Area News 21st October Annual Meeting at Tidmarsh Village Hall The speaker for the evening was Chris Boreham, Director, Thimbleby and Shorland Auctioneers, Reading. Chris gave us a fascinating if slightly worrying talk on the current market for carriages. He provided us all with the beautifully printed auction catalogue (12th October 2016) for the late Lord Ballyedmond's Carriage Collection, and gave detailed information on the vehicles, their provenance and their sale. It's a wide ranging collection with many of the carriages in original condition. Sadly some of the vehicles sold for lower prices than expected and this seems to be an on-going trend. Chris also sponsors junior driving classes at Smith's Lawn and the Royal County of Berkshire Show he was very disappointed with the number of entrants in the classes and posed the question was this representative of all types of carriage driving or just the showing? Chris also expressed a fear of what will happen to antique carriages if they are not required for their function, particularly as the young drivers are not coming up through the ranks to drive antique vehicles in the future. As we all know, anything, be it an old farm building or a carriage will eventually fall apart or get pulled down if it does not have a useful function. On the Continent there is a much livelier showing scene where Landau and Brougham-style carriages have classes, whereas in England these carriages have no place, certainly they have limited monetary value and are not used commercially, having been replaced by modern-built vehicles, or for showing. Although at the high value end of the market, coaching continues to maintain its value. This is a worrying prognosis for the future of antique carriages.
Cornwall Email: maureen.ryder@hotmail.co.uk AC Maureen Ryder-Gordon Tel: 01566 785241 Mob: 07782 413307 AAC Bryony Maunder Tel: 01752 851800 Mob: 07966 069099 Email: bryonymaunder@btinternet.com Sunday July 3rd was the day that we went to Lyn and John Downes’ farm at Minions for a BBQ. The food was delicious (Banoffee pie to die for!) and nearly 20 people were able to come along. The sunshine, food, lovely company along with breathtaking views of the moors made for a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon. A big thank you to the Downes family! On Sunday July 24th we went to Enys Gardens in Penryn, Cornwall. The rain experienced on the way to the event was torrential but happily once there the weather perked up. Seven turnouts were able to join us. Diane Hirst and Lynda Chapman kindly liaised with the owners, picked the route, organised all the gate stewards, produced a great health and safety risk assessment and even covered a cattle grid to allow easy access for the members and their horses. Huge thanks go to Diane, Lynda and all the helpers – you did a grand job. Everyone enjoyed the off-road drive of around 3-4 miles. Several participants enjoyed it so much they went round twice. We were even able to visit the clock tower and big house. We look forward to returning next year.
Diary Dates
27th January New Seasons Supper, Spring Inn, Theale, (booking required by 15th Jan 2017) contact Jo Holland 31st March Quiz Evening Beenham, contact Clive Collins 7th May Dennis Walmsley Memorial Drive contact Colin Pawson 4th June Brockhurst drive, Hermitage contact Clive Collins 25th June Ashe Warren Drive contact Colin Pawson 3rd September Engelfield Drive, Mortimer contact Clive Colin's 24th September Windsor Great Park Drive, contact Martin pink
Diane Hirst & Christine Voyce at Enys Gardens
Rozee Douglas at Enys Gardens
The drive at Treolwyn was on Sunday August 7th by kind permission of Brian and Brenda Ball. Seven turnouts were lucky enough to attend and the weather played its’ part too and kept a nice temperature so the horses didn’t get too hot. However it was rather warm in the garden later when we sat down for a slice of one of Brenda’s lovely cakes. Two of our members Sheila Sexton and Roger Derryman had attended the Tandem Club meet at Fenix Carriages just the weekend before and were proudly wearing their tandem bars. A huge well done to Sheila, Roger and Jane Talbot-Smith who all obtained their tandem bars recently.
Lyn and John Downes at Treolwyn
The Boconnoc estate drive was also kindly organised by Brian and Brenda Ball. This drive is always very popular with the majority of the route being on the estate and therefore almost traffic free. Brian knows the estate so well he was able to give the participants three different signed routes to make up whatever length of drive they wanted. The tree lined drive leading to the obelisk perched on a hill is a most spectacular sight. Fourteen turnouts were able to enjoy the drive in the sunshine. The event was rounded off with a natter and a very welcome cuppa.
Cheshire To be Announced Peggy Johns at Enys Gardens
Magazine Issue 365 – Winter 2016
Roger Gill Derryman at Treolwyn drive
British Driving Society
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