shows and Private Drives.

Enjoy the remainder of the summer and autumn – go safely.

Margaret Carlisle

BDS BALLYNAHINCH SHOW The Annual BDS Ballynahinch Show took place on Saturday 28th May 2016 at Langley Road Playing Fields, Ballynahinch. The large number of spectators enjoyed the lovely weather and the carriage Driving Show. The Judge was Mr. Robert Smyth and the Ring Steward was Mr. Neil Weir. Mr. Graham Hancock from Antiques at The Stile, Saintfield sponsored and also Judged the Concours d’elegance Class.

Thank you to the Sponsors Margaret Carlisle, Doagh Equestrian, C. Agnew Recovery Services, Norman Brown and F. P. Mc.Cann Quarries Mrs. Louise Presho (Brookeborough) presented a Silver Cup in Memory of her Late Husband – Alex Presho – to the Champion of the Hackney Horse driven to a Show Wagon. The Champions all received a Gift of Crystal.

Private Driving Champion: Alex Fawcett (Saintfield) ‘Ludo’ to a ‘Back to Back’ Gig Reserve Champion: Jill Castles ‘Golden all Smiles’ to a square varnished Trap Champion of Exercise Class: Alex Fawcett (Saintfield) driving ‘Ludo’ Reserve Champion: Thomas Magill (Newcastle) ‘Sunburst Boy’ Champion Hackney Horse to a Show Wagon: William Trimble (Rathfriland) ‘Heartland Advantage’ Reserve Champion: James Cleland (Dundrod) ‘Glenshane Dandy’ Champion IN HAND: James Cleland ‘Budore Admiral’ Reserve Champion: David Cleland ‘Budore Joseph’

Results: CLASS (1) IN HAND – any height- 1st James Cleland ‘Budore Admiral’: 2nd David Cleland ‘Budore Joseph’: 3rd C. Brodie ‘Paddy da Piebald’ CLASS (2) Novice Driving Class won by Jill Castles

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

St. John’s Ambulance was in attendance.

The organisers of BDS Ballynahinch Show wish to convey sincere thanks to all who helped in any way to make the day a success.

(Waringstown)‘Golden all Smiles’: 2nd Martin Tierney (Lurgan) ‘Rockmore Grace’: 3rd Mary Farrell driving Martin Tierney’s ‘Rockmore Willow’ CLASS (3) Exercise Vehicle under 13.2 hands 1st Thomas Magill (Newcastle) ‘Sunburst Boy’: 2nd John Weir jnr. (Ballyclare) ‘Milltown Boy’: 3rd Wallace Shaw (Castlewellan) ‘Clarvalley Jewel’ CLASS (4) Exercise Vehicle over 13.2hands winner Alex Fawcett (Saintfield) ‘Ludo’ CLASS (5) Single non Hackney Type Ponies (excluding reg. Welsh) any height to a suitable Traditional vehicle Won by Martin Tierney driving ‘Rockmore Grace’ ; 2nd Mary Farrell driving Martin Tierney’s ‘Rockmore Willow’ CLASS (6) Single Pure Bred Reg. Welsh driven to a traditional type vehicle winner Thomas Magill ‘Sunburst Boy’ driven to a Spindle Back Gig: 2nd Wallace Shaw ‘Clarvalley Jewel’ to a Spindle Back Gig. CLASS (7) Country Turnouts – any height- Alex Fawcett ‘Ludo’ a friesian horse driven to a ‘Back to Back’ Gig: 2nd Patrick Murdock (Drumbo) ‘Katie McCann’ to a Ralli Car: 3rd Jill Castles ‘Golden all Smiles’ to a Square Varnished Trap.

CLASS (8) Single Hackney Type to a traditional type vehicle winner Denis O’Neill (Belfast) ‘Bold as Brass’ to an American Wagonette CLASS (9) Hackney Horse driven to a Show Wagon won by James Cleland driving ‘Glenshane Dandy’: 2nd Leslie Hazlett ‘Glenside Arizona’: 3rd Peter Murdock ‘Oldtown Irish Paddy’ CLASS (10) Hackney Pony driven to a Show Wagon won by William Trimble driving ‘Heartland Advantage’: 2nd Damien Sloan ‘Heartland Elmo’: 3rd Darryl Cadoo ‘Heartland Shock and Awe’ CLASS (11) Concours D’elegance Class judged and sponsored by Graham Hancock, Antiques at the Stile Saintfield won by John Weir jnr driving ‘Milltown Boy’ to a Norfolk Milk Float’. The winner also received the William Alexander Memorial Rose Bowl.

CLASS (12) Junior Whip Class judged on the ability of the Junior. (Must be under 18 years and accompanied by an Adult): Winner Ruairi Creighton (Saintfield) driving ‘Felix’ with his groom his grandfather James Creighton: – Ruairi was presented with the P.J. Power P.C.CUP: 2nd Mark Presho driving ‘Milltown Boy’ with groom John Weir snr

N.I.B-British Driving Society Chairman is Liz. Kelly – Ward, Area commissioner/hon. secretary is Margaret Carlisle.

LURGAN and DISTRICT HORSE and CATTLE SHOW SOCIETY LTD. RESULTS FROM THE PRIVATE DRIVING SECTION Saturday 4th June 2016 dawned bright and warm for Lurgan and District Horse and Cattle Society Show held in Lurgan Park (by kind permission).

The Judge for the Private Driving Section Mr. John R. Cartwright, Boardmills, Lisburn, Ring Steward Mr. Eugene Larkin and section secretary Margaret Carlisle were kept busy.

CHAMPION of PRIVATE DRIVING CLASSES: David Bailie (Newtownards) driving the Carnduff family ‘Zatinka M’ to a Laughton Gig RESERVE CHAMPION: Benny Mc Auley driving ‘Stutton Park Natashie’ to a Spindle Back Gig CHAMPION HACKNEY to a Show wagon: Linda Skillen driving George Cunningham’s ‘Luddington Isabella’ RESERVE CHAMPION: Damian Sloan driving ‘Heartland Elmo’ IN HAND MOUNTAIN and MOORLAND: champion John Weir (Ballyclare) ‘Rosehall Alexander’ RESERVE CHAMPION: Gareth Bailie showing Pauline Corr’s ‘Brynseion Medallion’

Results: CLASS (1) In Hand M and M under 13.2 hands won by Gareth Bailie showing Pauline Corr’s ‘Brynseion Medallion’ CLASS (2) In Hand M and M over 13.2 hands won by John Weir jnr., (Ballyclare) ‘Rosehall Alexander’ CLASS (3) Exercise Vehicle – any height- 1st Joanne McConnell (Rathfriland) ‘Charlie’: 2nd Jill Castles (Lurgan) ‘Golden All Smiles’: 3rd John Weir ‘Milltown Boy’ CLASS (4) Hackney Pony driven to a show wagon: winner Damian Sloan ‘Heartland Elmo’; 2nd Darryl Caddoo (Dungannon) ‘Heartland Shock and Awe’ CLASS (5) Hackney Horse driven to a Show Wagon winner Linda Skillen (Newry) driving George Cunningham’s ‘Luddington

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Area News Isabella’; 2nd Ruth McCann driving George Cunningham’s ‘Wentworth Tiffany’ CLASS (6) Gigs over 13.2 hands won by David Bailie driving the Carnduff family ‘Zatinka M’ to a Round back Laughton Gig CLASS (7) Gigs under 13.2 hands Benny McAuley (Millisle) driving ‘Stutton Park Natashie’ to a Spindle Back Laughton Gig: 2nd Wallace Shaw (Castlewellan) ‘Clarvalley Jewel’ to a Spindle Back Gig CLASS (8) Concours d’elegance judged by Margaret Carlisle (Area Commissioner N.I.BBDS) won by Jill Castles ‘Golden All Smiles’: 2nd John Weir ‘Rosehall Alexander’ 3rd Ruairi Creighton ‘Felix’ CLASS (9) Lady Whip winner Jill Castles ‘Golden all Smiles’ CLASS (10) Junior whip class won by Ruairi Creighton accompanied by his grandfather James Creighton driving ‘Felix’ to a London Trolley: 2nd Mark Presho (Brookeborough) accompanied by John Weir snr. Driving Milltown Boy to a Exercise Vehicle CLASS (11) Light Trade 1st John Weir jnr driving ‘Rosehall Alexander’ to a Butcher’s Cart: 2nd Ruairi Creighton ‘Felix’ to a London Trolley.

If you are interested in a Demonstration or Training day contact Liz. Kelly-Ward 02840671318.

Forthcoming Dates: Private Drives – dates and time to be confirmed.

Contact Liz 02840671318 17th September ‘Country Comes to Town’, Portadown (to be confirmed) contact Margaret 02892665893 Annual General Meeting 14 November The Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn 8.00 p.m contact Margaret 02892665893

ULSTER FOLK and TRANSPORT MUSEUM, Cultra, Co.Down Members enjoyed on Saturday 21st May 2016 at an Invitation Drive of Traditional Type Vehicles at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra.

The weather was sunshine with an occasional shower, the scenery and well kept grounds of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum made it a very inviting venue. A number of visitors – especially young people enjoyed watching the cavalcade of horse drawn carriages.

After morning coffee and scones Mr. Mark Kennedy (curator) and Farm Manager Mr. Robert Berry took us on a tour of the museum’s collection of horse drawn vehicles, some dating back to the early 1900’s. In the collection a Linen Cart, a Poultry Cart etc. to name but a few.

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British Driving Society

The parade of traditional type vehicles was headed up by Ballyward man Mervyn Ward with groom Lewis Orr driving a 9 year old Welsh section ‘D’‘Rossagara Defron (Fred) to a varnished ‘Victoria’ built in Germany in the early 1900’s, his passengers were Eugene Larkin – N.I.B-BDS Committee man- and Margaret Carlisle (Area Commissioner/hon.secty) Elizabeth Kelly-Ward (N.I.B.-B.D.S. chairman) accompanied by Groom Ruth Smyth drove 10 year old ‘Fronarth Navigator’ – a Welsh section ‘D’ to an original Varnished Governess Vehicle (trap) built by Clery’s of Ballylanders, near Limerick in the early 1900’s.

The Weir family from Ballyclare drove ‘Milltown Boy’ – a Welsh Mountain Pony to a Norfolk Milk Float, originally built in the late 1800’s.

Refurbished in Wales and whenever brought to Northern Ireland was painted by Walter Curry, Loughgall, Co. Armagh. The Milk Churns came with the vehicle.

Ruairi Creighton (16 years old) (Saintfield) accompanied by his grandfather Jimmy Creighton harnessed ‘Felix’ an Irish Cob to a 70 year old ‘London Trolley’ (which was restored by Gordon Cahoon, Sion Mills in 2005) Comber man Robert Smyth with Emma James as groom yoked 10 year old ‘Sparkie’ to a Dray.

Brian Bradley (Purdysburn) with groom William Kirkwood drove an 8 year old Welsh section ‘A’ ‘Migrera Lollipop’ to a four wheeled vehicle.

Castlewellan man Wallace Shaw with groom Dennis O’Neill harnessed ‘Clarvalley Jewel’ to a Ralli Car. Jenny Lyttle (Hillsborough) with her husband Adrian as Groom – drove ‘Shadow’ to a 4 wheeled Polish Vehicle.

John McDermott (Newtownabbey) harnessed ‘Alex’ a 6 year old Clydesdale to a Wagonette. His groom was Scott Hanna.

Lindsay Hanna (Saintfield) harnessed a pair of Welsh Cobs ‘Josh’ and ‘Calum’ to a ‘Victoria Coach’ built in the early 1900’s Trevor Gass (Glenanne, Co.Armagh) drove a pair of Friesian horses ‘Burning Love’ and ‘Anno’ to a wagonette.

BDS TURLEY’S DRIVE Members met on Saturday 23rd April at P.Turley and Sons, Ballyward Co. Down (by kind permission) to hold BDS Turley’s Drive. The Private Drive of Horse drawn vehicles was organised

by Liz Kelly-Ward. Participants enjoyed the magnificent scenery in the spring sunshine, the gorse in full bloom, the spring lambs skipping about in the fields with the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop.

Health and Safety Officers John Powell and Eugene Larkin, Stewards Liam Rooney, Paul Ward, Danni Ward, Neil Smyth, Robert and Jamie had a busy afternoon.

The cavalcade of horse drawn vehicles was ‘headed up’ by Mervyn Ward (Ballyward) driving a pair of Welsh Cobs ‘Fronarth Navigator’ and Fronarth Cardi Express’ to a Wagonette with David Mathers as Groom and Paul McIlroy as passenger.

Liz Kelly-Ward drove a pair of Welsh Cobs ‘Fred’ an 8 year old and ‘George’ a 9 year old to a ‘Victoria’ which was over 100 years old. Eugene Larkin, groom and passengers the Mc Ilroy family enjoyed the drive.

Wallace Shaw (Castlewellan) harnessed ‘Clarvalley Jewel’ to a 2 wheel ‘Bennington’ Vehicle with groom Gemma Kerr. Jenny Lyttle (Lisburn) with husband Abby drove a 7 year old 13.2 hands Irish Cob to a 4 wheel Road Vehicle. This was the first time Jenny’s turnout took part in a Drive.

Thomas Madill (Newcastle) with groom Ruth Smyth drove 7 years old ‘Sunburst Boy’ a Palomino to a varnished Gig. Brian Bradley (Purdysburn, Belfast) with groom William Kirkwood, harnessed ‘Jake’ a 7 year old Welsh section ‘A’ to a 4 wheeled Polish vehicle. Jill Castles (Lurgan) with groom Pauline drove Thomas Magill’s 6 year old ‘Palomino’‘Golden All Smiles’ to a road vehicle Ronnie Mayne (Banbridge) and Jimmy Anderson harnessed ‘Beauty’ to a road vehicle.

Thank you to all those who help raise £266 for S.M.A.R.T (N.I.) Members and friends enjoyed a sumptuous meal in The Barn, Ballyward, Co. Down hosted by Kathryn Kelly, Elizabeth Rooney, Helen Fee and Sharon Fee. Photographer on the day was George McNeill, Kinallen, Co.Down Margaret Carlisle thanks all those who helped in any way to make the event a success.

Samuel and Lynn Gass drove ‘Nancy’ a 10 year old cob to a 2 wheeled road vehicle.

Members of the Northern Ireland Branch – British Driving Society convey sincere thanks to Mr. Mark Kennedy, Mr. Robert Berry and staff for the kind Invitation to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and for their hard work in organizing this wonderful Drive and Hospitality. All of this is much appreciated.

Chairman of the Northern Ireland Branch – British Driving Society is Elizabeth Kelly-Ward with Margaret Carlisle as Area Commissioner/Hon Secretary.

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

Obituaries

Tessa Johnstone James Moon I am sorry to share with you the sad news that former AAC, Tessa Johnstone passed away in April. I had worked with Tessa over many years when we were both AACs working with former AC Roger Page. She was tireless in her efforts to welcome new drivers to the Hampshire area and together with her husband, Stuart, held many events over the years at their home in Brockenhurst. She had recently taken on the role of social secretary for our group, and was responsible, together with her close friend, Ann Mouland, for organising the many social events throughout the year, including the New Forest Driving Weekend. She will be greatly missed and our heartfelt condolences go to her husband Stuart, and their children, Laura and Callum.

Mr James Guy (Jim) Moon passed away on April 24th 2016 at Burnham-on-Sea Memorial Hospital, at the age of 96.

He was born at Weston-Super-Mare in April 1920 and from an early age was involved with horses, helping and taking part in local Gymkhanas where he won many trophies and rosettes for jumping competitions.

Leaving school at 16 he found work initially as an organ tuner before working in Bridgwater for a light engineering company, but still retained his interest in horses by exercising and riding out animals for horse owners in the local area.

Jim was enlisted into the Army at 18 along with others mainly from the Bridgwater and Mark areas. He served in France, (where he was wounded), North Africa and Italy.

On his return home he was given the opportunity to farm and learnt much from local landowner and farmer Mr Freud Hill and it was where he first met his future wife, Dorothy, who was working on the farm as a pupil.

Jim and Dorothy eventually settled at Knaplock Farm, Stockland Bristol, where they farmed for over 30 years. During that time they reared a herd of pedigree Jersey cattle and were able to provide cream teas for passing visitors. Sadly, this ended when the cattle became infected with Brucellosis and the entire herd had to be

destroyed. During the late 50’s and early 60’s, all the farm eggs would be sent weekly to Mr Gwilliam’s packing factory at Edington.

Horses were always kept on the farm, firstly for riding and then eventually for driving and when the British Driving Society was formed in 1957 by a group of like minded people, (which included Jim’s father), he became a member a year later. This opened up many new opportunities to drive which ranged over most of the West Country, from Hampshire through to Cornwall.

After they retired and moved to Honiton in Devon, Jim became Assistant Commissioner for the Devon BDS and later Commissioner, where served for 16 years, organising and running many successful events, none more so than the one they would host at home in Honiton, which was well known for the delicious cream teas !

Jim’s knowledge of horses and driving meant he was much in demand as a judge and he was invited to judge at most of the major shows and events, including local meetings.

They returned to make their home in Chilton Polden in Somerset, where Jim could still be seen occasionally driving his Welsh Cob, ‘Don’ around the local area which he was still able to do whilst well into his 90’s.

He will be remembered by friends and colleagues as a man of few words, but a good horseman.

Arthur Ronald Gedge (Ronnie)1925–2016 Members in East Anglia were saddened to hear of the death of Ronnie Gedge on February 10th 2016. A true Gentleman, Ronnie came from old Norfolk farming stock and farmed all his life close to where he was born.

He always had a great affection for heavy horses, which he had used on the farm, and of course driving horses. For many years he supported the Cleveland Bay Society.

Although, never one to push himself forward, Ronnie was always happy to talk about horses, his army service in India where he worked with Mules, and the people he had known in the coaching world, going back to before the last war.

Ronnie was the last remaining Founder Member of the British Driving Society. He was an accomplished Whip, a harness maker and a keen and knowledgeable collector of carriages and driving memorabilia.

Perhaps it was no coincidence that the Coffin Spray was Yellow Carnations – the button hole of the BDS. Our sympathy and condolences go to his wife Shirley, sadly Ronnie died just before their 65th wedding anniversary.

Junior Quiz Answers Answers: 1. Governess 2. Elliptical 3. Landau 4. Dray 5. Ergot 6. Reins 7. Livery 8. Action 9. Napping 10. Diagonal 11. Dog cart 12. Rough Cheek Breed: GELDERLANDER Carriage: Phaeton

Magazine Issue 364 – Summer 2016

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BDS WALES SHOW

SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST 2016 United Counties Showground, Nantyci, Carmarthen, SA33 5DR Classes for all types of turnouts whether just beginning to drive or show ring stalwarts Pony Club display, RDA display classes Trade stands and lots more to see.

FOR SCHEDULES SEND A5 SAE TO: Mrs A. Birch Waunddu, Duffryn Crawnon, LlangynidrCrickhowell, Powys NP8 1NU 01874 730724 birchanthea@aol.com

At the Suffolk home of BDS Vice-President John Parker

15th - 19th August Call 01379-384-496 www.swingletree.co.uk

An informal friendly driving camp for enthusiastic young carriage drivers.

Turnouts for complete newcomers to experienced drivers

Driving Addington 2016 Its all systems go for the Osborne Refrigerators BDS National Championships at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre on Saturday 24th September.

For those lucky members who have qualified for the various type-sections of the semi finals, remember that the schedule will be posted on the BDS website – www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk – and that entries CLOSE on 2nd September.

As a trial for this year and please note, just for the Open classes, entries may be accepted on the day from already catalogued exhibitors only @ £35.00 per class.

These entries must be made on Show Day at the Secretary`s Office before 11am by means of a cash payment and no other means of payment will be accepted.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Milton Keynes will be in attendance during the day, as we hope the Ruislip Red Hatters will be too.

Come and see what that`s all about – you may like to join them!

We are very grateful for our sponsors, some of whom have supported this show for many years and others who have kindly made their donation for the first time.

Spectators, you are a very important part of any show, so do please attend.

Exhibitors, please repay these sponsors by taking part in what ever classes you can, to make Driving Addington another great BDS event.

Linda Swain – Show Organiser