Area News
The Bellingham Clydesdale Cobs
Lara Heath
Sunday 26th June – Havenswold Summer Solstice Drive
even donning their finery to make a splendid display. The drive was only about a mile in length, which suited some of the smaller ponies, whilst the bigger horses completed the route several times. Some whips even stopped to let members of the public ask questions and appreciate their turnouts.
Despite the heavy rain the week before, the weather stayed dry for the Summer Solstice drive from this popular venue. However, the route had to be altered slightly beforehand as part of one of the by ways was overgrown but maps were provided showing the detour which did not detract from the beauty of this drive. The route still encompassed the two by ways in spite of the detour and the going was good on both off-road sections. A fallen tree had partially blocked the path in the woods but was dealt with by a couple of strong men who moved it to let the carriages pass.
Sue Page with Lottie
It was a real privilege to be able to traverse the route of the original carriageway which was in place over 250 years ago and to take in the breathtaking views as conceived by one of England’s most prominent landscape architects.
Jane Parsons with Ben
There were two drives; one at 11.00 am followed by lunch with a second drive at 2.30 pm. All participants received a rosette.
Sunday 18th September – Windsor Great Park Drive
Saturday 27 August – Sheffield Park Drive th
BDS Members on the Summer Solstice Drive
There were eight turnouts ranging from a diminutive Shetland to a part-bred Clydesdale. There was a mix of two and four wheeled vehicles and members from both East Sussex and Surrey.
It was another lovely sunny day that saw us attend the second of our drives at Sheffield Park. The staff at the park worked out a longer route for us this time, which followed the old historic carriageway as before but also included a part of the landscaped downland as well as the wooded area. There were eight turnouts in all, ranging from a diminutive miniature horse called Sophie right up to a lovely pair of Clydesdale/Cobs, Shadow and Reagon brought by Jane and Graham Bellingham. It was Reagon’s debut outing and he behaved impeccably. Members from Surrey BDS again joined us.
Everyone returned to Havenswold having enjoyed a lovely drive, to refreshments provided by host Dick Tanner and birthday cake provided by Pearl Hudson. All whips received a beautiful summer solstice rosette as a memento of a very enjoyable drive.
It was a lovely atmosphere as we paraded in our “Sunday Best” past the general public enjoying their lunch. As in July, we had two drives one at 11.00 am and the second at 2.30 pm. Many whips drove the route several times which created more of a spectacle for the visiting public.
Saturday 9th July – Sheffield Park Drive
Sheffield Park staff made us very welcome and again provided us with light refreshments. Rosettes were also given to all participants.
We were invited by Martin Pink AAC BDS Berkshire to attend a drive through Windsor Great Park and five East Sussex members accepted the invite. The drive was extremely well organised and we all drove off at prearranged five minute intervals. Although some of us were allowed to start off together if we wished. We were provided with an excellent map with the route clearly marked and not only that there were ample yellow arrows along the way in case we became a bit befuddled by the map. Much of the route was away from the general public, which made one feel a bit elitist and the scenery was stunning. Rosettes were given to all turnouts who completed the drive and a carrot was given to all the equines for all their hard work. A nice touch! A big thank you must go to Martin and his team for the warm welcome and for organising the most enjoyable of drives. We are hoping to be invited to next year’s drive.
The British Driving Society was invited to drive along the original carriageway within Sheffield Park as part of the National Trust’s 300th anniversary celebrations of Lancelot “Capability” Brown’s birth. It was a beautiful sunny, if very windy, day and the National Trusts’ staff made the eight assemblages who turned out, very welcome. BDS members from both Surrey and East and West Sussex arrived to provide a show to members of the public visiting the parkland. All our members had made an especial effort with beautiful clean turnouts with some
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British Driving Society
Rosie Fieldwick with Millie
Jane Bellingham with Shadow at Windsor
Magazine Issue 365 – Winter 2016