2009 Show Special - British Driving Society

British Driving Society BRITISH 

Inside 

this 

Issue: 

News 

Towerlands 

page 5 

Carriage Foundation 

page 6 

Show Reports 

page 9 onwards 

DRIVING SOCIETY 

Issue No. 338 August 2009 

www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

Area News 

page 14 onwards 

Dates for Your Diary 

page 18 & 19 

2009 Show Special

British Driving Society 

HORSE PASSPORT 

CHANGES 

From 5th July all equines over 

six months of age, not already 

in possession of a passport, will 

by law have to be signed OUT of 

the human food chain. All new 

equine passport applications 

require the animal to be 

microchipped. The application 

form must be accompanied by 

two microchip bar code stickers. 

The new application forms can 

be found on the BDS website. 

Don’t Forget 

the Dragon 

Drive 

in the Heart of Wales 

26th & 27th 

September 2009 

It is now approaching the well 

established Eighth Dragon Drive in 

Mid Wales. 

Don’t miss this wonderful 

opportunity to enjoy two spectacular 

days of off road driving and a relaxed 

atmosphere. Views to blow the mind, 

forest tracks, tranquil lanes and old 

drovers tracks. Singles and Multiples 

welcome. Equine and human 

accommodation arranged for you. 

Perfect for getting away from all that 

traffic. Experience the tranquillity 

that this secret part of Wales has to 

offer. 

Why not take the opportunity 

of staying a few more days to drive 

other routes or tour and see more of 

this beautiful area. 

A few places remaining but, be 

quick. Contact Emma Stevens (A.C. 

Mid West Wales) tel: 01591-610515 

BDS News | page 2 

North Norfolk Traditional Driving Group 

The North Norfolk Traditional Driving Group was 

formed recently to organise social events and regular 

pleasure drives on our quiet Norfolk country roads with 

traditional type vehicles, there is at present a small but 

growing membership and non-members wishing to attend 

occasional drives are very welcome. The Group’s first 

drive of 2009 took place on Easter Sunday starting from 

Chairman Tony Gladden’s Primrose Farm at Roughton, 

five well turned out traditional turnouts braved the bitter 

easterly wind and sea fog as the route went through the 

scenic North Norfolk countryside before stopping for a 

short break on the grassy clifftop car park at Cromer where 

the Lady Mayoress met the group members and then 

enjoyed a short drive through the town to Cromer Hall, 

home of Mr and Mrs Cabell Manners, in a Lawton tennis 

car driven by Tony Gladden. Everyone enjoyed a sherry or 

port and fruit cake at the hall before the turnouts headed 

Sponsored Drive 

This is the second sponsored drive that we have 

organised on behalf of the Lackham RDA Driving 

Group from Manor Farm, West Overton. The long Drive 

is about 12 miles and can be quite demanding in places 

but there is no time limit so everyone can go at a pace that 

matches their turnout. Sadly we had fewer entries than 

last year, so missed our target of £1500 by a long way, with 

a total of just over £500 compared with £1000 last year, 

a sign of the times I expect, or may be the Saturday date 

was less convenient. It was a very blustery day, as I soon 

found out with my starter’s check list nearly taking off, 

but the rain held off thankfully and everyone came back 

saying how much they had enjoyed themselves and then 

there were some very leisurely picnics in the lorry field 

with friends meeting up and having a good chat. It never 

ceases to amaze me how helpful drivers are to one another, 

it so happened that one of the turnouts cast a shoe on the 

way to the drive and who just happened to arrive at the 

same time as another member who is a farrier and who 

You may remember from the last 

report I wrote that Stephanie 

was at that time travelling with 

Roger and her husband John, to 

complete a major chunk of the 

Counties from the South-East right 

up into the borders of Scotland, 

and then back through some of 

the Counties in the North West. In 

all Stephanie has now completed 

Stephanie in Devon 

43 counties which include 5 in 

Scotland and 4 in Northern Ireland. Stephanie is hoping to 

complete a further 4 or 5 drives in Wales and the remainder 

in England. If anyone can help with lorry parking for a few 

hours in South Warwickshire and Hereford\Worcestershire 

back to Primrose Farm where delicious home-made soups 

and other refreshments were kindly provided by Mrs 

Jean Gladden. A big thank you must go to Mr Stephen 

Eagle and Ms Fiona Davies. who acted as stewards along 

the route and of course to our hosts for organizing a very 

enjoyable day out. 

Late Show Affilliations 

Wragby Show and Country Fayre, Wragby, Lincolnshire 

Sunday 6th September 

Contact Mr G Brown on 01522 810821. 

Classes include Private Driving with a Road Drive, 

Concours d’Elegance and Pleasure Driving. 

carries his tools with him – new shoe popped on - problem 

solved! The bluebells were particularly stunning this year 

in the West Woods near Marlborough, we had obtained a 

permit from the Forestry Commission to drive through the 

woods. This year despite having Stewards we managed 

to lock two turnouts in the wood! As previously arranged 

they had taken a picnic and had just turned off the main 

track, the last turnout that started had told the stewards 

that they were the last but unfortunately they had not 

checked their list that everyone else had passed through 

their checkpoint. Fortunately the picnickers spotted a local 

resident who knew the gate combination and was able to 

let them out, which was very fortunate as the mobile phone 

reception turned out to be a bit iffy in the woods. All the 

entries received a certificate to say they had completed the 

drive together with a Commemorative rosette for both the 

whip and the groom. 

Hazel Woodbridge (AC) 

Stephanie Dale – 50 Counties at 50 

border areas please can you contact 

Stephanie direct, and she would 

love your company if you are able to 

join her on one of these drives. 

I think she should be 

congratulated for her achievements 

to date and hopefully by the next 

time I write the challenge will have 

been completed. 

Please don’t forget if you would 

like to contribute to Stephanie’s 

nominated charities. Either call her on 01666 505051 or go 

to www.justgiving.com/stephaniedale or www.rda.org.uk 

Hazel Woodbridge 

Urgent Plea to New Forest Carriage Drivers 

We have been asked by the Forestry Commission, again, if we will please 

remind all our members to drive only on the gravel tracks and not to use 

any other parts of the Forest unless special permission has been given 

for certain events. We have had several requests denied us this year due 

to the Forest now becoming increasingly busy , so please could we urge 

you all to stick to the rules and not let the minority spoil things for the 

majority. Thank you.

Young Drivers Programme 

Courtney Worrell, 

13th May 2009 

How would you like the chance 

to become a young driver, and 

learn loads about horse care and stable 

management? Well a group of us 

got the chance through a Big Lottery 

Awards for All grant to learn from some 

very experienced mentors. 

After some great lessons in driving 

with David Baker, we were able to go 

to Tanya Howard, who spent a lot of 

time helping us to further improve our 

driving skills and teaching us all about 

caring for horses and ponies. 

The horse care was great. After 

having the details explained, and 

watching examples, we always had the 

chance to do everything ourselves. We 

learnt about the grooming kit, what the 

equipment was for, why we needed 

it, and how to use it. We even got to 

make our own wisps! We got to do 

loads of things, like mucking out (we 

did a lot of that), bandaging, grooming 

and loads more things. 

Oxford and 

Wiltshire joint Trec 

Eynsham Park was again the 

venue for our joint Spring BDS 

Trec. Karen Harvey, Assistant Area 

Commissioner for Oxfordshire, and I 

found a new route which proved to be 

very popular with everyone as not only 

did it increase the off road content but 

it was also a little less bumpy. All the 20 

turnouts drove the same route which 

made the marking out easier, with 

different times given for the smaller 

ponies. After lunch the Skills course 

was driven, and to keep everyone 

occupied whilst they waited their turn 

we had also set up two Cones Courses 

one timed and one accumulator. It 

really was a great day with everyone 

helping at the end to help pack up, 

so by the presentation time the field 

was just heaps awaiting to be loaded 

to be taken home. We presented 

rosettes to each of the two groups and 

then an overall placing of the top 6 

with a Champion and Reserve. Those 

honours this year went to Peta Guest 

and Charlie with the reserve Heather 

Franklin with Pebbles. The results are 

published on the web site. 

One of the things that was really 

great was the fact that we learnt 

about the safety and care needed 

with horses. We also looked at what 

precautions to take, and what was more 

suitable for each event. We looked into 

good fencing and poisonous plants. 

Even down to average temperatures, 

respiration rates and symptoms for 

illness and injuries. 

I made some excellent friends and 

we all helped each other. There was a 

small and a bit challenging test at the 

end, but even that was great. We all 

passed and received our BDS Young 

Drivers Horse Care Certificate. So well 

done everyone. 

The tutors were fab! They made 

everything fun and enjoyable for all 

of us. It made the learning so much 

easier with all the support and help. 

On behalf of all of us, I would like to say 

a great big ‘Thank You’ to Tanya and 

everyone that helped. You were great. 

Mr L. John Stevens 

Memorial Service 

The office has just been 

informed of the sad death of Mr L 

John Stevens LVO MBE who died 

peacefully at his home in Somerset 

on 27th June 2009. 

John has been a member of the 

BDS since the early 60’s. 

There will be a memorial 

service at Sherborne Abbey on 

October 2nd 2009 at 2pm and the 

family would like to extend a warm 

invitation to any member who 

would like to attend and celebrate 

a rather amazing life well lived. 

Carriage 

Foundation Dates 

F ollowing the visit to Denmark 

in April 2007, members of The 

Danish Carriage Society are to visit 

England on September 15th – 18th. 

They will make their base in Bakewell, 

Derbyshire and I have helped 

them make arrangements to visit 

Red House Stables, Calke Abbey, 

Shugborough & Beamish Open Air 

Museum. Anyone wishing to join the 

group and renew old acquaintances, 

on one or all of the visits, will be very 

welcome. Please let me know as soon 

as possible. 

The annual autumn visit, over 

the weekend of October 17th & 

18th will be to Charlecote Park, Nr. 

Wellesbourne on Saturday morning, 

followed by Ragley Hall, Alcester in 

the afternoon. After Bed & Breakfast 

at a local hotel we shall move onto 

The Black Country Museum, Dudley 

where a full day is planned at this 

open-air museum where history 

comes to life. 

A visit to Northern Germany is in the 

pipeline for April 18th – 25th 2010 

and if anyone has ideas of places to 

visit here we shall be pleased to hear 

from you. 

These trips are interesting and 

great fun, giving members the 

opportunity to visit many venues not 

available to the general public. 

Let me know if you are interested 

in receiving details of these or any 

future trips. 

Caroline Dale-Leech, Hon Sec. 

Red House Stables. Darley Dale, 

Derbyshire. DE4 2ER. 

Tel/Fax: 01629 733583. 

email redhousestables@hotmail.co.uk 


Copy Deadline 

for November 

Newsletter is 

1st October 2009 

Please send your contributions to: 

The Editor, BDS Newsletter, 

222 Trallwn Road, 

Llansamlet, Swansea, SA7 9UG 

Tel: 07966 515325 

michelle467@btinternet.com 

CARRIAGEHOUSE INSURANCE 

‘The Predictable helping you with the Unpredictable’ 

Whatever driving or riding you do, whether for 

pleasure or competitively we can help you by: 

- discussing your individual insurance needs 

- providing a full quote, then arranging your 

policy 

- finally assisting you with any claims you 

may have to make 

We have policies that provide cover for: 

horse(s) or donkeys - carriage(s) - 

harness - tack - grooms/employees - 

trailers or horse boxes - liability for 

commercial carriage driving 

www.carriagehouseinsurance.co.uk 

B.D.S. Office 

Tess Styles, Executive Secretary, 

British Driving Society, 

83 New Road, Helmingham, 

Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6EA 

Tel: 01473 892001 

Fax: 01473 892005 

email@britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

Cover page picture: 

BDS President, James Corbett at the 

BDS Annual Show 2009 presenting to 

HM Queen Elizabeth II. 

Call us on 

01206 337388 

You can now get a quote, take 

out policies and renew online 

page 3 | BDS News

Photo courtesy of Paul Orchard 



Private Driving and 

Light Trade Classes at 

the BHDTA National 

Championships 2009 

Plans are well under way for this year’s BHDTA National 

Carriage Driving Championships at Windsor in 

September. In addition to the 16 National Championship 

classes, the event is again hosting some valuable Private 

Driving classes in the arenas on Saturday 12th September, 

while the marathon for the Championships is in progress 

in the park. 

It is hoped that the Exercise Vehicle and Pleasure 

Driving classes will again encourage some of the more 

local competitors. These will be followed by two Private 

Driving classes that include a show drive around the lovely 

Windsor Great Park. 

The Concours d’Elegance, to be judged this year by 

talented artist, Virginia James, is sponsored by Bruce and 

Rita Blundell who have been tremendous supporters of the 

Private Driving at these Championships but who will be 

finally retiring as chief stewards after this year’s event. 

While competitors are out on their drive in the park, 

Richard Wiggins will be judging the popular Light Trade 

Turnout class. 

In addition to prize money for each class, there 

are some generous prizes in kind (each worth £160) 

of a photo-shoot and a print presented by Centaur 

Photographic to the first two in all the show classes, and to 

the first six in the Concours. 

Entries close on 21st August (late entries at double 

fees until 31st August). Schedules available from Mrs J 

Holah, Dykelands Farm, Whenby, York YO61 4SF or off the 

website www.windsordriving.co.uk. 

Spectators are very welcome at the National 

Championships where admission is free on Friday, and 

£8/person on Saturday and Sunday. Caravan parking 

is available at £40 including admission for the whole 

weekend (£20 to BHDTA members). There is also the 

opportunity to purchase ‘day membership’ for the Victoria 

Enclosure overlooking the competition on Saturday and 

Sunday, where members will have coffee on arrival, a 

buffet lunch, and afternoon tea. Details from Jill Holah as 

above. 

National Championship programme: 

Fri 11th National Championships Dressage 

Sat 12th National Championships Cross Country 

Marathon 

Private Driving and Light Trade Turnout 

classes 

Also: Dog Agility Competitions 

Sun 13th National Championships Cones and Prize 

Givings 

Also: Windsor Classic Vehicle Show 

For more details about the Championships log on to 

www.windsordriving.co.uk. 

Lincolnshire BDS Musical Drive 

After months of talking about a musical 

drive, Carole Davenport put together some 

choreography to Abba’s Money Money Money, 

although we used the Royal Philharmonic 

version. Then weeks of training, well four 

actually, and one was without music, we got our 

first booking. Team Rambo stepped in to cover 

for holidays. 

The Lincolnshire BDS Musical Drive Team 

were to perform at Burghley House Living 

Heritage Game and Country Fair over the late 

May bank holiday weekend. 

We had a last practice at Elms Farm EC on 

the Thursday prior to the event. Friday was 

spent cleaning horsebox, carriage and tack. At 

05.00am Saturday we woke to brilliant sunshine 

and set off at 07.00am for Burghley House in 

Stamford, Lincolnshire. 

After a slight detour around all the burger 

bars, fairground etc we found someone who 

knew where we should be, and there amongst 

the trees was Carole Davenport’s lorry, with 

David Faulkner and Sarah Braybrook alongside. 

Jill and Jocelyn Smith soon arrived and the team 

was complete. 

During the week before the event I had been 

to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance offices and 

collected some display boards and banners and 

collection tins etc. so that we could support 

them alongside our BDS display. We walked the 

mile from the box park to the ring and paced 

out the arena, and marked the corners with 

silver paint ready for our display, and then set up 

the display in our tent. Our display spot was at 

11.30am so we returned to the vehicles to tack 

up and by the time we made our way back to the 

ring the horse walk fencing had been finished 

and we had a short wait until the Lurcher demo 

was complete. 

Disaster, just as we entered the ring the CD 

player broke – a musical drive without music, 

so David Faulkner told the audience about each 

turnout as we did a show demo. Then it was 

decided to do the display without music which if 

I am honest lacked something vital – the music! 

We returned to the vehicles and sat down 

disillusioned that we may have to do the second 

display without music. Then great news, the 

sound system was being repaired. Feeling better 

we tacked up and proceeded to the ring, where 

this time we hoped to do the display to music. 

We lined up, the music started and we set off, 

several circles, cross-overs and waterfalls later 

we came to a stop and the music ended. Our first 

public display had finished and our timing was 

nearly perfect. We even collected some money 

for the Air Ambulance. 

With Saturday over we all relaxed in the box 

park. Sunday did not seem so daunting now, as 

long as the weather held out……. 

Sunday duly arrived and we had full sunshine 

all day. Our display in the morning went without 

a hitch and we collected about £30 for the 

Air Ambulance. The afternoon display was in 

the full heat of the day but there were lots of 

spectators and we collected over £80 for the 

LNAA. The box park was entertained by the 

Scurry Driving Association on Sunday evening. 

Carole Davenport loaded her flat bed trailer with 

bales and nearly the entire box park climbed 

aboard to be taken to the show ground where 

evening meals were available. After ‘dinner’ 

it was back to the box park for some ‘wellie 

wanging’ and then a game of rounders. As the 

evening progressed and the wine diminished the 

box park got louder with laughter as the comics 

emerged from the shadows. [allegedly, because 

we drove home and missed it all] 

Monday morning we arrived back at camp 

at 8 o’clock when life began again and around 

the ‘camp fire’, David Faulkner’s motor home, 

the kettle was on and the banter began. Our first 

display was at 10.30am, which for our charity 

fund raising was not a good time but they were 

generous at Burghley and our buckets were not 

empty despite the generator stopping, which 

meant David Faulkner had to shout. The electric 

was not off for long and the show continued. 

Our Last display of the three days was a bit 

different, the music started before we were 

ready so I speeded Rambo up, difficult in itself, 

and we then got ahead of the music in the 

serpentine, Joss and I slowed it down again in 

the last phase and we stopped in time to the 

music – brilliant, no one was any wiser. David 

gave his commentary as we each did our bit; Me, 

Sue and Rambo took the opportunity to show 

off more than the others but we had a very good 

collection to end our first 3 day event Musical 

Drive. 

Over the three days we collected over £200 

for the Air Ambulance. 

Our thanks to the team. Joss & Jill Smith, 

Sarah Braybrook & Heather Moir, Helen & 

Molly Faulkner & Ann Chapman, Duncan & 

Sue Seth-Smith, Carole Davenport for the idea 

and choreography, Anya Mower for grooming 

and the stories, Anna & Robin Mann for their 

‘vintage vehicle’, Jeff Davenport & Mr Moir [ring 

team] and David and Kathleen Faulkner for the 

refreshments. 

Look out Sledmere & Sandringham country 

fairs. 

Duncan Seth-Smith

Sponsors Call For Towerlands 

On Saturday and Sunday, October 

3rd & 4th Driving Towerlands hosts 

its 3rd year and is presenting again a two 

day show in what has become a hugely 

successful, tried and tested format. 

The show could not take place 

without the support of our sponsors and 

our sport is hugely indebted to these 

supporters year on year that allow us all 

to enjoy our Carriage Driving. 

This is therefore a call to you, our 

members, for sponsorship to ensure the 

financial success of Driving Towerlands 

2009 and to secure its place in the 

calendar for future years. 

Sponsorship packages are available 

from as little as £100 to sponsor a 

class and range to corporate packages 

which can be tailored to suit individual 

company requirements. Big is always 

beautiful but for those pony drivers 

amongst us, small is also beautiful 

and generally more achievable, so we 

welcome all potential sponsors big and 

small. 

So please put on your thinking caps 

and try to encourage that local company 

to sponsor our event and enjoy the 

spectacle that is Carriage Driving. Or 

alternatively dig deep yourselves on 

behalf of your sport and sponsor a 

class for £100 to ensure that we can all 

continue to enjoy the Carriage Driving 

Festival Weekend that is Driving 

Towerlands. 

Richard Lanni: Finance Chairman 

e: r.lanni@kelvinkbb.com 

Tel: 01236/784401 

Contact: Charlotte Lawson 

e: mail@charlotte-lawson.co.uk 

Tel: 01379/586686 

BDS Fun Day/Trec 

Red House Stables, Darley Dale 


On Sunday, 24th May 2009, a BDS Fun Day/Trec was held at Red House 

Stables, Darley Dale by kind permission of Caroline Dale-Leech and 

husband, Peter Leech. Amidst beautiful scenery and blessed with glorious 

sunshine, fifteen competitors set off at ten minute intervals to enjoy a three 

mile Treasure Hunt Drive, partly off-road, returning to the field to negotiate 

eleven skill-testing obstacles, including a stream crossing and a timed cones 

course. 

Delicious refreshments were provided by the hosts and the proceeds of a 

raffle were presented to Scropton Riding & Driving Centre for the Disabled. 

All competitors enjoyed the day and results of the three phases are as follows: 

Treasure Hunt: 1st. Carol Wilkson ( Jack) 2nd Sally Cowan(Tweenie) 3rd 

Ann Stubbs (Joe). Obstacles: 1st Carol Wilkson. Equal 2nd Russell Andrews 

(pair of Shetlands), Ann Stubbs (Joe) & Chris Toyne (Bobby). Cones : 1st Rob 

Hutchinson. 2nd Carol Wilkson. 3rd Robert Andrews (pair). The Mike Watson 

Trophy Presented to the overall winner went to Carol Wilkson driving Jack. 

The Pardner Trophy presented to the best Groom was won by 11 year old 

Isabelle Cowan. The Caroline Dale-Leech Trophy for the best Junior Whip was 

won by Natasha Pritty. 

page 5 | BDS News


Swiss Ingenuity Impresses Carriage Foundation 

The landscape offers a clue to 

the adaptability of the Swiss. 

Anyone who lives in such vertical 

neighbourhoods must develop a 

greater sense of three dimensional 

space than most of humanity. 

The carriage collections viewed on 

the Foundation’s April visit bore witness 

to the ingenuity required to cope with 

mountain and valley. Braking systems 

are frequently doubled up, traces attach 

to swingletrees by rope connectors for 

greater flexibility, teams of five are more 

prevalent in some areas than four and 

even the mail coach may be narrowed 

to a meter wide with the passenger 

cabin facing sideways to cope with 

mountain pathways. 

With a round trip of more than 

3,000 miles this is the furthest flung 

venture so far for the Foundation. The 

main body set out from Darley Dale 

at a horrendously early dark hour to 

reach Dover by 9.30 am. It was here 

that your less than intrepid reporter 

joined after exercising his senile railcard 

for a civilised daytime run followed 

by a decent evening meal, a luxurious 

night’s sleep and a slap up British 

breakfast to set him up for the ferry 

and the long haul through the Verdun 

battlefield to Metz. It is an unintended 

benefit of these expeditions that the 

route to the collections frequently takes 

us through areas and cities which the 

normal tourist might not see. Although 

Metz crops up frequently in history as 

the seat of powerful bishops and the 

location of medieval summits it is not a 

destination city. Nevertheless it proved 

to be full of interesting Germanic 

architecture and to boast some most 

acceptable restaurants. 

Monday brought another long 

haul, noticing Swiss Customs only 

because we stopped there to enable 

a mysterious exchange of packages 

with the Niederbergers’ car – Susan 

sourcing fabrics for her restoration 

work? Beat and Susan were to be 

our indispensible guides and hosts in 

Switzerland. Their work brings them 

into contact with most of the main 

collectors in Europe and here on their 

home territory they had lined up access 

to private collections rarely displayed 

– as one collector put it “because 

all they (the public) want to know is 

the price of everything...” With an 

introduction from Susan and Beat and 

our genuine interest and knowledge 

such reservations were soon set 

aside and we found all our collector 

BDS PROFICIENCY EXAM DAY – 

October 27th 2009 

Red House Stables, Darley Dale, 


Tel 01629 733583 


hosts happy to share their pleasure in 

and knowledge of their vehicles and 

accoutrements. 

Having skirted Basel and crossed 

most of Switzerland we arrived at 

Amriswil and the collection of Herrn 

Robert Sallmann, a major figure in the 

Swiss carriage world. His collection 

ranged from family vehicles such as an 

American style buggy, a picnic wagon 

and sleds to a landau expanded to 

act as an omnibus for the Interlaken 

Hotel. Here we were introduced to the 

Swiss post coaches in their distinctive 

black, yellow and red livery, each with 

its own registered number. Unlike the 

British post system which ran with road 

coaches of a single basic style, the 

Swiss utilised whatever vehicle might 

be most suitable for its particular task 

and route. So they came in all shapes 

and sizes but a common theme was 

essential simplicity of construction to 

enable repairs by local blacksmiths. 

The larger vehicles would be hauled by 

hefty Frieburger horses. The harness 

would be of the typical Swiss type with 

pointed wooden hames and traces 

connected to swingletrees by rope 

adjusters. Splinter bars were, and are, 

used only as supports from which 

swingletrees hang on broad, sturdy 

leather straps. The national postal 

system was established in 1848 and 

many of the post coaches continued in 

use well into the twentieth century. The 

livery has carried forward to the current 

motorised fleet. 

In the room for family style vehicles 

we noted the utilisation of work 

vehicles for family use on Sundays with 

convenient convertibles. A style which 

became most familiar was that of the 

small wagonette or dog cart with the 

rear seats so configured that they fold 

to create a small compartment to keep 

the shopping or sale goods protected 

from the weather. 

In the basement we found special 

purpose vehicles, some of which 

caused some head scratching before we 

ascertained their uses. The fire engine, 

ambulance and hearse were easy but 

the variety of muck and slurry spreaders 

was less familiar and the leather apron 

attachment for the bowser to spread 

water to the land was novel to all. The 

wooden snow plough was massive and 

required a six horse team. Also in the 

basement we found an ancient Sicilian 

two wheeler highly decorated in the 

bright south Mediterranean style. 

Tuesday morning found us in 

Appenzell at the collection of Herrn 

Daniel Fuchs with a discerning selection 

of vehicles for all levels of society but it 

was the higher echelons who drew the 

interest with Colin Henderson called 

upon to explain how the gradations 

of European aristocracy are imparted 

through their family crests so often 

displayed on carriage doors. It is, 

apparently, all about balls. The more 

you have the higher you rank. Once 

you are really up the hierarchy you 

modestly show only half your balls. And 

there are some lowly characters with no 

balls at all. 

The Appenzell region is what we 

all imagine Switzerland to be. Green 

hillsides dotted at all altitudes with 

decorated wood built farmhouses, 

cows with substantial and musical bells, 

massive snow capped rocky mountains 

providing the backdrop. The village is 

beautiful and tantalised as it offered 

what was to turn out to be the only 

shopping opportunity of the trip – but 

the Swiss adhere to the view that 

lunchtime is for lunch so all shops close. 

The afternoon produced another 

disappointment (rather to your trepid 

reporter’s secret relief) as the clouds 

surrounded the peak of Säntis rendering 

an ascent by cable car pointless – the 

televised picture of the view from the 

top showed 360 degree grey. The silver 

lining lay in a return to St Gallen just 

in time for Susan to lead a small group 

of the still active on a brisk walk to 

the Abbey of St Gall and the Baroque 

Library Hall. Set now in the tranquillity 

of an United Nations World Heritage 

Site this Library had its origins in the 

solitary cell founded by the Irish monk 

Gallus in 612 and developed under St 

Otmar into a Benedictine Abbey after 

719. It went on to become one of the 

major centres of learning protecting 

the knowledge of the ancient world 

through medieval vicissitudes and even 

now is a scientific lending library open 

to the studious public. The Hall itself is 

an artefact of great beauty in the early 

baroque style with a patterned inlaid 

wooden floor, elaborate columns and 

decorated ceiling. The tomes lining the 

walls are redolent with names familiar 

to students of medieval scholarship. 

The exhibition in the displays was of 

the curriculum of the school setting out 

the seven liberal arts – a curriculum 

which stood for centuries. A brief 

pause for contemplation in the vast 

Abbey Church – another example of 

the best of baroque while it retained 

classical restraint – ended this peaceful 

interlude. 

Colin Henderson shared his 

memories of coaches he has known 

that evening demonstrating his depth 

of knowledge and almost total recall 

of vehicles, horses, whips and even 

passengers. 

Herrn Ivo Huber’s collection 

of mainly Swiss vehicles, gathered 

together on a hillside location drawing 

the bus onto tracks unknown to 

sat-nav, is the result of a horse lover 

acquiring carriages to suit his horses 

then finding himself becoming 

sentimentally attached to the vehicles 

for the memories they hold. For us it 

was an opportunity to compare the 

styles of several Swiss coachbuilders 

with examples from Kaufmann of Basel, 

Geissberger of Zurich and Heimberger 

of Basel. There were also locally built 

wagonettes put together by blacksmiths 

or, in at least one case, by a saddler. 

From similarities in the metalwork your 

reporter surmised that there was a 

thriving mail order industry in carriage 

parts in the nineteenth and early 

twentieth centuries. Some modern 

country vehicles offered comparisons 

and demonstrated the adaptions 

suitable for the Swiss environment 

with strong braking and provision for 

sheltering goods. 

On to Einsieldeln for lunch but 

unfortunately no time to visit what may 

be the oldest working stud in the world 

at Einsiedeln Abbey. We are here to 

view Herrn Zachi Kalin well presented 

group of vehicles representing many 

styles with a strong emphasis on Swiss 

builders. A classic comparison was a set 

of three landaus, one from Kaufmann of 

Zurich, one from Hohener of St Gollen 

and the last from Binder Frères of Paris. 

With carriages from New York, Brussels, 

Newhaven, Connecticut, London and 

Paris it was possible to see the influences 

travelling among builders. There was 

particular interest in a “Coupe” or 

Bow-fronted Brougham built in Riga for 

Tsar Nicolas II. Zachi also fosters current 

craftsmanship by commissioning scale 

models of examples from his collection. 

Thursday was a special day as we 

were guests of Sattlerie Niederberger. 

Many of us have come to know and 

cherish Susan who has accompanied 

us on our forays for some years 

always enlightening us with her 

profound knowledge of the fabrics 

used in old vehicles and igniting us 

with her enthusiasm to know more 

and to find sources for such fabrics 

for her restoration work. Now we 

were in her lair to see how it was all 

brought together to weave the magical 

revivications of carriage interiors and 

hammer cloths. Susan demonstrated 

the re-upholstery of a vintage Thorn 

car with traditional button back leather. 

Wherever possible the original fabrics 

are recycled but if new is needed it 

is sourced from the most authentic 

resources. As for the horsehair, Susan 

emphasised that the best comes from 

a blonde, preferably live, horse. Beat 

demonstrated the rolling of the straw 

into a collar and explained some of 

the mechanics of building a saddle. 

Meantime the young ladies of the 

Sattlerie worked patiently sewing 

leather and textiles as if the invasion 

wasn’t happening.

continued ➢ 

The Niederbergers have their 

own small collection of vehicles 

and work sporadically on them. 

This is an occupation where time 

is far less important than accuracy 

and authenticity and a project may 

lie for months until Susan and Beat 

are satisfied that they have the best 

solution. This perfectionism pays 

off when the major collectors seek 

restoration work. Lunch was a fun 

buffet in the Sattlerie garden with 

the atmosphere enhanced by the 

triumphant return of one of the 

Niederberger sons having just passed 

his driving (car) test. He received an 

ovation which also expressed our 

gratitude to Susan and Beat for their 

hospitality both here in their home and 

workshop and throughout Switzerland. 

On to Bern where, by coincidence 

the Equestrian Centre was holding 

a “Drivers’ Challenge” event so the 

horses vied with the Carriage Museum 

for our attention. There was no 

Achenbach (“English Coaching Style”) 

here. It was all two handed action 

leaving your reporter somewhat baffled 

at how reins could be shortened in a 

hurry. 

The Centre began as cavalry 

barracks and the Carriage Museum 

is under the capable charge of Herrn 

Herman Most who started here as 

stable lad forty years ago. This is a very 

tidy display of private carriages, many 

donated by former cavalry and artillery 

officers so they had been maintained 

to high standards. One coupe in 

particular stood out for its excellent 

condition, especially the interior which 

is a reference for fabric specialists such 

as Susan. It had been donated by a 

cavalry officer in 1950. Cavalry General 

Clavel who had been instrumental in 

developing the Bern museum was also 

responsible for setting up the Carriage 

Museum at Bruglingen in the grounds 

of his country house. Here we found 

the narrowed post coach. Among 

many interesting vehicles your reporter 

was taken by a very good example 

of a basket weave vis-a-vis with a 

canopy. We had seen several of these 

but this was in the best condition and 

evoked Impressionist picnics of the late 

Victorian and Edwardian eras. 

The Museum is set within botanic 

gardens and many members found 

relief from museum pounding in a 

leisurely stroll by the stream to the 

orangerie. 

Lunch at the very, deservedly, 

popular ZumSchützenhaus, a former 

shooting lodge now sadly surrounded 

by Basel suburbia, then on to a tour 

of the premises of Settelen, a firm of 

furniture removers and warehousemen. 

In 1907 these were built to 

accommodate 120 French cold blood 

heavy horses and 85 grooms. They are 

still in use, converted for motorised use, 

but showing how they were operated 

in the heyday of horse haulage. Only 

one room was heated and that was to 

keep the muscles supple on horses who 

had completed one journey and were 

awaiting the next. 

On again to M. Trapp’s collection 

just over the border in France. A 

Wendover Coach with original interior 

and original but unusual boot boxes 

– the drawer for wine glasses at the 

Introduction to Showing 

a Success 

Mr. Stuart Johnstone 

Over a period of three months 

starting in March, we had 

introduction to showing sessions, and 

what fun we had learning how to show 

an exercise and pleasure turnout, the 

first one we even had a fashion show 

on what and what not to wear, and 

we all tried on some super hats. Our 

judge, Caroline Douglas explained 

about harness and all the accessories, 

should we have lamps, what about the 

whip, holly or not? The list was endless. 

The second one in April we were 

lucky enough to have a fine evening 

and I was the guinea pig to show a 

turnout completely all wrongly put 

together to be picked to pieces by the 

future competitors. In May on a bright 

Saturday afternoon, four brave people 

brought their turnouts prior to attending 

the Cadnam driving show in June. Many 

thanks to the Cadnam show committee 

for allowing us to have the special 

class for those that have attended the 

Lowhill sessions, culminating in Mr 

Stuart Johnson being presented with 

the Grayswood Carriage Driving Centre 

shield. Congratulations to him and all the 

other competitors. Stuart was heard to 

say after the class it was nerve racking, 

and didn’t get much sleep the night 

before, worrying if he had remembered 

to put everything in the lorry. 

At tea on the last day someone 

suggested we next had an introduction 

to pairs, and hopefully, at the end of the 

session, a have a go at pair driving, so 

watch your newsletter if interested, sure 

it will be an entertaining afternoon 

Very many thanks to Caroline and 

should we do it again next year, would 

anybody be interested? 

Roger Page AC 

bottom, not the top – much expert chin 

stroking. An omnibus with unusual 

round ended side windows built in 

Newcastle-upon-Tyne by Atkinson & 

Philipson in the late 19th century for 

Lord Lonsdale in original condition and 

in need of a careful clean-up. A very 

knowledgeable collection, described by 

the lady of the house (his daughter- inlaw) 

as an obsession, spreading through 

many sheds but not the last to which 

the ladies shepherded us which turned 

out to be a cod Mexican estancia where 

we found sparkling wine and delicious 

cake, both savoury and sweet. 

Saturday morning and in a suburb 

of attractive timbered houses we 

find the farm of Jacque Butz with yet 

another intriguing collection where 

the un-catalogued and unorganised 

accoutrements to carriage driving 

created an atmosphere of discovery 

– Kevin delighting in his find of a 

World War II horse gas mask in perfect 

condition. The coach horn with a 

mouthpiece too large for Caroline 

to blow. We learned that the Butzes 

regard Geissberger as the most 

authentic Swiss coachbuilder. We 

inferred that others such as Kaufmann 

were regarded as compilers of foreign 

kits rather than as original builders 

in their own right. But there was no 

prejudice against the genuine foreign 

article for here was a splendid Tandem 

by Guiet of Paris – best described by M. 

Trapp who arrived just as your reporter 

was gazing at it “Superbe, Ha?” 

Also attracting all was a gentleman’s 

road coach built in the late nineteenth 

century by Joseph Cockshot & Co 

of Manchester. We had seen several 


coaches which the experts had 

considered “interesting” but this was 

described as “the coach which has 

everything it should have and it’s all 

there”. It also had electric lighting and 

a flushing loo and wash-hand basin, 

with the added original refinement of an 

indoor snib so that one might complete 

one’s ablutions in the assurance of 

privacy. The roof chest was complete 

and the opportunity was taken to open 

it up to demonstrate its use as a rooftop 

table. There can be no better way to go 

to the races. This was a very enjoyable 

collection to complete our tour. 

There was the added attraction of the 

Confisserie 50 yards down the road. It 

was good to learn that Herrn Butz’s son 

had decided to continue as a lawyer for 

three days a week to fund the remaining 

days devoted to the collection. Then we 

crossed the Continent for a stopover at 

Reims – no time for the cathedral and 

no we can’t even drive round it in the 

morning as the area is pedestrianised. 

FOOTNOTE 

This was the most ambitious 

venture to date by the 

Foundation. We covered over 

3,150 miles Sunday to Sunday. 

We visited 10 establishments. 

We saw an amazing array of 

carriages and kit. We were 

doing 12 hour stints. We had 

swollen ankles and cramping calf 

muscles... Yes we’ll be back for 

more next year when we hope to 

visit north Germany, but maybe 

we’ll allow ourselves the odd 

moment to, literally, get our feet 

up? 

A Mighty Fine Victory 

for HorseHage and David Boyd 

The record books were again re 

written at this year’s Royal Ulster 

Show. For the first time ever a four 

year old hackney harness pony won 

the Supreme Championship. 

On this his second ever show, 

David Boyd’s new American bred 

Champion Hackney Pony, Heartland 

Mighty Fine, stepped to glory in what 

the show commentator described as 

one of the finest performances by a 

hackney pony ever seen at any Royal 

Ulster Show. 

Bred in Iowa by Darren and Sandy 

Kolkman, Heartland Mighty Fine 

simply blew away the opposition to 

give David Boyd his 9th Supreme 

Royal Ulster title in eleven years. 

David Boyd hit the record 

books by being one of only a few 

trainers in the illustrious history of 

the Royal Ulster Show to win the 

Supreme Hackney Championship 

with four different animals. 

Firstly, he won it with the mare 

Forwood Tara Maiden, then on 

five occasions the pony stallion 

Sunbeam Venture took the colours. 

The exotically named Pot Pourri 

Farm Comin Thru took the title 

for two years and now the four 

year old stallion Heartland Mighty 

Fine has added another Supreme 

Championship to David Boyd’s 

Chestnut Hill Stables. 

For Champion Trainer, David 

Boyd there is simply nothing that 

comes near to the thrill of winning the 

Supreme Championship at the Royal 

Ulster Show. The Co. Down man 

tells us “Many trainers strive to win 

the Royal Ulster once in a lifetime, to 

win on nine occasions sets something 

of a record of which I am very very 

proud.” The Supreme Championship 

will be coming home to the 

Castlereagh Hills for yet another year. 

page 7 | BDS News


Driving Classes 

for Friesian 

Horses 

On 20th September 2009 the 

Friesian Horse Association of 

Great Britain and Ireland (FHAGBI) 

are holding the official Friesian 

horse inspection at the Laurel View 

equestrian centre in Ballyclare. 

Some of the finest Friesian horses 

in Ireland will be on display in the 

morning, being inspected by Jury 

members of the Friesch Paarden 

Stamboek in the Netherlands. The 

afternoon program includes, for 

the very first time, driving classes 

specifically for Friesians. Anyone 

wishing to enter their horse in the 

driving classes should return the 

entry form no later than the 1st of 

September, together with an entrance 

fee of £6 per horse (members) and £8 

per horse (non-members) 

The classes are not only open to 

Friesian horses belonging to members 

of FHAGBI, but are also open to nonmembers 

with Friesian horses and also 

open to un-registered Friesian horses. 

There will be classes for exercise 

/ pleasure driving, private driving and 

multiples (pairs / tandem/ 4 in hand). 

E-mail:fhagbi.events@btinternet.com 

Website: www.fhagbi.co.uk 

Tel. 00 44 07740305267 

To be held at Laurel View 

Equestrian Centre, 18 Knowehead 

Road, Templepatrick, Ballyclare, BT39 

0BX. Sunday 20th September 2009 

commencing 3.30pm approx 

Horseboating Society 

It is unusual nowadays to see horseboating on the English 

canal system but the recent activities of The Horseboating 

Society has enabled the public to see such activities with 

events at Standedge and more recently at the Crick Boat 

Show when the horse Bilbo Baggins towed the boat over 

twenty miles to the next booking on the Grand Union Canal 

at The Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum Gala Event where 

demonstrations were given of horseboating through the 

flight of locks and boathorse harnessing. 

The next few days will see the return journey to 

Braunston where an appearance will be made at the 

Historic Working Narrow Boat Celebration 


The Art Of Carriage Driving 

What a resounding success the largest ever event 

staged by BDS N. E. Wales was. April 12th was 

bathed in wall-to-wall sunshine from dawn to dusk at 

Maelor Equestrian Centre where over 250 BDS members 

and friends attended. 

The full day’s programme featured various examples 

of carriage driving and preparation never before seen at a 

single event in North Wales. These included a Long Reining 

Display given by Dilwyn Lloyd and Junior Whip, Rachel 

Thomas. 

Pairs driving saw BDS Wales Chairman Modris Kesans 

and Michelle Reid demonstrate the skill of driving a pair 

of horses.This was repeated using a tandem with John 

Wilmot of Prestbury, Cheshire. Different vehicles for 

driving classes and preparing to show were demonstrated 

and explained by BDS Judge, Modris Kesans. Thanks to 

the following for bringing their turnouts; Elizabeth Brown 

with groom John Brown and their exercise vehicle, Janet 

Williams with her pleasure driving turnout, AAC Medina 

Dicks for her Private Driving turnout, Robert Parry Snr. with 

his 1935 Pickering Float built in Liverpool for a Stockport 

fishmonger & used around Manchester until the outbreak 

of the war. This vehicle achieved many first class awards 

at the London Harness Horse parade. The float was pulled 

by 8 year old Welsh Section D Ty Brook Flash Jack bred 

by Robert Parry, Morfydd Greatorix BDS AC for N.W 

Wales brought her Victoria Carriage built in Poland which 

she uses for weddings. Her groom was husband, Michael 

Greatorex. Mongarnedd Morgan a 10 year old Section C 

cob pulled the Victoria carriage. Modris Kesans explained 

to the large audience the different types of vehicles being 

demonstrated and the various classes and examples 

of disciplines in the show ring a turn out is expected to 

display together with what to wear. The Dalmatian as a 

carriage dog was demonstrated by Avril Pluck who put Spin 

through various disciplines and explained the history of the 

Dalmatian as a carriage dog. 

The final display was the Erddig horses who gave a 

magnificent and entertaining example of log pulling on the 

Estate at Wrexham, Steve Griffiths Countryside Manager 

with fellow Erddig staff Bryn & Dave were seen putting 

Duke a coloured cob and Jerry the Shire, through their 

Moving 

through 

Brockhall 

spinneys 

paces using various logging vehicles and Scandinavian 

harness used for logging. Steve explained the other duties 

of the horses on the estate could include harrowing, 

harvesting and giving carriage rides. 

The main attraction of the event was the arrival of 

the 140-year-old Lonsdale Park Drag Coach. The coach 

is owned and driven by Mark Evans and pulled by a team 

of four black Friesian stallions. Six passengers had been 

lucky to secure seats on the upper carriage. Prior to setting 

off, Mark Evans explained the traditions of coaching. The 

post horn blasted the off and the coach departed on its 

way to the Llyndir Hall Hotel & Spa the first stop watched 

by hundreds on the roadsides. On arrival at Llyndir 

Hotel nr Rossett a huge crowd had assembled to witness 

the coaches’ arrival. The management had kindly set a 

lounge aside for refreshments for the travellers while the 

coachman and his staff of five waited in the car park, again 

the coach horn sounded the off to the pleasure of the hotel 

guests and huge numbers of onlookers. 

The coach then headed through the Flintshire 

Countryside to the 2nd stop at the Swan Inn, Higher 

Kinnerton, again huge numbers of people turned out 

on hearing the various calls of the coach horn. The 

management of the Swan provided refreshments to both 

passengers and coachmen with large crowds gathered 

around the coach. At the blast of the horn set off on the 

final leg of its 12 mile journey back to Hope, again large 

crowds had gathered on the way. What a thrilling site the 

coach made with ten people on its upper deck. 

On arrival back at 3.00p.m all passengers exclaimed it 

had been the trip of a lifetime. 

Organiser of the event, BDS North East Wales Area 

Commissioner Janet Williams of Bwlchgwyn thanked 

Awards for All Wales for funding to make The Art Of 

Carriage Driving Event possible. Hope and Flintshire 

County Council tourism were also thanked for their 

assistance with funding the event. Also, thanks were 

expressed to everyone who had taken part in making the 

event such a success, and to the 250 who attended the all 

day event. Local Charities supported by The Art of Carriage 

driving were Nightingale House Hospice, Wrexham and 

Clwyd Special Riding Centre, Llanfynydd Flintshire. 

Maythorn Ralli returns to Biggleswade 

On 23 May, a former resident made a welcome return to Biggleswade together with his pride 

and joy, an antique horse drawn vehicle itself made in the town. The vehicle, a Ralli car, was 

made by Maythorn of Biggleswade around the early 1900s and was originally commissioned for Lady 

Freeman of Freeman Hardy Willis (shoe retailers) fame. Looking to buy a suitable vehicle to show 

with their new pony, driving enthusiasts Lesley and Colin Hurd agreed their search was over when, in 

early 2008, they found the Ralli car resting in a barn in the New Forest. But before they could take to 

the road, a large amount of work was required to ensure the Ralli car was safe and sound. Colin and 

Lesley sent the vehicle for a complete overhaul to Richard Wheelwright, well known carriage restorer 

and painter in Birmingham. Nine months later, the Ralli car was returned in its original colours of dark 

green and black. Maythorn were once the largest industrial employers in Biggleswade with over 200 

craftsmen employed in the manufacture of an extensive range of carriages. They occupied a site of 

over three acres close to the market square. Extensive advertising encouraged clients to take the 

train to Biggleswade where they would be collected to visit the works and see their own carriage in 

production. After a serious fire at the factory just before the Great War, the factory was closed and the 

operation taken over by the London carriage and now car body makers of Mulliner. Colin and Lesley 

made the long journey from Lavant, West Sussex, where they now live, to show the vehicle at the 

Spring Show of the British Driving Society (Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire branch) 

on 23 May in Biggleswade. 

Colin said, “Having once lived in Biggleswade, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to 

return the Ralli car to its original home and show the complete turnout.” The Ralli car, named after a 

gentleman called Ralli, is a two-wheeled country vehicle, popular at the beginning of the last century 

because of its adaptability. 

Further information on this press release from Linda Swain, BDS area commissioner, 

07850 706978

Show Reports 

BDS Annual Show 2009 

Competitors travelled from far and wide to get to Smith’s Lawn for the 

45th Annual Show, some very long distances; all were rewarded with 

a glorious mid-summer day under the sun and some winning that precious 

red rosette. Most notably, Jonathan Carnduff with Ulisha who crossed 

the Irish Sea to first take the Crestwood Fittings World & Rare Breeds and 

then the Brewin Dolphin BDS Supreme title and a qualifying ticket for 

the Horse of the Year Show. This was Ulisha’s first visit to the show and 

Jonathan was justifiably proud of his handsome grey horse. 

BDS President James Corbett travelled down from the Isle of Mull 

to drive Jill Burns’ pair in the Truckbusters Concours d’Elegance. Penny 

Henderson, the hard working secretary of Royal Windsor Horse Show, 

swapped roles and judged this popular class. It was no easy task and 

her eventual winner was Clare Wigmore driving her own Winston & 

Victor. One Concours competitor, namely Carlo Mathias with Gasper, 

had travelled all the way from Belgium and the show was delighted to 

welcome him. 

There were only three rings at the 2009 show, but when compared to 

the previous year’s schedule only one class had been lost to achieve the 

new configuration. As a result the show had a more intimate atmosphere, 

with activity in all rings right up until the move over to the Polo Ground 

for the parade. It also meant that there 

was none of the lengthy wait which 

competitors had had in the past. The 

BDS was delighted that once again HM 

The Queen presented the famous BDS 

Sashes to the Show Champions, one of 

whom was a proud 14 year old Lauren 

Mackenzie, winner of the Kelvin Young 

Driver prize. HRH Prince Philip spoke to 

all the champions, some of whom he had 

watched in the rings earlier in the day. 

He also congratulated Rodney Ousbey 

on his winning the Driving Award of the 

Worshipful Company of Coachmakers & 

Coach Harness Makers. 

The long distance travellers did not have it all their own 

way – local family (in fact so local they could almost see the 

showground from home!) the Wards, took the Supreme Hackney 

title with Westbourne Hi Tech. Hackney classes at the show 

were particularly well supported and Perthshire judge, Roly 

Connolly had a hard task to find his winner out of 50 entries. 

Continuing his very successful season, Jeff Osborne won the 

Binder Country Vehicles with his coloured horse, The Poacher, 

eventually going on to take Reserve Supreme Champion. This 

immediately followed an identical placing in the Electrolux Light 

Trade Championship, won by Terry Burgess with Cledlyn Sam. 

And one of the busiest competitors on the day was Minta Winn 

responsible for entries in 10 classes; coming out top was Mike 

Clarke’s Thorneyside The Foreman who she drove to take the 

Victoria Foods Welsh Cob Championship. 

It was indeed a busy day for everyone; Show Director, 

Barrie Luck and his team were delighted with its success 

and our grateful thanks to all – sponsors, stewards, 

officials and competitors who made it all possible. 

William Semmens’ Miniature Horse Team 

Brewin Dolphin Supreme Show 

Champion, Jonathan Carnduff 

and Ulisha 

HM The Queen with Moya Bangham and Saltmarsh Buccaneer, 

Crestwood Fittings Welsh Pony Champion 

Wallace Binder presents Jeff Osborne with his trophy in the 

Binder Country Vehicles 

Terry Burgess, Electrolux Light Trade 

Champion 

Winning Donkey, Jill Oliver’s Mixandmatch 

BDS Vice Chairman, Richard Lanni 


HRH Prince Phillip with Rodney Ousbey and 

the Worshipful Company of Coachbuilders 

Commentator Carey Knox, interviews 

Ring Guard, Colin Pawson 

page 9 | BDS News


Bristol Horse Driving 

Club Show 24/05/09 

Building on the success of last 

year’s show at Keynsham Rugby 

Club’s ground it was of no surprise 

it was again the venue chosen by 

Bristol Horse Driving Club to hold 

their Annual Driving Show. It was a 

fantastic day with brilliant sunshine 

and not a cloud to be seen anywhere 

which certainly contributed to the 

record entries experienced this year. 

The Judge, Vanessa Neal, had the 

difficult task of deciding which horse 

would make the best Ride and Drive 

and eventually her choice went to 

the stunning Welsh ‘Gwarcoed Black 

Henry’ ridden and driven by Jackie 

Bennett. The following class, the 

Devon Area BDS 

Show 12th July 2009 

Having put up the show at Crealy 

Adventure Park, just outside 

Exeter on the Saturday under gloomy 

skies, and heavy rain overnight, we 

were blessed with a beautiful day 

on the Sunday. Our Judge was Mr G 

Mitchell who came all the way from 

Swansea and, hopefully, enjoyed his 

visit to Devon. 

Classes for non-traditional 

vehicles were well supported by our 

Devon members, and the Novelty 

Cones Competition, put on during the 

Judges well deserved lunch break, 

NEW SHOW 

BDS Dorset Area 

Show, Motcombe, 

Dorset 

Sunday 7th June 2009 

With shows being lost from the 

calendar, Dorset Area of the 

BDS bucked the trend when they held 

their first ever Area Show on Sunday 

7th June. The excellent facilities at the 

Turnpike Showground, Motcombe 

and the hospitality of the Gillingham 

and Shaftesbury Agricultural Society 

provided the perfect venue. As Alison 

Trevett, show organiser and Dorset 

AC, highlighted ‘We hold a range of 

events for our members, but this is 

the first year that we have hosted a 

show, and I am very pleased with the 

support that members have given us, 

with many of them venturing into the 

show ring for the first time’. 

Sue and Peter Douglas from West Knoyle 

with their pony, Treacle 


Novice Driver was awarded to ‘Toddy’ 

very capably driven by the young 

Rhian Ralph, who also took the Junior 

Whip Class and the Joyce Rogers 

Trophy for the best novice horse 

and novice whip, a pair with a very 

promising future in driving events. 

‘Gwarcoed Black Henry’ and 

Jackie Bennett kept up their winning 

ways by taking the Exercise Vehicle 

Class, which again had the largest 

entry of 10 competitors, whilst The 

Style and Performance Class, a new 

class introduced to the show this year, 

was won by ‘Rangeview Princess’ 

driven by C Davies. 

The Light Trade Class was won 

by ‘Jack’ pulling a milk cart containing 

a highly polished milk churn with 

Maggie O’Connor dressed as the 

was most popular 

with competitors 

and spectators alike. 

We have very few 

members in Devon 

who are interested in 

showing traditional 

vehicles, perhaps 

Under the watchful eye of BDS 

panel judge Mrs Jo Halnan-Blackwell, 

the classes began with an In Hand 

class for driving horses and ponies, 

where Lynda Rowland of Bere Regis 

triumphed with her Shetland Fusilier 

of Duntish. The Ride and Drive class 

followed, and having been pipped to 

second place in the ride section by 

Hilary Miles, riding Margaret Cuff’s 

Champion Geoff Allen with his 15 year old 

coloured cob, Jethro 

traditional coloured cob Free Spirit, 

Ivan Smith’s Freisan, Jelte, driven as a 

pair with another Friesian, 

took the drive section 

and hence was the class 

winner. Sue Douglas of 

West Knoyle enjoyed an 

excellent day, winning both 

the Newcomer Whip class 

and the hotly contested 

Exercise Vehicles, with 

her and husband Peter’s 

Dartmoor pony Treacle. 

hardworking milk person! 

Another Class new to the show 

this year was the Disabled Drivers 

Class. This class was won by the well 

behaved ‘Millie’ very capably driven 

by Yolanda Hanford. 

After lunch ‘Tyrpentre Daffydd 

Ddu’, the stunning black Welsh 

cob driven by Ann Townsend won 

the coveted Private Driving Class 

and Ann also took the overall show 

Championship from the young Rhian 

Ralph with Toddy finishing in Reserve 

Champion place. ‘Llansantfraed 

Black Jack’ and P Evans was a truly 

creditable second in the Private 

Driving. He also was Debbie 

Needs choice of the horse with the 

biggest ‘WOW’ factor earning him 

a trophy and £25. Joyce White with 

it is the expense and the distances 

we need to travel, so entrants in 

these classes were sadly thin on the 

ground and several of our Osborne 

Qualifiers went unclaimed. Our 

Non-traditional Champion on the 

day was Mrs Sheena Jacobs with 

her lovely chestnut Flashdance who 

has come back so well after serious 

The morning’s classes concluded with 

the Novice Horse or Pony, where Sue 

Courtney’s Welsh Section C pony 

from Hampshire headed the line. 

Melanie Vyse and her family 

made their stop-over on their return 

trip home from Royal Cornwall Show 

worthwhile, when, with her Hackney 

pony Glenshane Playboy, Melanie 

won both the Concours d’Elegance 

class and the Private Driving class for 

13.2hh and under ponies. Dorset 

based animal portrait painter Colette 

Fowler-Marson had a hard task 

separating the contenders when she 

judged the Concours d’Elegance class, 

but the honours finally fell to Melanie, 

just ahead of Dorset Area member 

Geoff Allen. Mr Allen’s coloured cob 

Jethro, driven to a Stratford Cart built 

over 100 years ago, took the over 

13.2hh Private Driving 

class, and then he 

went on to secure the 

Dorset Area members 

Championship, ahead 

of Ivan Smith’s pair 

of Friesian horses. 

The overall Show 

Yvette Cheeseman, groom 

Hazel Lappin with Polly, making 

their show ring debut 

Championship was 

a four way contest, 

where Glenshane 

Ann Townsend and Rhian Ralph 

‘Splash’ successfully negotiated the 

complicated Pleasure Drive course 

and won the Class. Pauline Holcome 

successfully caught Frances Philott’s 

eye, the guest judge, in the Concours 

d’Elegance and took the honours 

with her elegant part bred Hackney 

Westbourne High Flyer. 

Well done and thank you to all 

spectators, competitors, grooms and 

their helpers for a making this show a 

fantastic success. 

illness last year. The Traditional 

Champion, Mrs Ann Townsend, 

travelled from Wiltshire with her 

Welsh Section D Tyrpentre Daffydd 

Ddu. As she had already qualified for 

the Victoria Foods Championship, 

that honour went to the Reserve 

Champion Mrs Ann Williams with her 

charming spotted Dartmoor hill pony 

Corndonford Footloose. 

Finally, many thanks 

must go to the wonderful 

team of helpers on the day 

who made the whole thing 

happen. 

Judy Green, Devon AC 

Melanie Vyse driving Glenshane Playboy, 

winners of the overall Show Championship 

Jelte and Joris driven by Ivan Smith. BDS 

Dorset Area members Reserve Champions 

Playboy won through. 

Alison Trevett said ‘I am thrilled 

that we have been able to welcome 

some of the country’s top private 

driving turnouts to our inaugural 

show, but equally I am delighted 

to see so many of our local BDS 

members, with pleasure and exercise 

turnouts, participating and enjoying 

the show’. Afterwards Geoff Allen 

commented ‘It has been an excellent 

show, to be proud of and I hope it will 

become a regular annual event’. 

Photos: Allison Cooper of Mark Coutts Photography.

Hereford Show springs 

into action...and what 

a spectacle! 

The members of the Hereford 

and District Driving Group have 

managed to pull off yet another 

major success with the Hereford 

Spring Carriage Show, this year held 

at the Racecourse in the centre of 

Hereford City. Sponsored by Stirling 

Hereford, the main Suzuki and Hyundai 

dealership for the county, the show 

managed to attract 

even more diverse 

turnouts, tradestands, 

and a healthy 

attendance gate of 

around 1000 people. 

“This year’s show 

flew in the face of 

adversity defying all the odds to create 

a stunning spectacle for all the visitors 

and exhibitors on the day” states 

show director, Lester Dagge “ We are 

eternally grateful to Sterling Suzuki for 

their generous support for this show 

and the previous years’ events, both in 

advertising and supplying event cars for 

the day. Unfortunately we suffered a 

number of unplanned constraints which 

made life challenging. The threatening 

outbreak of Mexican Pig Flu and the 

cold weather had a bearing on an 

anticipated gate attendance. We would 

have liked more visitors given we were 

in a central city location. Finally the 

constraints imposed by the racecourse 

had a detrimental effect on our 

exhibitor numbers with entries down on 

previous years. Given all these issues, it 

was quite remarkable to see the event 

enjoy such incredible success”. 

The show has expanded 

significantly in recent years, building 

on popular ring displays such as the 

various private driving classes, the 

heavy horses, the donkeys a fun dog 

show and the return of the Harness 

Goat Society. The major attraction was 

given to the appearance of the two Park 

Drag road coaches provided by Mark 

Evans and Modris Kesans, both from 

West Wales. They were escorted on a 

short road drive along the Roman Road 

by cars supplied by Stirling Hereford. 

To add to the flavour of the event, 

members of Herefords Classic Car 

Club provided a stunning display with 

Northern Counties 

Pony Association 

Maelor Branch Annual 

Show Gredington 

The annual NCPA Charity was held 

on Sunday 12th July within the 

magnificent Gredington Park at 

Hanmer by kind permission of the 

Gredington Estate. The classes were 

awards for best turnout awarded to a 

home restored vintage tractor. 

With regards to the main business 

of the day, despite entries being 

down slightly on previous years 

classes were well supported with 

an improvement of standards over 

previous years. Newcomers and 

novices were particularly of a higher 

standard, a positive response to the 

continued exposure and promotion of 

the diversity of carriage driving to new 

competitors. This years Supreme Show 

Champion was club member Emily Ham 

and her outstanding 

Welsh Section C 

Stallion, Crossfield 

Glory. Emily swept 

the board during the 

day winning both 

the Private driving 

championship, the 

Concours d’Elegance, The Victoria 

Foods Qualifier, The BDS Wales 

Qualifier and the Hereford Members 

Points Championship. With so many 

rosettes attached to the front of the 

carriage, poor old dad ‘Hammy’ will 

now have to have extensions made 

for the rein rail for the Liverpool Gig. 

Success is not an unusual experience 

for Emily and her multi talented 

pony Jack, they 

represented Wales 

as part of the Junior 

squad for the World 

championships in 

Austria Last year. This 

pair are certainly stars 

of the future to watch 

out for! Hard on the 

heels of success was ‘Team Reddock’ 

from Monkland. Mandy Reddock and 

her family enjoyed phenomenal success 

with their pony Mosshill Ben James 

after winning the first National Exercise 

vehicle championship at Burleigh. 

The family have a new addition to 

their stable with their 15hh Hackney 

/Cob cross ‘Just Jasper’, and true to 

form, their immaculate turnout and 

honed driving skills allowed them to 

achieve the coveted Exercise vehicle 

championship again at Hereford. Not 

content with being upstaged, this time, 

hubby Tony was given the reins and 

scored a well deserved first in his first 

ever novice driving class... (seems there 

may be some trouble ahead fighting 

for the box seat!) Our honoured judges 

well supported and held in excellent 

sunny conditions. The Private Driving 

Victoria Foods National Qualifier and 

Overall Champion went to AW Spencer 

driving Welsh Cob, Fron Bertie. Reserve 

Champion was Avril Pluck driving Louis. 

DCPA Maelor Chairman Karen 

Manning thanked N.E Wales British 

Driving Society for organising the 

classes and running the driven 

Caroline Dale Leech, Araminta Winn 

and Sarah Wildy worked hard during 

the days 24 classes. Minta even roped 

her son, Rupert, into stewarding on 

the day, giving him some first hand 

experience from 

the other side of the 

shafts whilst under 

the watchful gaze 

of veteran Chief 

Ring Steward Andy 

Nicholson. This year’s 

notable concours judge was celebrated 

carriage driving correspondent for the 

Horse and Hound, Kerry Bowness. 

‘Hereford’ has an exceptional 

reputation for being well organised 

with classes run to time and stewards 

working to computerised records 

provided by hard working IT expert 

Chris Laing, you just had to look at the 

steam coming out of his mobile office in 

the caravan! 

‘Hereford’ is particularly proud 

of the diverse driving classes which 

offer competitors the chance to try 

new things. This year saw the debut 

of Debbie Street with her team of 

donkeys put to a Bellcrown Wagonette, 

a remarkable achievement at the best 

of times, but an astonishing polished 

performance from the ‘Queen’ of 

the Donkey world. 

Likewise the Carriage 

dog class saw Avril 

Pluck driving her 

pony Louis and liver 

spotted Dalmatian 

‘Spin’ show the world 

how it should be done 

properly. Her stunning 

turnout and perfect performance from 

Spin was inspirational, so much so that 

show director Lester Dagge took time 

out, hitched a ride with Emily Ham and 

entered his 6 month old Dalmatian 

puppy, Buttons into the class! With 

much heel nipping and merriment from 

the crowd, they stood 3rd to an equally 

polished performance from British 

Carriage Dog Society stalwart, Jane 

Friend and her dog Merlot. Needless 

to say, Buttons is undergoing plenty 

of driving experience at home in rural 

Wales! The show tried something new 

again this year and offered competitors 

the chance to have a go at combined 

driving with dressage and fast paced 

cones, disciplines used in rudimentary 

schooling of all driving horses. Sadly, 

section at Gredington. 

Judge John Dobson commented 

how impressed he was with the 

numbers of turnouts forward and the 

friendly atmosphere at Gredington. 

Area Commissioner, Janet Williams 

welcomed large numbers to the BDS 

Marquee, where for the first time 

full use of the latest state of the art 

video and audio equipment was in 


only 9 competitors came forward for 

this debut class, but still saw a team 

of Shetlands and the team of donkeys 

battle for first position!, Needless to 

say Julie Wedgbury’s skilled Shetland 

team won the day, with 

Shelly Osborne and Emily 

Ham taking the other two 

classes. The show also 

recognises the efforts of 

hard working competitors, 

with the Tapp ‘boys’ from 

Pontypridd winning the Endeavour 

award. The public are invited to cast 

their votes on their favourite turnouts, 

with the most popular competitor 

receiving the coveted People’s Choice 

Award going to local disabled driver 

Susie Allcoat and her adorable Welsh 

Pony, April. Susie has benefited 

tremendously in recent years with her 

carriage driving achievements with 

mum Jane being inspired by Susie’s 

incredible progress. “Carriage driving 

is one of the few pursuits where people 

of all abilities, ages and backgrounds 

can compete on an equal basis” Despite 

the stature of the show rivaling those of 

much larger events the show is run on 

a fraction of their operating budgets. 

However, due to the pressures involved 

in attracting much needed sponsorship, 

manual support, securing suitable 

venue locations and the mountain of 

pre-show organising, Show director 

Lester has decided that the final curtain 

will be called for the last time at the 

Hereford Spring Carriage show in its 

current guise. “It’s best that we bow out 

at the top and leave a great legacy to 

the driving world and to the people of 

the County of Hereford.” states Lester 

“in the last few years, we have managed 

to resurrect and promote several long 

forgotten or endangered skills such 

as the Sporting Tandem, the Carriage 

Dog, coaching, heavy horse turnouts, 

best shod, breeders awards as well 

as improving the scope for disabled 

drivers, exercise vehicles, donkeys, 

miniature ponies and even harness 

goats. For all these achievements, I 

am immensely proud, but most proud 

of the camaraderie and support given 

by the members of the Hereford and 

District Driving Group, for without 

them, it would have never happened.” 

Further information about the club 

and pictures from the 2009 show can 

be seen online at www.hddg.co.uk 

use allowing professional displays 

and information on carriage driving. 

Thanks were expressed to both The 

Association Of Voluntary Organisations 

in Wrexham(AVOW) and to Flintshire 

Local Voluntary Council(FLVC) for 

assisting the BDS in North East Wales 

obtain the A/V equipment through 

funding streams they manage for 

voluntary groups. 

page 11 | BDS News


Leicestershire & 

Rutland BDS Show 

bright sunny day greeted us all at 

A Springbridge for our annual show 

of the Leicestershire & Rutland BDS 

on Sunday 14th June. This was earlier 

than other years, and the date proved 

to be a success. Dennis and Bob had 

worked hard preparing the ground, 

making separate rings for showing, 

Obstacles, Long - 

Reining and also 

Style & Performance. 

The entries were 

up on 2 years ago 

and the standard 

was extremely high. 

All the horses and 

ponies had been 

beautifully prepared and turned 

out ready for the Judge of the day, 

Trevor Teague who had some difficult 

Combined driving 

skills lead the way at 

Malvern... 


Heather Miles driving Jack in a 

Fun Bug 

The driving classes at this year’s 

Three Counties Show set a new 

precedent at a major County show 

with the running of both conventional 

private driving classes and the debut of 

combined driving classes run under the 

IHDT rules. 

Under the direction of Senior 

Carriage Driving Steward Lester Dagge, 

the Three Counties show provided an 

excellent venue for the various private 

driving classes on the eve of the BDS 

National show at Smiths Lawn. “It is 

always a risk clashing 

with other events, but 

with strong classes, 

we managed to secure 

an exceptionally high 

standard of quality 

entries.” states Lester. 

“Our esteemed judge Jo Adams 

for the private driving, 

Richard James with probationary 

judge Roger Page shadowing, worked 

hard with an eclectic mix of turnouts 

under his scrutiny”. The exercise cart 

class saw some great entries with 

previous National Champion, Mandy 

Reddock doing well with her promising 

new contender Just Jasper winning the 

two wheel class whilst driving trials 

enthusiast, Lindsay Doran taking the 

4 wheel class. Claudia Bunn with her 

chameleon like mare Elektra, Emily 

Ham and her Cob Crossfield Glory 

and Ann Staniland with her tandem 

took the respective Private driving 

class honours. The days sport was 

topped off with Richard test driving 

the line up of championship qualifiers 

first hand and helping him to secure 

his chosen champion Mrs D Evans’ 

decisions to make. He was extremely 

thorough in his examination of 

members, ponies and vehicles, giving a 

lot of helpful advice to all concerned. 

First with a red ribbon was Sybil 

& Martin Atkinson for the ride and 

drive. Martin rode Jamie, with Sybil 

driving him. He then went on to take 

second place in the Private Driving, 

1st in Long-reining, and the Concours 

De elegance cup which was judged by 

local artist Ruth Marshall. 

Ruth was treated to a lap of 

honour with Sybil & Martins 

horse Neneside Sir James. 

Jamie had a great day doing 

his best as always, winning 

the Style & Performance 

as well. (Manners maketh 

horse). The Under 13.2 

private driving included a Tandem this 

year expertly driven by Anna Mann, 

always a great supporter of our show. 

Llansantffraed Black Jack, a stunning 

Welsh Cob stallion, followed in reserve 

with Emily Ham and Crossfield Glory. 

Mrs Evans went home 

with a dashboard full of 

rosettes including the 

Osborne Refrigerators 

and Victoria Foods 

qualifiers as well as the 

Three Counties special Emily Ham 

award for Welsh Section 

D Cob. Meanwhile it was fitting that 

Claudia Bunn retain her title as winner 

of the Concours for a second year 

running, despite the sad loss of her 

father, the indomitable Douglas Bunn, a 

few days earlier. Our sympathies go out 

to her and the Bunn family. 

The second day of 

driving saw the ramping 

up of excitement with 

the debut of Combined 

Driving classes. This 

was in response to the 

growing interest in Driving 

Trials and the availability 

of a prime time main ring slot in front 

of an enthusiastic Three Counties 

audience. With guidance from Mary 

Nicholson and her husband, Andy, 

(indoor driving ‘officionados’ normally 

hidden behind a scoring sheet and 

directing competitors) 

Lester approached 

Tony Bache, chairman 

of the BHDTA with the 

idea of bringing driving 

trials to the public. 

Snapping up the offer, 

Claudia Bunn 

Tony suggested we 

work together including the Indoor 

Driving Trials company and the local 

driving club at Wolverley to present 

the Three Counties with this exciting 

new opportunity. With all the troops 

motivated and an action plan deployed 

with military precision helped by David 

Anna impressed the 

to a four wheeled fenix 

judge and took the 

exercise vehicle, all 

1st with Eric Mills 

going together perfectly. 

and his lovely Welsh 

Julie Goodwin and her 

pony 2nd. The pony 

new turnout, Jack a 

tandem also took the 

Reserve Champion. 

Sybil and Martin Atkinson, winners 

of the Ride & Drive Class 

coloured cob driven 

to a coach painted 

Janice Clough brought 

Bennington Buccaneer 

along her impressive Welsh cob 

came 2nd in the over exercise class 

Blaengwen Wayne Rooney providing and took the 2 wheeled exercise 

us with some eye catching action Osborne Qualifier. We look forward 

and something for us to aspire to. He to seeing them out at other events 

took home the over 13. 2hh private this year. The Qualifier for the pairs 

driving cup and the Championship exercise went to Helen Faulkner with 

as well. Freda Martin driving Smarty her Mum as groom driving Spit & Fire, 

took the under 13.2hh exercise class a pair of black Shetland ponies. Some 

with Smarty, and second in the Style of our other members enjoyed the 

& Performance, as usual Freda had cones and obstacles and long reining, 

turned Smarty out immaculately. 

with Tess Naylor ensuring there was no 

Congratulations to Andrew Wright cheating in the Hazards. We would like 

(known to most as Biff) who took the to thank everyone that helped and all 

over 13.2 exercise class with Blue IV, 

his eye catching coloured cob driven 

the members that supported the show. 

Smith and Tony Gregory, an exciting 

days sport was produced with a large 

collection of competitors from all 

around the region. 

The combined 

driving took full 

advantage of the ideal 

conditions within the 

remit of the showground, 

with all three disciplines 

with their obstacles 

laid out in immaculate order. The 

running of this ‘inside out’ competition 

offered new challenges with the turf 

surface, (indoor trials is nearly always 

done under cover 

and on sand, whilst 

conventional driving 

trials is done on a 

larger scale over turf) 

this time the horses 

had to adapt and 

drivers compensate for 

the mixed conditions. This was made 

increasingly evident with the main 

ring display where slippery conditions 

underfoot offered the competitors a 

bit of a challenge... with an equally 

eager audience enjoying the thrills 

and spills of the various turnouts. 

Mary Nicholson’s informative 

commentary was 

well received by the 

public whilst the ever 

popular ring steward, 

Andy, conducted the 

competitors in his usual 

exemplary efficient and 

orderly manner. 

The five classes for singles, 

multiples and juniors saw 22 entries 

judged by Judith Broome and offered 

some nail biting excitement with the 

ever fearless Jo Adams winning both 

the main ring and multiples classes 

with his pair of Welsh ponies. This was 

Llansantffraed BlackvJack Champion 

hotly contested by audience favourite, 

Julie Wedgbury and her amazing team 

of Shetlands. The single pony class 

was the most popular class of the day 

with Dawn Tebbett and her Welsh 

mare Katy snatching victory from 

Lindsay Doran, whilst Claudia Bunn 

secured the horse class and Jo Phelan 

in reserve. The Junior class was won 

by Chester group member Michael 

Hodgson and his incredible Shetland, 

Warford Brown Sugar, with Emily Ham 

coming second. 

It has to be said that this was a true 

testament to the skill of the carriage 

drivers craft and a 

credit to the number 

of competitors 

who excelled 

in both private 

driving and driving 

trials. Interestingly, 

in all cases, the 

non-conformist crossover between 

the style and calm obedience of the 

private driving classes on Saturday 

and the skill and exhilaration on the 

Sunday stood those ‘multitasking’ 

competitors in very good stead. 

Lindsay Doran, Emily Ham, Julie 

Wedgbury and Claudia Bunn all 

competed in both disciplines and it 

is remarkable that all do well on both 

sides of the ‘driving divide’. 

The debut of the Combined 

driving at the show certainly 

raised awareness of the sport with 

tremendous interest shown by the 

public and other competitors. With 

much appreciated support from the 

Wolverley club and the generous 

cooperation from the Three Counties 

Agricultural Society, hopefully this 

debut will have helped draw much 

needed new members to this exciting 

sport.

BDS N.E.Wales 2nd 

Annual Driving Show 

The weekend of May 9th & 10th 

saw the BDS show take place 

on the magnificent Erddig Park 

Dressage Arena by kind permission 

of the National Trust. The Carriage 

Driving Show was a huge success 

with increased competitors forward 

compared to last years event. 

Saturday May 9th saw Mrs King of 

Derbyshire step into the ring to judge 

the classes, that went ahead in windy 

but dry conditions. The Novice Long 

reining attracted 4 entries with Sue 

Cole of Weeping Cross, Stafford in 

1st place handling Valcq Redwood 

Reflection. The long reining saw 9 

entries with the winners ribbon going 

BDS South Yorkshire 

and Nottinghamshire 

Area Show 

30th May 2009 

Eric mills and his 

17 year old Welsh 

Section C, Galtress 

Raffles made the 

most of their wealth 

of experience to 

emerge champions 

over Cindy Moreau 

and her 7ry old novice 

hackney Wentworth 

Dear Editor, 

Show Champion Eric Mills with 

Galtress Raffles being presented 

with trophy by judge Claudia Bunn 

to Rachel Thomas of Penmaenmawr 

driving Gorsehill Jenga who also took 

both the Long Reining & Novice Whip 

Championships, the Grooms Class and 

Junior whip class. The lady whip class 

was won by Sue Cole driving Valcq 

Redwood Reflection, as did the Ride 

& Drive class. The Gentleman Whip 

class was awarded to Tony Tharme 

of Penmaenmawr driving Wally.The 

Open Disabled Driving Class was won 

by Jackie Claydon of Dolwen,Conway 

driving Llynhelyg Tomos 

Sunday May 10th was the formal 

show day under the watchful eye 

of BDS Judge Mr AF King also from 

Derbyshire and again drew excellent 

entries. Sunday’s weather was ideal 

for Driving.The small exercise vehicle 

class went to an ‘on a roll’ Rachel 

Minstrel at this prestigious event now 

in its fourth year. Superb weather and 

excellent facilities, with larger than 

ever entries made for a fantastic day. 

Raffles remained fresh throughout the 

day despite the blazing sunshine to add 

the championship title 

to earlier wins in the 

mountain and moorland 

and 13.2hh and 

under class. Reserve 

champion Cindy 

Moreau was pleased 

with her spirited gelding 

after they headed the 

Novice horse and over 

My daughter, Eleanor was killed in Iraq, April 2007, she was a medic. 

We raised money for the help for heroes and handed in a cheque for 

£1296.00, we have forwarded more since. 

Eleanor driving Ollie 

Dad and I have been members of the BDS for about 5 or 6 years now 

and drive in the New Forest as much as possible. The pony we took 

to Windsor is called Ollie. I enclose a photo of Eleanor in her combats 

driving him. This is the photo my dad, Lionel Veck, is holding when we 

met Major Phil Packer, who has just successfully completed the London 

marathon, after 13 days, almost raising a million for help for heroes, 

despite receiving terrible injuries in Iraq and being told he would never 

walk again. If you or anyone else would like any more information, then 

please feel free to contact us on 01489 894926 or 07821 790659. 

We are looking forward to more drives like this, 

Many thanks, 

Sally Veck 

Thomas driving Gorsehill Jenga. 

The large exercise vehicle class, 

open mountain and moorland and 

open Pleasure Driving Championship 

saw Janet Prytherch of Dolwen 

Abergele driving Llynhelyg Tomos 

take 1st. The Newcomers Pleasure 

Driving drew 8 entries was won by 

Sue Cole driving Jim. The Veteran 

class drew 5 entries and 1st was 

awarded to Ann Staniland driving 

Starbyte Little Trojan who at the age 

of 20 was awarded the Oldest Pony 

rosette.The registered Mountain and 

Moorland went to Willowe Keeley 

driving Clothie Tumbell. The Small 

amateur produced had 7 entries 

with Alison Owen from Bangor, 

Gwynedd with Brynmor taking 1st 

place.The large amateur produced, 

13.2hh private driving class. 

Nine year old Kirsty Thompson 

Dowd and Ann Walter Simmons’ 

17 year old Dartmoor Willard 

Lightning had a good day with wins 

in two wheeled exercise, exercise 

vehicle championship and young 

driver classes. Another young driver 

Kelly Wilson headed the Style and 

Performance and Pleasure driving 

classes with her own Pucklechurch 

Alarnas pride.The well supported 

Ride and Drive class was won by 

Wendy Mason with her all-rounder 

thoroughbred X gypsy cob mare, 

Brooklyn. 

In the field. Photo courtesy of Sarah Frith 


Matlock, Derbyshire, was the 

venue for this year’s Probationer 

Judges Assessment Day on 7th April, 

2009. 

Seven candidates were assessed 

by Judges’ chairman Barry Luck 

and BDS Panel Judges Caroline 

Dale-Leech, Caroline Douglas, Jane 

Brightwell, Heather Noad and Derek 

Wootton as the candidates ‘judged’ 

nine individual turnouts in the line up 

and afterwards on the move in a show 

ring type environment. 

A variety of very interesting 

driving turnouts consisting of three 


Registered Welsh and Private Driving 

Championship was awarded to 

Ruth Lancaster of Congleton driving 

Brambridge Bright Spark. Show 

Champion was awarded to Ann 

Staniland driving her own Starlyte 

Little Trojan, Reserve going to Ruth 

Lancaster of Congleton driving 

Brambridge Bright Spark.North East 

Wales BDS Area Commissioner Janet 

Williams thanked all competitors for 

taking part in the two day event and 

a special vote of thanks was given to 

volunteers for stewarding and to Steve 

Griffiths Erddig Countryside Manager 

and his staff for preparation of the 

International standard Equine arena 

which can not be surpassed anywhere 

in Wales, and to the Trustees at Erddig 

for use of the excellent facilities. 

Reserve Champion Cindy Moreau with 

Wentworth Minstrel in a four wheeler 

Ride & Drive Champion, Wendy Mason & 

Brooklyn 

Probationer Judges 

Assessment Day 2009 

Tandems, (donkey, spotted and 

Shetland pony), two single Private 

Driving (Hackney and Highland 

pony), a Light Trade (Bread Van), 

a Pleasure Driving cob put to a 

four-wheeled exercise vehicle and 

a Pairs turnout were forward forthe 

candidates to inspect and comment 

upon, and so it was a very busy and 

interesting day for all concerned. 

Three junior BDS members, 

interested in becoming probationery 

judges of the future, ‘shadowed’ 

the judges and acted as stewards on 

the day which was a great learning 

experience for them too. 

page 13 | BDS News 

Photos: www.esphotography.co.uk

British Driving Society | Area News 

Area Activities 


AC Linda Swain 

Tel 07850 706978 

lindaswain10@aol.com 

We’ve a change of AAC in the area with 

Tanya Howard replacing Janet Wischhusen 

after many years of sterling service to our 

members. Janet will be remembered for her 

Shetland tandem, all her hard work with 

Young Drivers, her fantastic sense of humour 

and her thoughtfulness. Luckily for us, and 

if we ask her nicely, Janet will be helping out 

as and when she can, with show stewarding 

her undoubted forte. Remember that until 1 

November you can still qualify for our special 

area award by attending or helping at 10 BBH 

events throughout the summer. Green cards 

that record your attendances are available from 

Linda or just download one from our website. 

2 Aug – BDS Trec event with optional fun cone 

driving at Ley Farm, Colesden, Beds. Ring 

Linda for entry form or see one on our area 

website. The Crowland Challenge trophy will 

be presented to the winning turnout - Entry 

fee £10. 

5 Aug – Pay a mid week visit to the revamped 

Mossman Collection at Stockwood Park in 

Luton. Plenty for holidaying Young Drivers 

to see and do too, all free! Excellent restaurant 

for lunch or tea. Contact Linda for any other 

details. 

11 Aug – Don’t forget this is the Young Drivers 

Scholarship day in Norfolk if you’ve already 

entered! If not – why not try for it next year? 

Training advice from Linda. 

15 Aug – BBQ at Gamlingay, near Sandy, Beds 

by kind invitation on Cyndy & Martin. Just £5 

each please towards the food, but bring a bottle 

and a seat! All welcome, but please advise 

numbers to Linda by 10 August latest. 

23 Aug – BDS Regional show at Equifest, East of 

England showground near Peterborough. Classes 

for exercise vehicles, native ponies, specials for 

Young Drivers and local BDS members. Details 

from their website or from Linda. 

23 Aug – Pix Farm funday organised by 

CHDC, Bourne End, nr Hemel Hempstead. 

Full details from Kath – 01442 258602 

29 Aug – Drivers Dream show near 

Biggleswade, Beds., including the 2009 Style & 

Performance Championships. Schedules on our 

website or from Linda. 

30 Aug – Regional BDS Trec at Forest Edge 

Arena, nr Swaffham, Norfolk. Interested parties 

please contact Mike Cooke for entry form etc 

01493 302805 or email - michael-a-cooke@ 

hotmail.co.uk 

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 

Commissioners would welcome a phone call to know that you are on your way, 

BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS Website: www.bedsbh.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

BERKSHIRE 

AC: DENNIS PERKINS 

Tel: 0118 9545530 

d.b.perkins@ntlworld.com 

AAC Shirley Higgins Tel: 01923 267919 

AAC Tanya Howard Tel: 01923 284462 / 07860 742465 email: tanyarhoward@yahoo.co.uk 

ROW Kath Worrell MBE Tel: 01442 258602 email: kath@the worrells.co.uk 

Publicity: sylvia sullivan Tel: 01767 677906 email: ssulledit@aol.com, 

30 Aug – CHDC drive from Meadle, Bucks. 

Ring Kath – 01442 258602 

31 Aug – Ashwell show with classes for all. 

Schedules from Mrs Josie Sheppard via 01462 

743864 or from Linda. NB; If you’d like to be 

included on the BDS show stewards list from 

2010, then it may be possible to ‘shadow’ at this 

show prior to inclusion. Ring Linda for details. 

5 Sept – Another of our popular ‘Try-it’ days 

this time at Shuttleworth Equine College, 

Old Warden nr Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9EA 

from 11am until 1pm at a cost of just £5 per 

person. Booking in advance recommended by 

ringing 07850 706978. Capable members and 

suitable turnouts welcome to give a little help to 

newcomers. Contact Linda to offer help and for 

any more details. 

12 Sept – Very much ‘weather permitting’ 

there will be an informal garden party for area 

members from 2pm by kind invitation of Ray 

Howitt at 28 Hitchin Road, Upper Caldecote 

nr Biggleswade, Beds SG18 9BT. Cake 

donations very welcome on the day! Please ring 

Linda on 07850 706978 to say you are coming 

and to check if weather doubtful. 

13 Sept – CHDC dressage competition – Test 

no. 7, but in a fun way! Various other activities 

& a chance for a road drive. Ring Kath – 01442 

258602 

19 Sept – ‘Try Trec’ afternoon near Ampthill, 

Beds. A chance to just have a go, test your 

horse or pony even your groom at the Skills 

and maybe get new ideas for the Safety phase. 

Competitive Skills test if required. Bring a 

picnic tea to enjoy. No turnout? No problem! 

Ring Linda on 07850 706978 for all details. 

20 Sept – National Donkey Driving Day 

is being celebrated at Wimpole Hall, near 

Royston, Herts. Go along & see our long eared 

friends in action! 

27 Sept – CHDC treasure hunt from Long 

Marston. Ring Kath – 01442 258602. 

3 & 4 Oct – Our Championship show at 

Towerlands, Braintree, Essex. Why not sponsor 

a class for just £100? – contact Tess Styles for 

details 01473 892001. 

11 Oct – By kind permission of Lord Salisbury, 

there will be a sponsored drive through the 

estate of Hatfield House in aid of Driving for 

the Disabled and the Willow Foundation. 

Rosettes for all attending and Cup for best 

turned out! Please contact Jean 0785 4246412 

or 01707 268401 for details. 

1 Nov – All completed green cards should have 

been given to Linda by now! 

4 Nov – Heavy Horse Talk at Wimpole Hall, 

Royston, Herts – 11am -an introduction 

into the daily lives of Wimpole’s Shire horses, 

including an opportunity to meet these gentle 

giants. £8 includes coffee on arrival. Booking 

essential so please telephone 01223 206000 

asap. 

8 Nov – A new venue for our annual area 

meeting. This year it’s at Sarratt Village Hall, 

The Green, Sarratt near Rickmansworth, Herts 

WD3 6AS from 7.30pm prompt so if you’ve 

never been before, this could be your chance 

to attend! We’ll discuss what has happened in 

2009 and what we want to happen in 2010. 

All members welcome, refreshments available. 

14 Nov – Our annual end of season dinner and 

a little light music at The Novotel, Stevenage, 

Herts. Tables of ten available with tickets just 

£25 each. Please send your cheque made out to 

‘Beds Bucks & Herts BDS’ to Linda Swain, 35 

Havelock Road, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 0DB. 

Spot prizes on the night and presentation of our 

end of year awards too. 

Something to consider over the winter months 

might be training sessions for the Preliminary 

Competence Certificate (Level 1) which 

involves being capable of harnessing up and 

driving a single turnout safely to a basic simple 

standard and to include an understanding of 

safety on the roads and basic human first aid. 

Consists of 3 units which may be taken on the 

same day, or at a different time. Don’t forget the 

Road Driving Assessment too – not mandatory, 

but a very good idea if only to brush up on 

your methods! Those who would like to ‘give it 

a go’, please contact Linda in the first instance 

so we can gather a group of members together 

for the training and decide on a venue. Syllabus 

available from the main BDS website or Tess 

Styles on 01473 892001. 

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 14 years and under must 

wear hard hats at all times whilst in a carriage 

Thanks to all those who have organised events 

this year and our hosts too of course. 

Please start thinking now about what we might 

do next year. 

www.bdsberkshire.co.uk 

AAC Colin Pawson Tel: 0118 9842619 pawson@sheltonfarmcarriages.co.uk 

Margaret Pawson (AROW) Tel: 0118 9842619 pawson@sheltonfarmcarriages.co.uk

CHESHIRE 

AC Les McCall 

Tel: 01625 263601 

I hope that you are all bearing up with the 

mixed weather and so many events being 

cancelled. I hope to arrange a rally during the 

summer; I will announce the venue and date 

when arrangements are finalized. 

Some future dates for your diary are the winter 

cones at The Lodge, Woodford. 

CORNWALL 

AC Brian Ball 

Tel: 01726 851144 treolwyn2@tiscali.net 

So many things have happened since we last 

put pen to paper and we certainly have all been 

kept busy. Lorna Jowett from Bailey’s foods 

gave us a most informative talk on health and 

the digestive system. Steven Williams equine 

dentist joined us on the same evening which 

all added to the equation. Everyone went away 

much more enlightened about animal care and 

welfare. 

A training day held at Treolwyn by Brian for 

those hoping to take the road assessment in 

the autumn and was well attended. It was 

good to see we were joined by some members 

of the local Heavy Horse world who also took 

advantage of the training being offered with a 

view to also take the test. 

As you no doubt saw in the last newsletter some 

members travelled north to the BDS dinner at 

Hinkley on behalf of the Chiverton Riding and 

Driving group, the welcome given was brilliant 

and the generosity was magnificent. Many 

thanks to all those concerned. 

The static display of traditional vehicles on 

the lawns of the Boconnoc Estate by kind 

permission of Mr &Mrs Fortescue included 

a Milk Float, London Trolley, Market Cart, 

Station Wagon and a Mulliner Ladies Phaeton 

which was most unusual as it was designed 

to be coachman driven with a tiger seat on 

the back. Shannon Fahey, Pat Maunder, 

Maureen Ryder Gordon and Anne Honeywell 

added to the attraction by coming along with 

their turnouts while Brian gave a talk on 

each individual one. This was all very much 

appreciated by the public visiting on the day. 

Funds were donated to the RNLI. 

The drive at Cardinham woods started as a very 

wet affair but the usual stalwarts turned up to 

support as we all know how much effort goes to 

organising these events. As the weather cheered 

up it turned into a most enjoyable day. 

Our Cornish class at the Royal Cornwall show 

were well supported in both the Traditional 

and Non Traditional vehicles. The presentation 

was excellent and made a stunning sight in the 

main ring. Anne Honeywell was awarded the 

CUMBRIA 

AC Margaret Sanderson 

Tel: 01768 898712 

All days are Sundays commencing at 1pm to 

walk the course and the actual fun starts at 

1-30pm. 

The dates are as follows: 

November 9th. 

December 14th. 

January 10th. 

Anne Honeywell at Boconnoc 

Red Ribbon in the Traditional class with her 

Welsh Cob Diegarth Tywysog. Di Hirst won 

the Non Traditional class with Bob one of the 

RDA Driving ponies from Chiverton. Maureen 

Ryder Gordon was our Concour’s winner with 

pair Murphy and Jurston Veronica. Shannon 

Fahey once again won the Young Drivers class 

with Trehelig Lucky Omen. 

Cornwall’s Two Day BDS Show this year was 

held on 27th/28th June at St Newlyn East by 

kind permission of Mr and Mrs Roger Green. 

The first day with Traditional Vehicles judged 

by Shirley Higgins. What a fantastic day. Pat 

Maunder had with her Welsh cob Brimstone 

the warrior who was awarded the red ribbon 

in the In Hand class run up by son Paul only 

to follow on to win the over 13.2hh class to 

Area News | British Driving Society 

February 14th. 

March 14th. 

April 11th. 

I hope to see you all soon. 

Website: www.cornwall.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

qualify for the BDS Show at Towerlands and 

the overall show Championship to gain the 

Victoria Foods qualifying rosette. The final 

class on the first day was the Trewithen Estate 

Concours D’ Elegance which was judged on a 

short show drive by Bill Gladwell of Darrock 

and Brown won by Elaine Kearney with her 

Shetland Bart. The second day followed suit 

with Shirley Higgins as judge for the Pleasure 

and the Exercise Vehicle classes. Brett Green 

drove his Lady Tara beautifully to a 4 wheeled 

Fenix to collect his well earned Red Rossette. 

The newly formed RDA driving group 

from Chiverton came along with volunteers 

and disabled drivers Katherine Wesson and 

Christopher Manhire to give a short display 

with their beloved Bob. The day was finished 

off with the Darrock and Brown Challenge 

Drive to include a quiz and skills en route 

organised by David and Dolly Scott. As is 

normal in our neck of the woods each day was 

finished off with tea and cakes including the 

social chat about the days proceedings 

Diary Dates 

August 2 – BBQ and Drive Treolwyn contact 

Brian & Brenda 01726 851144 

August 9th – Tregony Show 

September 13th – Boconnoc. Contact Brian 

01726 851144 

October 4th – Lanhydrock. Contact Brian 

01726 851144 

November 2nd – General Meeting. Contact 

Brian 01726 851144 

AAC George Bell Tel: 01900 814521 

page 15 | BDS News



DERBYSHIRE/STAFFORDSHIRE 

AC Brian Durow 

Tel: 01283 733007 Work: Tel: 01283 215253 

Further to the meeting held at the Hilton 

House Hotel on March 23rd, Mr John Parker 

asked whether or not I would be prepared to 

carry on for another year as AC and after giving 

it some thought, I decided after all the support 

I received from the members at the meeting, I 

would continue for another year 

Aug 2nd –Bromley Hurst Drive-Picnic drive 

by kind invitation by Mr and Mrs G. Knight, 

WS15 3AF. 

Aug 5-6th – Bakewell Show 

Aug 8th – Manfiold Show 

Aug 12th – Ashover Show 

Aug 15th – Ashbourne Show 

DEVON 

AC Judy Green 

Tel: 01404 812742 

Spring drives have been well supported this 

year and we have been blessed with good 

weather. By the time you read this we shall 

have completed a hectic few weeks in June and 

July with a Fun Day, Barbeque, Rally and our 

Show. The Rally on June 26th was postponed 

from 31st May in order not to clash with the 

Somerset Show. 

We are looking forward to our second ever 

TREC on 9th August and there are plans afoot 

to visit a Wheelwright and Tannery in October 

which will be something quite new. 

A future note for your diary is our Christmas 

DORSET 

AC Alison Trevett 

Tel: 01258 881295 

Dorset Area members and visitors from further 

afield have been enjoying a range of events with 

their horses and ponies in the area, including a 

training day, drives and the Area’s first ever Area 

Show. In addition to the details below, further 

information about our activities is available 

in the Area newsletter, on the Dorset website 

(www.dorset.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk) and 

from Alison Trevett. 

Sunday 2nd August: BDS Trec at Dogdean 

Farm, Smugglers Lane, Furzehill, Wimborne, 

by kind invitation of Mrs Ann James. Schedule 

available on the Dorset website (www.dorset. 

britishdrivingsociety.co.uk) or send a SAE 

to Ann James, Dogdean Farm, Furzehill, 

Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4HB. For further 

details please telephone Ann Tel: 01202 886501 

Sunday 9th August: Picnic Drive from 

Stourton Leaze Farm, Holnest, by kind 

invitation of Mr and Mrs Parkinson. 12 noon 

start. For further details and numbers, please 

contact Carol Cuff Tel: 01300 348461 

Saturday 15th August: Tarrant Gunville Horse 

Show & Gymkhana 

Sunday 16th August: Interval Drive from The 

Bison Centre, West Knoyle, near Shaftesbury 

Aug 23rd – Brick Kiln Drive by kind invitation 

of Mr and Mrs R. Hutchinson, DE6 3EJ 

Sep 13th – Dishfields Farm Drive by kind 

invitation of Mr and Mrs M. Bale, DE6 5JA 

Oct 22nd Evening visit 7.30pm to 

Mr D. Bradburys Museum. Talk and Video. 40 

Ehanet. St Lower, Pilsley, Nr Claycross, 

S45 9JA 

Nov 7th – Saturday 7pm, Annual Meeting 

plus meal and social evening. Bluebell Inn, 

Tissington. Numbers seven days before please. 

Midlands Driving Trials Group Events 

Sep 26th – Catton Park, Club Championships 

near Burton on Trent. 

I would like to remind you that the Midlands 

Lunch which will be on 13th December 

preceded by a one hour Open Meeting for 

members to ask questions on anything from 

finances to fixtures and make suggestions or put 

forward ideas for next year. 

Dates from August are as follows and updates 

will be on our website. 

August 9th – TREC Competition at Hayes 

Barton, Jacobstow Near Okehampton EX20 

3RJ. Contact Mike Stamp 01837 851675 with 

s.a.e for Entry Form or see BDS website for 

entry form. Closing date 1st August. No late 

entries. 

Ann and Terry James with their horse Kira at 

the Winterborne Whitechurch interval drive on 

Sunday 3rd May 

by kind invitation of Lord and Lady Seaford 

and Colonel and Mrs Peter Douglas. Drive 

on country lanes and off road. Setting off at 

intervals from 11.30am individually or in small 

groups. Tea provided on return. Please contact 

Sue and Peter Douglas Tel: 01747 830752 

for further details and numbers please by 

Wednesday 12th August latest 

Wednesday 19th August: Gillingham & 

Shaftesbury Agricultural Show 

Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August: 

Training Day, Supper and Fun Day at 

Hazeldene Farm, Kingston, Sturminster 

Driving Trials Group have invited all members 

of the BDS to drive the marathon course 

only on the Saturday, but not the obstacles at 

Offchurchbury and Catton Park. For further 

details on these, visit the website www.mdtg. 

co.uk or contact Lesley West on 01630 611314 

or send to s.a.e to mdtg Entries Secretary, 

Jodders, Soudley, Market Drayton, Shropshire, 

TF9 2SB. 

All drives start at 1pm unless otherwise stated, 

please contact me a few days in advance if you 

are able to attend a drive so I am able to notify 

our host. Thank you. 

All people driving need to bring their BDS 

membership for insurance purposes. 

Website: www.devon.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AAC Brian Colebrook-Clarke Tel: 07855 416498 (daytime only) 

Tel: 01409 211000 

August 23rd – Pub Drive at Ashwater. More 

details from Brian Colebrook Clarke. Evenings 

only on 01409 211000 

September 13th – Ideas please! 

September 27th – Rally with Dressage and 

Cones with Short Drive at Great Sloncombe 

Farm, Moretonhampstead. Contact Trudie 

Merchant 01647 440595 

October t.b.a. – Visit to Wheelwright and 

Tannery 

December 13th – Christmas Dinner, Open 

Meeting and Annual Prizegiving 

Website: www.dorset.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

ROW Dorothy Webb Tel: 01258 817188 

Newton, by kind invitation of Mr and 

Mrs Hugh Blakemore. Schedule available 

on the Dorset website (www.dorset. 

britishdrivingsociety.co.uk) or send an A5 

SAE to Hugh Blakemore, Hazeldene Farm, 

Back Lane, Kingston, Sturminster Newton, 

Dorset, DT10 2DT. For further details please 

telephone Hugh Tel: 01258 818098 

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th September: 

Dorset County Show 

Thursday 10th September: Evening Meeting 

with Caroline Douglas LHHI. Come along 

and find out exactly what is required for 

the Road Driving Assessment Test and how 

to prepare. An essential meeting for all 

those interested in taking the Road Driving 

Assessment test this October or at some time in 

the future. Free admission for BDS members 

and non-members very welcome at £3.00 per 

head. Bere Regis Sports Club, North Street, 

Bere Regis, Wareham, BH20 7LA (just off the 

A35 and A31). Licensed bar. 7.45pm. Further 

details and numbers to Alison Trevett Tel: 

01258 881295 

Sunday 13th September: Drive to be 

confirmed. For further details please contact

DORSET Cont. 

Carol Cuff Tel: 01300 348461 

Sunday 20th September: Training Day with 

Caroline Douglas LHHI. Training sessions for 

all Road Driving Assessment test candidates 

with the turnout they propose to take their test 

with. Dogdean Farm, Furzehill, Wimborne, 

BH21 4HB, by kind invitation of Mrs Ann 

James. From 9.00am – time slots will be 

allocated. For further details and to book, 

please contact Alison Trevett Tel: 01258 881295 

Sunday 11th October: Treasure Hunt Drive 

at Chilbridge Farm, near Wimborne, by kind 

invitation of Mr and Mrs Jim Richards. For 

further details and to book please contact 

Wendy Richards Tel: 01258 857203 

ESSEX & NORTH LONDON 

AC Eunice Hopton 

Tel: 01268 773291/07948 221297 eunicehopton@btinternet.com 

Essex members enjoyed a lovely drive 

from Hatfield Wick Farm, Terling by kind 

permission of Paul and Joy Foyle of Ostler 

Carriages. The route included a river crossing 

so we all had to raise our feet, apart from Wes 

McDermott who got just a little wet 

persuading his pony that this was a good 

idea! Paul and Joy made us most welcome 

on our return with plenty to eat and drink. 

If Joy promises to make some more of her 

delicious cream scones we’ll be back again 

soon! 

Our area show on 28th June exceeded all 

my expectations. The weather and the 

venue, Ashfields Carriage Centre were 

superb, Mr. Terry Chambers, the owner, 

GLOUCESTERSHIRE 

AC Peter Ford 

Tel: 01452 527031 peter@forddriving.force9.co.uk 

Sunday 18th October: Road Driving 

Assessment Test Day with John Parker LHHI 

and Susan Townsend LHHI. Dogdean Farm, 

Furzehill, Wimborne, BH21 4HB, by kind 

invitation of Mrs Ann James. Pre-booking 

essential. For further details please contact 

Alison Trevett Tel: 01258 881295 

Thursday 12th November: Evening Meeting 

with Dorset Horse Watch. Free admission for 

BDS members and non-members very welcome 

at £3.00 per head. Bere Regis Sports Club, 

North Street, Bere Regis, Wareham, BH20 

7LA (just off the A35 and A31). Licensed bar. 

7.45pm. Further details from Alison Trevett Tel: 

01258 881295 

even very kindly doubled our prize 

money. Many thanks to all at Ashfields, 

my small overworked team of helpers 

and especially to everyone who came 

along and supported my first area show. 

We had a very enjoyable May Show with 

over 20 turnouts from all over the country. 

It was a lovely day, weather was perfect and 

we hope everyone both competing and 

spectating enjoyed the day. Thanks go to 

Trevor Teague for taking over the judging at 

the last minute when the judge who had been 

booked was unwell and the Phillips family 

for their continued support by providing 

us with a superb venue. We were delighted 

to get some lovely letters 

thanking us for a lovely day. 

Cynthia Sheerman 

There was also a good turnout 

of competitors at the Welsh 

Cob Show at Cirencester Park 

and it was good to see one of 

our members, Ellena Ingles 

winning the Junior Whip. 

Well done Ellie. 

Saturday 5th September 

2009 - MORETON IN 

MARSH SHOW with 

Qualifiers - telephone Tim 

Gardner 01608 651 908 or 

check out the website www. 

moretonshow.co.uk 

Philip Evans Ann Townsend 


Friday 4th December: Area Annual Meeting 

at Bere Regis Sports Club, North Street, Bere 

Regis, Wareham, BH20 7LA (just off the A35 

and A31). Following the meeting a buffet 

with be provided. Licensed bar. 7.45pm. For 

further details and numbers please telephone 

Alison Trevett Tel: 01258 881295 

Sunday 13th December: Christmas Lunch 

at The Fox Inn, Ansty, near Dorchester. Prebooking 

essential and for the menu and further 

details please telephone Alison Trevett Tel: 

01258 881295 

AAC Lisa Norton Tel: 07789 254181 

Photos by kind permission of David Doughty - 

www.daviddoughty.co.uk 

Dates for your diary: 

Sunday 23rd August – Drive (venue TBA) 

Website: www.gloucestershire.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

Saturday 17th October 2009 - SKITTLES 

EVENING - venue to be advised- telephone to 

book your place - 01452 527031 

Saturday 15th November 2009 - SKITTLES 

EVENING - as above 

Saturday 12th December 2009 - 

CHRISTMAS MEAL - venue to be arranged 

- book your place early so as to avoid 

disappointment. 

page 17 | BDS News

British Driving Society | Driving Activities Across the UK 

AUG AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 

1 E. Sussex Long Distance/Pleasure Donna 01797 230295 


N. Ireland Annalong Show Mrs Horner 02843 7684446 

1&2 Jersey Annual Show Phyllis 01534 721151 

Yorks & Cleve Driving and Training W/end Mark 01642 300030 

2 Bed/Buck/Hert BDS Trec Linda 07850 706978 

Cornwall BBQ and Drive Brian 01726 851144 

Der & Staff Bromley Hurst Drive Brian 01283 215253 

Dorset BDS Trec Ann 01202 8886501 

E. Sussex Chiddingly Show Pauline 01323 870154 

Kent Shepway ODE 01233 750560 

Wiltshire Stourhead Show Hazel 01793 770862 

4 Shropshire Newport Club Treasure Hunt Carol 01902 763209 

5,6 Bakewell Show 

5 Bed/Buck/Hert Mossman Collection Linda 07850 706978 

Wiltshire Evening Drive Hazel 01793 770862 

6 Shropshire Burwarton Show Lester 01994 484766 

7,8,9 N. Ireland Necarne Irvinstown Mr Black 07801 898299 

8,9 Yorks & Cleve Driving Weekend Daphne 01347 823692 

8 Manfiold Show 

E. Sussex Pub Drive Sue 01825 890264 

M.S.Wales Vintage Transport Day Martyn 01443 400183 

N.Ireland BDS Necarne Irvinstown Margaret 02892 665893 

9 Cornwall Tregony Show 

C. Scotland St Fort Drive Zoe 01334 870151 

Devon Trec Competition Judy 01404 812742 

Dorset Picnic Drive Carol 01300 348461 

Galloway Venture Drive Sue 01776 820341 

Hampshire Cadnam Driving Show Hazel 02380 776854 

Shropshire Winsley Hall Drive John 01952 691214 

Surrey Wimbledon Common Drive Jane 07949 227377 

War/W.Mid/Nor BDS Fillongly Show 01217 823493 

Wiltshire Brinkworth Horse Show Hazel 01793 770862 

11 Bed/Buck/Hert Young Drivers Schol. Day Linda 07850 706978 

Isle of Wight Cones Evening 

12 Ashover Show 

14 Isle of Wight Junior Rally Margaret 01983 615338 

M.E.Wales BBQ & Equine Boot Sale Bob 01591 620216 

15 Bed/Buck/Hert BBQ Linda 07850 706978 

Ashborne Show 

Dorset Tarrant Gunville Horse Show 

N.Ireland Markethill Fair Day 

N.W.Wales Llanhrwst Show 01492 650847 

15,16 N.Ireland Argory National Trust Margaret 02892 665893 

Yorks & Cleve Driving Weekend Maurice 01609 780302 

16 Dorset Interval Drive Sue/Peter 01747 830752 

E. Sussex Oaks Annual Show Jane 01323 849615 

Isle of Wight Area Show Margaret 01983 615338 

Jersey 3rd Round Skilled Driver Phyllis 01534 721151 

Wales BDS Wales Show Michelle 07966 515325 

Wiltshire Drive Hazel 01793 770862 

19 Dorset Gilingham & Shaft. Ag. Show 


20 N.W.Wales Flint & Denbigh Show 01352 712131 

Driving Activities 

22,23 Wiltshire Wiltshire Area Summer Show Hazel 01793 770862 

22 N.Ireland BDS Banbridge Show Margaret 02892 665893 

Shropshire Clipper Rally Julie 07723 461133 

23 Bed/Buck/Hert Pix Farm Funday Kath 01442 258602 

C. Scotland Tentsmuir Drive Ann 01334 840609 

Der & Staff Brick Kiln Drive Brian 01283 215253 

Galloway Dumfries & Galloway Show Jean 01557 814672 

Devon Pub Drive at Ashwater Brian 01409 211000 

Jersey Le Trec Phyllis 01534 721151 

Norfolk Hempnall Drive Michael 01493 302805 

N.W.Wales Fun Day BBQ Morfydd 01248 601012 

Shropshire BDS Trec Lizzie 01691 656805 

Surrey Horsedrawn Barge Trip Gail 01306 627609 

War/W.Mid/Nor Trec Olive 01926 815240 

26 Kent Bradbourne Evening Cones 07961 314941 

N.W.Wales Merionydd Show 01341 422837 

28-30 M.E.Wales Weekend Driving Glenys 01686 440240 

Hampshire Test Day Sarah 07717 467562 

29 Drivers Dream Show Linda 07850 706978 

29-30 Dorset Training Day, Supper Hugh 01258 818098 

Normanhurst HDT 

30 Bed/Buck/Hert CHDC Drive Kath 01442 258602 

Norfolk BDS Trec Forest Edge Michael 01493 302805 

Yorks & Cleve Drive from Shipton Alan 01904 470481 

30-31 Edenbridge & Oxted Show 

31 Bed/Buck/Hert Ashwell Show Josie 01462 743864 

N.W.Wales Babbell Show 07980 114083 

Wiltshire Cricklade Show Jayne 01793 752703 

SEPT AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 

4 E. Sussex Pleasure Drive Jane 01323 849615 

5 Bed/Buck/Hert Try-it' Day Linda 07850 706978 

Gloucestershire Moreton in Marsh Show Tim 01608 651908 

M.E.Wales Beulah Show Emma 01591 610515 

N.W.Wales Cerrig y Drudion Show 01490 420626 

5,6 Dorset Dorset County Show 

6 E. Sussex BDS Lunch/Annual Meeting Sue 01825 890264 

Isle of Wight Cream Tea Angela 

W. Wales Drive Nr Whitland Tina 01994 240910 

Wiltshire Brinkworth C&R. Breeds Show Hazel 01793 770862 

Yorks & Cleve Charity Ride & Drive 01751 460468 

7 Galloway Picnic Drive Sue 01776 820341 

Lancashire Social Evening Kathy 01257 422469 

9 Hampshire Test Day Sarah 07717 467562 

10 Dorset Evening Meeting Alison 01258 881295 

12 Bed/Buck/Hert Informal Garden Party Linda 07850 706978 

N. Ireland Castle Ward Margaret 02892 665893 

12,13 Lincolnshire BDS Display Sandringham 

13 Bed/Buck/Hert CHDC Dressage Competition Kathy 01442 258602 

Cornwall Boconnoc Brian 01726 851144 

Der & Staff Dishfields Farm Drive Brian 01283 215253 

Dorset Drive Carol 01300 348461 

Galloway Beach Drive Sue 01776 820341 

Hampshire Intro to Pairs Driving Sue 01962 777863

across the UK 

13 Jersey Mini Trials Phyllis 01534 721151 

Leics & Rutland Rally Dawn 07940 522179 

S.York & Notts BDS Trec Gill 01777 870408 

Wales Welsh Trec Finals 

14 N. Ireland Open Meeting Margaret 02892 665893 

Shropshire Shrewsbury Carriage Parade Philip 01952 242495 

19 Bed/Buck/Hert Try Trec' Linda 07850 706978 

Kent BCDC ODE 01233 750560 

N. Ireland County Comes to Town Margaret 02892 665893 

Wiltshire Foxham Show Hazel 01793 770862 

19-20 Vic. Foods CD Extravaganza Tony 01458 273844 

20 Bed/Buck/Hert Donkey Driving Day 

Dorset Training Day Alison 01258 881295 

E. Sussex Oaks ODE 

Hampshire Young Drivers Day Sarah 02380 651953 

Jersey Jnr/Nov/Grooms Trials Phyllis 01534 721151 

Norfolk Ashby Drive Michael O1493302805 

N. Ireland Frieisian Horse Inspection Jane 07740 305267 

N.W.Wales Newborough Forest Drive Morfydd 01248 601012 

Shropshire Fun Day Ursula 01939 250936 

Surrey Margaret's Treasure Hunt Margaret 01306 627461 

W. Wales Pendine Sands Drive Gilly 01646 661616 


24 Hampshire Spider Drive Karen 01425 620492 

Hampshire Skittle Night Tessa 01590 622945 

25 Hampshire Spider Drive Tessa 01590 622945 

Hampshire Dinner at Sway Manor Tessa 01590 622945 

26 Hampshire Spider Drive Tessa 01590 622945 

Lancashire Treasure Hunt Pat 01772 423630 

M.W.Wales Carriage Pulling Fun Day Angela 01654 782382 

26/27 M. E. Wales Dragon Drive Emma 01591 610515 

27 Bed/Buck/Hert CHDC Treasure Hunt Kathy 01442 258602 

Devon Rally with Dressage & Cones Trudie 01647 440595 

Galloway Eriskay Pony Meeting Meg 01557 331257 

Hampshire Sunday Best Drive 

M.W.Wales Dyfnant Carriage Drive Angela 01654 782382 

Somerset & Avon RDA Carriage Driving Show 01934 842661 

Wiltshire Leigh Show Jayne 01793 752703 

Yorks & Cleve Coach Trip to Darley Dale Daphne 01347 823692 

OCT AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 

3,4 Towerlands Show 

4 Cornwall Lanhydrock Brian 01726 851144 

Somerset & Avon Fun Day Terry 01935 706386 

10 M.W.Wales Dolgoch Studio Angela 01654 782382 

11 Bed/Buck/Hert Sponsored Drive Jean 07854 246412 

Dorset Treasure Hunt Drive Wendy 01258 857203 

Galloway Barstobrick Training Day Jean 01557 814672 

Kent Shepway Sponsored Drive 01233 750560 

War/W.Mid/Nor Trec Olive 01926 815240 

Wiltshire Drive Jayne 01793 752703 

17 Gloucestershire Skittles Evening Peter 01452 527031 

S.York & Nott Road Driving Training Day Malcolm 01777 248210 

18 Dorset Road Driving Assess. Day Alison 01258 881295 

Driving Activities Across the UK | British Driving Society 

18 E. Sussex BDS/Weald Pleasure Drive Donna 01797 230295 

Isle of Wight Memorial Spider Drive Robert 07734 166651 

M.W.Wales Mary Jones Drive Angela 10654 782382 

Shropshire Melverley Drive Lizzie 01691 656805 

Somerset & Avon Pub Lunch Terry 01935 706385 


22 Der & Staff Evening Visit Brian 01283 215253 

25 S.York & Nott Road Driving Assess. Day Malcolm 01777 248210 

31 E. Sussex Halloween Fancy Dress Sue 01825 890264 

Hampshire Pumpkin Party Sue 01962 777863 

NOV AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 

1 Hampshire Social Evening Tessa 01590 622945 

2 Cornwall General Meeting Brian 01726 851144 

4 Bed/Buck/Hert Heavy Horse Talk 01223 206000 

6 N. Ireland Annual Dinner Dance Eugene 02892 621184 

7 Der & Staff Annual Meeting Brian 01283 215253 

Kent Indoor Driving Royal Leisure 

8 Bed/Buck/Hert Annual Area Meeting Linda 07850 706978 

Galloway Barstobrick Training Day Jean 01557 814672 

Hampshire Drive from Corhampton Sarah 02380 651953 

9 Cheshire Winter Cones Les 01625 263601 

N. Ireland Annual Meeting Margaret 02892 665893 

12 Dorset Evening Meeting Alison 01258 881295 

14 Bed/Buck/Hert End of Season Dinner Linda 07850 706978 

Kent Indoor Driving Golden Cross 

Hampshire Horsey Quiz Tessa 01590 622945 

15 Gloucestershire Skittles Evening Peter 01452 527031 

Somerset & Avon Pub Lunch Christine 01179 591048 

21 E. Sussex Sponsored Children In Need Sue 01825 890264 

Norfolk Quiz Hempnall Mill Centre Michael 01493 302805 

29 Galloway Barstobrick Training Day Jean 01557 814672 

DEC AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 

4 Dorset Area Annual Meeting Alison 01258 881295 

6 Hampshire Drive Sue 01962 777863 

Somerset & Avon Christmas Lunch Terry 01935 706386 

10 Hampshire Xmas Lunch Anne 01590 678321 

Lancashire Christmas Meal Pat 01772 423630 

12 Gloucestershire Christmas Meal Peter 01452 527031 

Wiltshire Christmas Dinner Hazel 01793 770862 

13 Devon Christmas Dinner Judy 01404 812742 

Dorset Christmas Lunch Alison 01258 881295 

Galloway Christmas Fancy Dress Jean 01557 814672 

Hampshire Xmas Drive Anne 01590 678321 

14 Cheshire Winter Cones Les 01625 263601 

29 Kent Indoor Driving Golden Cross 

JAN AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 

1 Hampshire New Years Day Drive Sue 01962 777863 

3 Hampshire Drive from Coombes Gate Margaret 01590 626721 

16 Hampshire New Year Dinner Tessa 01590 622945 

page 19 | BDS News



HAMPSHIRE 

AC Roger Page 

Tel: 01962 777863 

9th August – Cadnam Driving Show please 

contact Hazel Long on 02380 776854 

28th August and 9th September – Test Days 

at Lowhill. Contact Sarah on 07717467562 or 

Roger on 01962 777863. 

13th September – Intro to pairs driving at 

Lowhill Farm with Caroline Douglas. 1:30 pm. 

For more info and to book in please tel Sue 

Page on 01962 777863 

20th September – Young Drivers Day at 

Ober Farm please tel Sarah McBride on 02380 

651953 or 07717467562. 

24th September – Spider Drive to Ames 

Cottage, Beckley. Hot refreshment van in 

attendance to arrive approx 12:30 pm. Please 

tel Karen or Graham to let then know you are 

coming on 01425 620492. 

24th September – Skittle night at the Rose 

and Crown. £10 pp to include buffet. 7 for 

7:30 pm please, £10 per person including 

buffet supper. tel Tessa on 01590 622945 no 

later than the 16th of Sept. 

25th September – Spider Drive to Beaulieu 

Road to arrive approx 12 noon. Bring a picnic. 

Please tel Tessa on 01590 622945. 

25th September – Dinner at Sway Manor, 7 

pm for 7.30 pm £25.50 per person. Excellent 

3 course meal with coffee, cream and mints. If 

you could provide menu choices it would be 

helpful. 

Starters: Melon, Soup, Pâté 

Main: Roast Sirloin of Beef , Sea bass, 

Half Roast Duck 

Sweet from Display 

Coffee, Cream and mints 

HEREFORDSHIRE Website: www.herefordshire.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AC Kay Walton 

Tel: 01981 540209 bdsherefordshire@aol.com 

Past events 

The HDDG Show in May was a success and 

although cold there was a good turnout. 

Monnington Drive was lovely as usual. Good 

weather, 6 turnouts had a lovely drive 

followed by tea. Thanks to John Bulmer and his 

team for the warm welcome. 

Westons Bluebell Drive. A disappointing 

turnout but a lovely drive. 

Future events 

Trek practice day we are hoping to hold this in 

early September. 

We are lucky that Mandy Reddock has agreed 

to join myself and Roy as AAC. I asked Mandy 

to write a bit about herself which is included 

below: 

I have been involved with horses since I was 

very young and went through Pony Club and 

achieved my “A” Test Certificate. Did all sorts 

of horsey activities including Riding Club, 

Dressage, showjumping, and concentrated a 

lot on Side Saddle, where I became National 

Side Saddle Champion in 1985. I am now 

married to Tony and have two children, 

AAC Stuart & Tessa Johnstone Tel: 01590 622945 

AAC Sarah McBride Tel: 012380 651953 

Please send cheque (payable to B.D.S) 

and menu choice to Tessa Johnstone, 

Ober Farm, Rhinefield Rd, Brockenhurst, 

Hants, S042 7QE. We need to know final 

numbers by 11th September. 

26th September – Spider Drive to White 

Moor, Emery Down, to arrive approx 1 

pm bring a picnic. Please let Tessa know 

if you are coming on 01590 622945. 

27th September – CHANGE OF 

VENUE! Sunday Best Drive at 

Janesmoor Pond, Fritham. Leaving 12 

noon, followed by presentations. Bring 

a picnic to enjoy afterwards and make a 

day of it! 

14th October – Test Day at Lowhill. Tel 

Roger or Sue on 01962 777863 or Sarah 

07717467562 

31st October – Pumpkin Party at 

Lowhill Farm, hot supper,prizesfor best 

pumpkin and best Halloween costume 

plus games for all ages. Will be indoors 

if wet. Dress warm. £7 pp. To book in 

please tel Sue Page on 01962 777863. 

1st November – Social evening and 

meeting at the Sir Walter Tyrell Pub, 

Bramshaw. Please come to put forward 

any ideas for the future or to discuss 

anything from the past. Meeting to start 

at 7:30pm. If you would like to eat, please 

arrive early and order from the menu. 

Please tel Tessa if you are coming on 

01590 622945 

8th November – Drive from 

Corhampton. Please tel Sarah on 02380 

651953 or 07717467562 for more details. 

Emma (17) and Thomas (15). I started my 

driving career in 2000 when I had a little 

11.2hh Welsh Mountain pony called Toby 

which Emma used to ride, I felt it would be 

nice to drive him so I had some help from an 

elderly chap called Gordon to help break him 

in, within a week he was between the shafts 

and we have never looked back. We had Toby 

for about 5 years and had to sell him due 

to Emma getting too big to ride him, so we 

then bought Ben James a 14.2hh Welsh Cob 

and we rode as well as drive him and during 

his first year with us we won the Osborne 

Championship for Exercise vehicles at Burghley 

Horse Trials in 2005. Emma did a variety of 

Pony club activities with him and competed 

in Showjumping and Cross Country Teams 

and also hunted him for two seasons with the 

Radnor and West Pony Club. The family are 

members of the Hereford and District Driving 

Group and regularly attend different rallies 

all over the county. We sold Ben James last 

February 2008 as Emma was getting too big 

to ride him and we felt it would be nice to 

have a larger horse for Tony, Emma and I all to 

ride. We found “Jasper” a 15.3hh Hackney x 

Website: www.hampshire.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

ROW: Carole Ruse Tel: 01488 648397 

14th November – Horsey Quiz at the 

Burley Inn, to start at 7:30pm. Please 

come early and choose from the bar menu 

if you wish to eat first. All questions will 

be horsey or driving related! Please Tel 

Tessa to book in on 01590 622945 

6th December – Drive from Hunters 

Inn, Swanmore. For all details and to 

book in please tel Sue Page on 01962 

777863 

10th December – Xmas Lunch at The 

Rising Sun, Wootton. 12 for 12:30. Please 

tel Anne Mouland to book in no later 

than 4th December. 

13th December – Xmas drive from 

The Rising Sun at Wootton with Steve 

Croll, leaving at 11:30am. Prizes for best 

decorated turnouts. Mulled wine and 

mince pies kindly provided by Steve on 

your return. Please tel Anne Mouland to 

book in on 01590 678321 

1st January – New Years’ Day Drive from 

West Stratton. Please contact Sue Page for 

more details on 01962 777863 

3rd January – Drive from Coombes 

Gate Farm, East End by kind invitation 

of Margaret and Malcolm. 11am start. 

Delicious homemade soup and hot mince 

pies on your return! Please tel Margaret a 

few days in advance to book in on 01590 

626721 

16th January – New Year Dinner at La 

Pergola, Lyndhurst. For more details tel 

Tessa on 01590 622945 by 1st January 

please. 

AAC Mandy Reddock 

Welsh Cob which belonged to Jim Ellesmore 

who lives locally and is also a member of 

the HDDG. He also owned Ben previous 

to us buying him so we knew what a great 

temperament the horse would have and how 

he had been brought up by Jim. We bought 

Jasper October 2008 and previous to that I had 

been lucky enough to drive Jasper for Jim at a 

few rallies. Since buying him we have broken 

him in to ride and Tony, Emma and myself 

took him to the HDDG Spring Show in May 

at Hereford and we all won a class with him - a 

day you dream about. I have been a member of 

the BDS since I started driving and was asked 

by Kay to join the Hereford BDS as AAC, I felt 

I would love to give something back that my 

family and I have had from the Association. As 

the Reddock family have proved in the past we 

have had some real family ponies/horses and 

you can get the best out of them by riding and 

driving. 

HAPPY DRIVING.

We had a great entry for our show on 31st May 

and a lovely sunny day. I would like to thank our 

judge Joy Claxton and Mark Fuller who was our 

probationary judge and also Juli Southby the ring 

steward for doing such a marvellous job. Results 

Registered Welsh: 1st Minta Winn; 2nd James 

Lewis. Private Driving 1st Minta Winn; 2nd Mr 

G. Dudley Exercise: 1st Mandy Saunders; 2nd 

Tabe Annema. Pleasure driving with a dalmatian. 

An interesting class with 2 winners Miranda 

Purves with a dalmatian and Mandy Saunders 

with a Jack Russell. Pairs exercise: 1st Elaine 

Thompson; 2nd Miranda Purves. Championship 

for the morning: Champion Minta Winn; 

LINCOLNSHIRE 

David Faulkner 

Tel: 01205 460351 david.faulkner60@btinternet.com 

The Lincolnshire Area of the British Driving 

Society was invited by the organisers of 

the Brocklesby Country Fair to give a 

demonstration in the main ring during their 

2009 event. Area Commissioner David 

Faulkner agreed and we were duly press ganged 

into service although we all volunteered. 

After a long drive we arrived at Brocklesby 

near Immingham north Lincolnshire only to 

be confused by the signage but after a short 

detour we were able to follow the Pony Club 

signs and arrived on time. The only changes 

from the Burghley display team was that 

Carole Davenport stepped in to cover for Joss 

Smith whose pony was unable to compete. Joss 

back stepped for Helen 

Faulkner and Cathy Towle 

drove a two wheel Millers 

Norfolk cart, complete 

with scales and weights 

to demonstrate a trade 

turnout. 

The BDS set up ‘camp’ in 

one corner and there was 

soon a key group settled 

in for the day. David’s camper was the main 

collection point where we all gathered for tea 

and coffee. We were to display at 11.30 so we 

went early and marked the arena for the cones 

and decided how we were going to start etc. 


KENT Website: www.kent.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AC Sarah Owlett 

Tel: 01732 838320 

LANCASHIRE 

AC Pat Calderbank LHHI 

Tel: 01772 423630/mobile: 07734 176827 

Thank you first of all to Colin and Rhonda 

for putting on a lovely spread and making us 

very welcome at the Social evening we had at 

his house last month. A good opportunity to 

swap horsey stories and news. Thank you also 

to Peter for spending a lot of time and effort 

in organising a BDS drive around Beacon 

fell, which was sadly called off due to lack 

of interest! Will members please come along 

to the events they are requesting- it is very 

disheartening for the organisers when this 

happens. 

Thank you also to Dave and Steph for putting 

on a tasty Hog roasts and practice evenings- 

LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND 

AC Linda Cotterill Tel: 0116 2776242 or 07939 150079 

AC Jane Stretton Tel: 0116 2707732 mobile: 07711 084142 

13th September – Rally organised by Dawn 

Moore Stoke Golding Area Tel: 07940522179 

– 01455 458362 

AC Sara Howe Tel: 07961 314941 AAC Barrie Luck Tel: 01892 723393 

Reserve Elaine Thompson. Multiples: 1st Bob 

Alexander driving a Trandem; 2nd Michael 

Hartland. Gentleman Whip: 1st Will Leslie; 

2nd Matt Kelly. Lady Whip: 1st Kate West; 2nd 

Helen Bridges. Supreme Champion: Will Leslie; 

Reserve Champion: Kate West. 

Diary 

2nd August – Shepway ODE Contact 01233 

750560 

26th August – Bradbourne Evening Cones 

07961 314941 

29/30 August – Normanhurst Horse Driving 

Trials. Lots of help needed please. Ring 

nice relaxing and fun occasions for horses and 

their humans. 

We will have a Treasure hunt for Carriage 

drivers and/or riders on Saturday 26th 

September-fun for all the family:) Please ring 

me for details; 01772 423630 

I will run a BDS Assessment and Road Test 

course in Autumn as usual, with a Test day 

when candidates are ready. Please contact me 

for details; 01772 423630 

Kathy Spencer is inviting BDS members to 

a Social evening, talk and slide show at her 

home on Monday 7th September. Kathy and 

Jeremy have spent several months of last year 

Cathy Towle driving a Millers Norfolk cart 

Rita 01227 768769. It’s a good day out with 

plenty of good views of the obstacles. 

19th September – BCDC One day Event at 

Absaloms Farm Underriver 07961314941 

11th October – Shepway sponsored drive 

01233 750560 

7th November – Indoor Driving Royal Leisure 

(prov) 

14th November – Indoor Driving Golden Cross 

(prov) 

29th December – Indoor Driving Golden Cross 

(prov) 

Website: www.lancashire.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AAC/ROW Peter Bamber Tel: 01772 784844 

AAC Colin Pass Tel: 01772 456621 

and this year sailing around the world! They 

didn’t get all the way around as they had to 

return for their daughter’s wedding, but will 

continue their travels in autumn. Their boat is 

waiting in Trinidad. This is an opportunity to 

see photos and hear amazing stories about their 

adventures... not to be missed! Please tel. Kathy 

if you would like to join us; 01257-422469. 

Remember to put the date for the BDS 

Xmas meal in your diaries - Saturday 10th 

December - can’t say you didn’t have plenty of 

notice! 

Happy driving, Pat 

Website: www.leicsandrutlandbds.co.uk 

jane.stretton@vesa.org.uk 

Website: www.lincolnshire.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AAC Gordon Denton Tel: 01724 711298 

AAC Kathleen Faulkner Tel: 01205 460351 

Nearer the time we made our 

way to our collection point and 

our steward Ruth collected us 

and led us into the collection 

area where we waited for the 

Police Dog handlers to finish. 

Our only other experience 

was in a ring 50mtr x 50mtr 

with perhaps a hundred people 

watching. This ring was 

almost 100 x 60mtrs. There was not a single 

viewing space around the main ring, we were 

later told that 17,000 people had attended. 

Thankfully the ponies had already been past 

the airgun range, through crowds of people 

page 21 | BDS News


LINCOLNSHIRE Cont. 


walking in from the car parks and then close to 

the Fairground, so close to a thousand people 

watching did not worry any of them. After a lap 

of the ring we lined up for the start and waited 

for the music. After a false start we completed 

our routine and ended with the music. Then 

Cathy Towle entered the ring 

with her turnout and did a 

circuit while David Faulkner 

commentated on the carriage, 

he did this for each of us and 

then Carole Davenport led 

us around the ring and out to 

the collection ring while the 

grooms collected donations for 

the Lincolnshire & Notts Air 

Ambulance. We raised £209.03 

and we put Lincolnshire BDS 

on the map. By the time we 

got back to the box park it was 

NORFOLK Website: www.norfolk.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AC Michael Cooke 

Tel: 01493 302805 michael-a-cooke@hotmail.co.uk 

OXFORDSHIRE 

AC Peter Kyle 

Tel: 01235 765810 peterkyle@tiscali.co.uk 

SHROPSHIRE 

AC Philip Holder 

Tel: 01952 242495 

philip@wellingtoncarriageco.co.uk 

The Harness Horse Blessing took place on 3rd 

of May, Helen James reports: 

“The morning of the Horse Blessing dawned 

and we were all pleased to see fine weather, 

despite the strong breeze. The destination 

this year was Adcote School, Little Ness; 

just outside Baschurch. The school is in a 

magnificent Victorian country house, designed 

getting a bit crowded with lorries and trailers as 

the Pony Clubs arrived for their show jumping 

event. 

With our display over we had the rest of the 

day to relax and walk around the fair which 

turned out to be much bigger 

than we imagined. Certain female 

members of the group went 

The Faulkner family and groom Joss 

Smith getting ready 

AAC Ursula Dobrowolska Tel: 01939 250936 

AAC Lester Dagge Tel: 01584 890882 

in 1879 by the famous architect Norman Shaw 

for Rebecca Darby, daughter of the Darby/ 

Wedgwood marriage. Most of the 12 turnouts 

arrived in plenty of time but one or two did 

get a little lost in the local lanes. There was 

plenty of easy parking in the grounds and when 

ready, we set ourselves in a semi-circle in the 

shade of some trees. This seemed a good idea, 

out several times on shopping expeditions, 

apparently nothing was purchased they were 

only carrying bags of freebies…..Hhmmm… 

Our final booking of the season is the 

Sandringham Game and Country Fair [Sept 

12th & 13th] organised by Living Heritage, 

not quite by Royal appointment but near 

enough for us. 

Waiting to go in the ring 

AAC Yvonne Dobbie Tel: 01263 833719 

Sunday 31st May. Lovely sunny morning and we were welcomed to 

White Rails Farm, Great Melton. Six turnouts arrived and were ready 

for a nice drive. We set off at 11am for a 6 to 7 mile drive around 

the highways and byways of the Norfolk countryside. A nice steady 

pace was maintained and traffic of all varieties was encountered and 

dealt with without problems. On returning to the farm we all enjoyed 

our picnic lunches in the glorious sunshine. After lunch I had set 

up a small cone course for any of the members to try, including a 

‘watersplash’. All took part and attempted the water, some more 

successfully than others, but a good laugh was had and everyone 

enjoyed themselves. Members did ask if we could go to White Rails 

again and our host was gracious enough to say yes. I must thank our 

host Mr R Richardson for allowing us to use his farm on the day. 

At the time of going to print we should have had our drive in Thetford 

Forest. This is to raise some money for the John Grant School for 

children with special needs in Caister on Sea. 

Dates 

23rd August – Hempnall Drive 

30th August – BDS Trec Forest Edge, Swaffham 

20th September – Ashby Drive 

21st November – Quiz Hempnall Mill Centre 

All above contact Mike Cooke 01493 302805 

Website: www.oxfordshire.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AAC Karen Harvey Tel: 01993 880445 kharvey@swets.com 

Website: www.shropshire.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

John Gibson (Rights of Way) Tel: 01952 691214 

Philip Holder (Website) Tel: 01952 242495 

until it was realised that the flies had also taken 

to the shade. It was a bit too late to move as 

the local Vicar, from Little Ness, was already 

telling his story. Even the quietest of ponies, 

Sally Marren, found standing still almost 

impossible with all those flies (and only early 

May) irritating pony and person alike! After 

the blessing, the ponies set off on the option of 

Photos by kind permission of Kathleen Faulkner

SHROPSHIRE Cont. 

a long or short drive. 

Both drives were very 

picturesque and both 

had their interesting 

moments: Turnouts on 

the long drive had to 

cope with descending a 

steep hill or two around 

The Vale at Nescliffe 

which, as far as I could 

tell, concerned the 

drivers a lot more than 

their excellent horses 

and ponies; the drivers 

and grooms on the 

short drive made their 

ride more interesting 

by missing the turn for 

home and travelling 

4½ miles or so instead 

of 2 miles, arriving 

back at the boxes some 

time after those on the 

longer drive! 

After a cup of tea and 

cake, everyone departed 

having thoroughly 

enjoyed the blessing 

and the drive. Now, 

SOMERSET & AVON 

Preparing for Alkyngton Drive 

Avril Pluck & Spin 

Tom Allison at the Lake 

Vyrnwy Drive 

AC Terry Barrett 

Tel: 01935 706386 terry4gloria@hotmail.co.uk 

THE “B.D.S. Somerset Area” Show held 

on the 31st May was once again successful with 

brilliant sunshine. We wish to thank all the 

competitors for their continued support, the 

two Judges - Mr. M. Kesans & Mr. C. Scott, 

and also our two Concours judges Mrs. Pat. 

Baker & Mr. Ivor Morris. Our thanks go also 

to our two hard working Stewards Alan & 

Carol Ricketts, our Rosette Steward Caroline 

Thresher and Bill Dawson for ensuring 

everyone was in the ring on time. Also our 

kitchen ladies - Beverley, Kath & Sarah, for 

making sure everybody was fed. But our main 

thanks must go to all our sponsors, as without 

them there would not be a Show. 

NEXT YEAR’S SHOW IS BEING HELD ON 

MAY 30th SAME VENUE. We hope to see 

you all there. 

Aug 9th – DRIVE from the home of Mr. 

& Mrs. L. Hill. Sampford Farm. Sampford 

Arundel, Wellington. Tel. 01823-672 377. No’s 

please by August 2nd. 

Aug 16th – Mid Somerset Show. Shepton 

Mallett. 

Aug 22nd – B.D.S. Carriage Driving Road 

Driving Assessment Day at Fenix Carriages, 

Clayhidon, Cullompton. No’s required by July 

AC Eunice Binder 

Tel: 01473 830326/07963 285 952 

eunicebinder@btinternet.com 

the $64m question… 

Where to next year?” 

On the 21st June eight 

turnouts enjoyed a drive 

from Alkyington Hall 

by kind permission of 

Mrs Fearnall, organised 

by North Shropshire 

Club. Before moving 

off, judging took place 

and Tom Allison won 

the best turnout. Each 

turnout was given a map 

and directions for either a 

six and a half or ten and 

a half mile drive. These 

were apparently needed 

as rumour has it that the 

signs in Whixall were 

turned round during the war to confuse the 

enemy and have never been put back so that 

some people can never find their way out! 

The weather held fair and on return every one 

enjoyed a bring and share picnic. Hopefully 

this will become an annual event. 

One experienced senior member referring 

to the aforementioned events brought to my 

attention the fact that some horses are not 

happy to stand for extended periods of time 

20th to Terry Barrett. 1. High Leaze Cottages. 

Brympton, Yeovil. BA22 8TE. 

Aug 23rd – Training Day. Morning. 

Individual Lesson with Mark Broadbent with 

your own outfit. £40. Per Lesson, only 2 

places available on 1st come 1st served basis. 

Cheques made out to “B.D.S. Somerset 

Area” & send to Terry Barrett. 1 High Leaze 

Cottages. Brympton. Yeovil by August 1st. 

Afternoon. Approx. 1-00 p.m. Demonstration 

& Tour of Carriage Museum. Including the 

“Lorna Doone” Coach & others - by Mark 

Broadbent. £10. per individual including light 

refreshments. Members from any other areas 

will be welcome. 

Sep 12th – Frome Cheese Show. 

Sep 19/20th – Victoria Foods Carriage Driving 

Extravaganza to be held Hand Equestrian 

Centre, Bristol. For further information please 

contact Mr. T. Morris. Tel; 01458-273844. 

Sep 27th – Somerset Levels R.D.A. Carriage 

Driving Show to be held at the Taunton 

Racecourse, Corfe, Taunton. Secretary is 

Mr. S. Bougourd. Tel: 01934-842661 

Oct 4th – FUN DAY, at the home of Mr. 

& Mrs. L. Hill. Sampford Farm. Sampford 

SUFFOLK, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HUNTINGDON 


soon after being put to. Perhaps it would be 

helpful if participants are made aware that they 

may need to arrive in time to settle their horses 

down and that sufficient space is available for 

them to do so. 

Congratulations to Avril Pluck & Spin on 

wining the Carriage Dog Trials at Skipton 

with 100% marks. Good luck to them at the 

nationals in July. 

August 4th – Newport Club Treasure Hunt 

and meal. Contact Carol Gregory 01902 

763209 

August 6th – Burwarton Show. Contact Lester 

01994 484766 

August 9th – Winsley Hall Drive. Contact 

John Gibson 01952 69121 

August 22nd – Clipper Rally, Harrington. 

Contact Julie 07723 461133 

August 23rd – Shropshire BDS Trec Sweeney 

Mountain Oswestry contact Lizzie 01691 

656805. Please note change of date. 

September 14th – Shrewsbury Carriage Parade. 

Contact Philip 01952 242495 

September 20th – Fun Day at Sunnyside Farm. 

Contact Ursula 01939 250936 

October 18th – Melverly Drive. Contact Lizzie 

01691 656805 

Website: www.somerset.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AAC Moya Bangham Health & Safety Tel: 0117 9591048 

AAC Kathleen Hill Tel: 01823 672377 

ROW Mrs. J. Boucher Tel: 01823 461600 

Arundel. Wellington. Somerset. Dressage, 

Cones, Low Key Showing Classes, & a short 

Drive. Time Permitting. ENTRIES ON THE 

DAY. For further details please contact Mrs. 

K. Hill. 01823-672-377. OR Terry. 01935 

706386. 

Oct 18th – PUB LUNCH at “Oake Manor 

Golf Club” Oake. Nr.Taunton. Nos. to Terry 

Barrett. 01935 706385 by Oct. 11th. 

Nov 15th – PUB LUNCH at “The Nags 

Head” Thornfalcon Nr. Taunton. Nos. to 

Christine. 0117 959 1048 by Nov 8th. 

Dec 6th – Christmas Lunch at Oake Manor 

Golf Club. 

Jeff Osborne, overall Show Champion 

AAC David Baker Tel: 01223 835229 dbaker@morgans10.freeserve.co.uk 

AAC Elaine McCarthy Tel: 01223 870181 elaine@sterlingresearch.co.uk 

ROW officer Wallace Binder Tel: 01473 830326 

page 23 | BDS News



SURREY 

AC Jane Brightwell 

Tel: 0208 657 9393 surreybds@aol.com 

With the driving season now in full swing I am 

pleased to report that all our Surrey Area events 

have been well supported and enjoyed. 

The Regional Training Clinic at Merrist Wood 

in late April went really well with participants 

not only learning a lot from the instructors 

Gary Docking and Minta Winn, but by the 

end of the day turnouts were improving and 

everyone was asking for a further Training 

Clinic on this basis. A very positive and 

enjoyable day enjoyed by everyone instructors 

and participants alike. 

May was a busy month with our Mayday Meet, 

BDS TREC and Whiteley Village Drive. All 

these events were well supported and greatly 

enjoyed by members. Many thanks to our 

organisers Gail Brownrigg and Dave and Helen 

Pritchard plus all the wonderful helpers who 

make these days run so smoothly. 

Our drive at Chilworth Hill in June went 

SUSSEX EAST 

AC Sue Page Tel: 01825 890264 bds-sussex@hotmail.co.uk 

AC Donna Simmons Tel: 01797 230 295 

August 

1st – Long distance / pleasure 

Peasmarsh. Donna – 01797 230 295 

Last entry 20th July 

2nd – Chiddingly show. Hale Stud. Pauline 

Kennard - 01323 870 154 

8th – Pub drive. Framfield / round Waldron 

Sue – 01825 890 264 

16th – Oaks Annual Show. Jane Curd – 

01323 849 615. Last Entry 7th August. 

SUSSEX WEST 

Dawn Skett 

Tel: 0121 7823493 

Mobile: 04020 22825 

I do hope that you are all enjoying your driving 

whether it be shows, rallies or trials. The idea 

is to enjoy yourself and your horses and drive 

safely. I have to report that Mr Chris Jacob has 

decided that he and his wife Margo would like 

to spend more time enjoying the grandchildren, 

so he has decided to retire from his position 

which he has held for many years. I know 

that you would like me to thank him for all 

of you, but he will be returning to offer his 

assistance at any time in the future. I would like 

to announce that Mr Peter Munt has agreed 

to become Assistant Commissioner for my 

very well with nine turnouts having a lovely 

drive followed by a cones competition in the 

afternoon. Special thanks to Mary and John 

Crittall for organising the day and Colin Noon 

for setting up the cones. 

Sunday 9 August – Wimbledon Common 

Drive by kind permission of the Wimbledon & 

Putney Commons Conservators – Details from 

Jane Curtis 07949 227377 or 0208 874 0201. 

Entries close 31st July. (Low Emission Zone 

rules apply). 

Sunday 23 August – Horsedrawn Barge Trip 

and Cream Tea – from Godalming Wharf. 

£10.50 per adult £9 per child cheques payable 

to Godalming Packetboat Company by 13th 

August to Gail Brownrigg, 1 Myrthle Cottage, 

Okewoodhill, Dorking, Surrey. RH5 5PT Tel 

01306 627609. 

Sunday 20 September – Margaret’s Treasure 

Hunt Drive from Okewoodhill, Nr.Ockley. 

29th - 30th – Normanshurst 

30th - 31st – Eden bridge & Oxted 

September 

4th – Pleasure drive. Jan Curd – 

01323 849 615 

6th – BDS lunch / AGM 

Base Framfield. Sue 

11th - 13th – Windsor Nationals 

20th – Oaks ODE 

AC Colin Hurd 

Tel: 01243 776809/07973 682861 (Eves only) C_HURD@sky.com 

WARWICKSHIRE, WEST MIDLANDS, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 

AAC Olive Belcher Tel: 01926 815240 

AAC Dianne Austin Tel: 01922 637191 

areas, as he lives on the Northants and Rugby 

borders and he is keen to assist the members 

of Northhants as well as the other areas so 

that Olive and myself can all enjoy working 

together. I asked Peter if he would be willing to 

use his yard for our area to train and test our 

members on the unit of competence for carriage 

driving and road assessment and he stated that 

he would be pleased to do so. That is the end 

of my news. 

Many of our events have passed those still to be 

held are below. 

Website: www.surrey@britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AAC David Pritchard Tel: 01372 457074 

Details from Margaret Evans Tel. 01306 

627461. 

December – Quiz Night with Fish & Chip 

Supper – see next newsletter for details. 

Please Note: We will be asking for BDS 

Membership Cards at all Area Events this 

year – so don’t forget to bring it along. Please 

remember that an able groom is a compulsory 

feature with each turnout and that those 

aged 14 or under must be accompanied by 

a competent adult at all times and must also 

wear a hard hat in the interests of safety. Please 

ensure that turnouts are harnessed correctly. 

Drivers are asked to drive safely and sensibly 

giving consideration to other carriage drivers, 

spectators and members of the public. All 

turnouts must have a competent groom/ 

passenger on the vehicle (no sulkies or one 

seater vehicles). 

AAC Helen Bridges Tel: 01825 872030 

AAC Lizzie Page Tel: 07989 428946 

ROW Cathy Millard Tel: 07887 654174 

October 

3rd - 4th – Towerlands 

18th – BDS / Weald pleasure drive 

Peasmarsh. Donna 

31st – Halloween Fancy dress 

Base Framfield. Sue 

Fancy- £5; Non Fancy £10 

November 

21st – Sponsored Children in need TBC. Sue 

Minimum sponsor £20 

Website: www.westsussex.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AAC Peter Munt Tel: 01926 817889 

AAC David Coghill Tel: 01604 762924 

(Northamptonshire) 

August 9 – B.D.S. Fillongly Show 

01217823493 /07702022825 

August 23 – Trec at Olives 01926 815240 

11am start 

Drive@B.B.Q at Peter Munts 01926 817889 

start 12 pm 

October 11th – B.D.S. Trec at Preston Baggot. 

01926 815240 

Results of events later in year. Wishing you all 

safe driving.

WILTSHIRE 

AC Hazel Woodbridge 

Tel: 01793 770862 hazelwoodbridge@hotmail.com 

We now have a Web site – www.wiltshire. 

britishdrivingsociety.co.uk please check it for 

details of our events and for special events not 

listed. Further details will also be listed in the 

Area’s own newsletter. Please look on our web 

site for photographs from our events, you never 

know you might find yourself there! 

Sunday August 2nd – Stourhead Show Nr 

Mere. This is a new venue and for this year 

when there will be driving classes in the 

afternoon only. SAE to Hazel Woodbridge, 

Hafawey House Hoggs Lane, Purton Swindon 

Wiltshire SN5 4BU or check our web site for 

details 

Wednesday August 5th – Evening Drive from 

Merchant’s Barn Farm Long Newton by kind 

invitation of Stephanie Dale Drive to pub and 

return with light refreshments. 5.30 for 6p.m. 

prompt start. Contact Hazel on 01793 770862 

Sunday August 9th – Brinkworth Horse Show 

– a full day of driving classes at this traditional 

show which has a total of 61 classes covering 

all disciplines. SAE to Hazel Woodbridge, 

Hafawey House Hoggs Lane, Purton Swindon 

Wiltshire SN5 4BU or check our web site for 

details. 

Sunday August 16th – Drive – venue sought. 

Contact Hazel on 01793 770862. We have a 

possible new venue for this one so please watch 

the web site or call Joyce or Hazel for further 

information. 

Wednesday August 19th – Evening Drivevenue 

sort Contact Hazel on 01793 770862 

Saturday and Sunday August 22/23rd – 

Wiltshire Area Summer Show, The Fox Purton. 

The only show anywhere in Wiltshire that has 

affiliated Hackney Driving Classes. SAE to 

Hazel Woodbridge, Hafawey House Hoggs 

A small group is enjoying the subsidised 

training this summer which I organised for 

our members with Sarah Wildy LHHI. We 

have 10 sessions of 3 hours each on summer 

evenings about every fortnight, beginning at the 

end of April. We shall carry this through until 

September so please contact Paddy if you wish 

to join in. 

We will hold our Young Drivers Camp this 

summer from 10th to the 13th August with 

the help of the Wolverley Club, Sarah Wildy 

and Judith Broom, this will be open to adults 

as well if we have space. Please get in touch as 

soon as you can if you are interested. 

Wendy Martin has offered to take a group of 

members any time by arrangement on her local 

TROT drive at Wick. Please telephone her on 

01386 556382. 

Lane, Purton Swindon Wiltshire SN5 4BU or 

check our web site for details. 

Monday August 31st – Cricklade Show 

Mrs Secretary: Mrs Jayne Case, Wharf Farm, 

Latton Wharf, Cricklade, Wiltshire, SN6 6DQ 

(01793) 752703ye http://www.c1793 752703. 

Sunday September 6th – Brinkworth Country 

and Rare Breeds Show. Afternoon Driving 

Classes SAE to Hazel Woodbridge, Hafawey 

House Hoggs Lane, Purton Swindon Wiltshire 

SN5 4BU or check our web site for details. 

Saturday September 19th – Foxham Show 

Afternoon Driving Classes SAE to Hazel 

Woodbridge, Hafawey House Hoggs Lane, 

Purton Swindon Wiltshire SN5 4BU or check 

Foxham Horse Show web site for details. 

Sunday September 20th – Drive along the 

Ridgway from Sparsholt Firs. 10.45 for 11.15. 

This is a restricted Byway so no tracks cut in by 

off road vehicles. Bring a picnic. Please contact 

Hazel again on Sunday morning to confirm. 

Contact Hazel on 01793 770862. 

Sunday September 27th – Leigh Show 

Secretary: Mrs Jayne Case, Wharf Farm, 

Latton Wharf, Cricklade, Wiltshire, SN6 6DQ 

(01793) 752703ye 

October 3rd /4th – Annual BDS / Hackney 

Driving at Towerlands. Do you want to go? 

Tickets and transport arranged probably for the 

Saturday to include the evening performance. 

Numbers by September 21st. Contact Hazel on 

01793 770862 

October 11th – Drive from Wharf Farm 

Latton, nr. Cricklade by kind invitation 

of Roger Cleaver and Family 11 for 11.30 

refreshments on return. To book in Contact 

Jayne Case on 01793 752703 For any other 

information Contact Hazel on 01793 770862 


Website: www.wiltshire.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AAC Joyce White Tel: 01249 720608 

October 18th – Drive – venue sought Contact 

Hazel on 01793 770862 

October 25th – Venue Sought Contact Hazel 

on 01793 770862 

Sunday November 8th – Venue Sought 

Contact Hazel on 01793 770862 

Saturday December 12th – Annual Area 

Christmas Dinner – advance notice 

There will be several informal events during the 

year to which members from adjoining areas are 

always welcome. 

Please keep an eye open for further events in 

the Area by checking our Web site. 

Any helpers for the above events are very 

welcome or if you are able to host a drive please 

contact either Joyce or myself. 

Area News 

The first of the Area’s Shows has taken place, 

although the weather forecast was not great 

we had a fine day until we were packing up 

and then it just poured! It’s always worth 

just checking the local forecast before finally 

abandoning the day. 

There have been several drives including a most 

enjoyable evening drive with a mid way stop at 

a local pub, a great way to meet the public and 

tell them all about Carriage Driving. 

Drives will continue throughout the year, new 

venues for drive are always being sought please 

contact Hazel or Joyce if you are able to host a 

new venue. 

For further information on any of the above 

contact Hazel Woodbridge on 01793 770862 

or preferably e-mail me at hazelwoodbridge@ 

hotmail.com. Members from adjoining Areas 

are always welcome 

WORCESTERSHIRE www.worcs.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AC Paddy Marris 

Tel: 01885 410324 paddy@marris.net 

AAC Sandy Blakeway-Smith Tel: 01299 832821 dblakewaysmith@tiscali.co.uk 

AAC Belinda James Tel:01684 310766 

Belinda James will organise a day driving on the 

Malvern hills, telephone 01684 310766. 

Weekly drives (20 miles, horses must be very 

fit) are organised by John Redfern and Ivan 

Meredith tel. 01299 851304. Please telephone 

the organiser a week beforehand if you would 

like to join the drives. 

The Wolverley DDC have an excellent 

programme of varying events and training 

and occasional drives on a Tuesday, see their 

website for details www.wolverleydriving.co.uk. 

New members always welcome, telephone the 

secretary Linda Sprosen 01562 824 350. 

The Hereford DDG also have a first rate 

programme, new members always welcome, 

telephone the secretary Katja Jones 01497 

821009 or see their website, www.hddg.co.uk. 

The Three counties show will be held while I 

am away, Belinda James and Lester Dagge are 

again organising the program together with 

the Wolverley club and it promises to be very 

exciting again this year, lots of classes for all and 

with a new event to demonstrate to the general 

public the indoor driving trials. 

Our newsletters are published in the BDS news 

and also on our website. 

Please remember that if you are a beginner or 

no longer driving you are always more than 

welcome to attend on foot either as a spectator 

or as a steward or helper at BDS events and 

club events at local or national level, we are 

a very friendly group of people! Also why 

not consider helping one of our local groups 

providing carriage driving for the disabled. 

page 25 | BDS News



YORKSHIRE & CLEVELAND Website: www.yorkscleve.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AC Daphne Summers 

Tel: 01347 823692 

e-mail: daphnecobwebs@yahoo.co.uk 

It’s been a slow start to the season, with one 

drive cancelled and one change of venue. Frank 

and Margaret Edwards stepped in and saved the 

day when we lost our Dalby venue at the last 

minute and allowed us to have it at Scackleton. 

Ten turnouts enjoyed a very sociable weekend 

and had some wonderful drives, thanks to 

Frank negotiating with several landowners for 

permission to cross their property. Many thanks 

Frank. May I remind everyone to please let 

hosts know at least one week in advance if they 

are going to attend a rally so that they can be 

catered for. 

May I also take this opportunity to wish Joyce 

Sugden a speedy recovery after a dreadful 

accident when her pair bolted, resulting in the 

deaths of both horses and broken legs amongst 

other injuries for Joyce. 

Thirteen area members embarked the coach 

bound for John Parker’s Swingletree Stables 

on April 25th, as we set off it seemed a long 

way to go for a visit and one or two felt guilty 

for leaving jobs undone at home on such a 

beautiful spring day. None of us had visited the 

BDS chairman at home before and we were not 

sure what to expect. On arrival we were treated 

to tea and biscuits and then we were privileged 

to spend a day in the company of the driving 

world’s most interesting character and his team 

of helpers. Most of our merry day trippers 

drove either a single or a pair of Connemaras or 

a pair of John’s coach horses and all were treated 

to a very informative guided tour of the coach 

house, tack room and the stables. Our chairman 

works so hard for the society fighting for the 

rights of the horse world, that we don’t get to 

GUERNSEY 

AC Rose Yates 

Tel: 01481 258181 rose.yates@cwgsy.net 

AAC Jan Martin Tel 01405 860266 

AAC Mark Jopling Tel 01642 300030 

AAC Marnie Summers Tel 01765 635032 

You will notice that the proposed visit to the 

Royal Mews has been cancelled due to lack 

of interest, instead I am organising a trip to 

Caroline Dale Leech’s Carriage Boot Sale, 

bookings ASAP to me. It’s looking as though 

we’re in for some pretty hot weather this year, 

for a change, so we look forward to seeing lots 

more of you at rallies and shows around the 

area, so best wishes to you all and good luck in 

those shows. 

August 

Aug 1-2 – Driving and training weekend at 

Newby. A fun weekend to enjoy and improve 

your knowledge and your horse’s performance 

and behaviour. Barbecue Sat eve. Ring Mark 

01642300030. 

see John Parker the horseman very often these 

days, but those who visited that day saw the real 

John talking passionately about his horses and 

his life with partner Sue. Many thanks to John, 

Susan and all on the yard for making our day 

so enjoyable. 

Our Area show (see show report in this issue) 

on the 30th may have bucked the national 

trend and enjoyed even bigger entries than last 

year. A big thank you must go to all our very 

generous sponsors without whom the show 

could not run, and to all the competitors and 

stewards, also to our judges Claudia Bunn, 

Martin Atlkinson and John Baggaley for 

coming and making it another perfect day. 

Also, thanks to show secretary Beth Foster who 

puts so much into the running of the show 

and who arrived on the show ground with her 

ROW Pat Whelan Tel 01748 824 331 

Social Sec: Liz White Tel 01723 862091 

Newsletter Editor: Den Martin Tel 01405 860266 

Aug 8-9 – Driving weekend in Rosedale. Ring 

Daphne 01347823692. 

Aug 15-16 – Driving weekend at Brompton 

near Northallerton. Barbecue Sat eve. Ring 

Maurice Oldfield 01609780302 

Aug 30 – Drive from Shipton By Beningboro, 

with afternoon tea after the drive. 

Ring Alan Theakston 01904470481 

September 

Sep 6 – Charity drive and ride in the beautiful 

Dalby Forest. If you wish to go on the 

Saturday please let the organiser know. Ring 

01751460468 

Sep 27 – Coach trip to Darley Dale carriage 

Boot Sale. 

Ring Daphne 01347823692. 

SOUTH YORKSHIRE & NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Website: www.notts&syorks.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AC Malcolm Salter 

Tel: 01777 248210 mnosalter@hotmail.com 

ISLE OF MAN 

AC Wendy Kirkpatrick 

Tel: 01624 851302 wendykirk@manx.net 

ISLE OF WIGHT 

AC Margaret Honeybourne 

Tel: 01983 615338 e-mail: m.honeybourne@talktalk.net 

On 3rd May we held our Trec, this was not 

well attended maybe owing to illness. However 

those who attended and the spectators had a 

great time. Nicki McDonnah was first with 

Margaret Honeybournes Shetlands Clothie 

X-Toll and Skyrack Huntsman. Debbie 

AAC Graham Schofield Tel: 01709 586829 

AAC Gill Coburn Tel: 01777 870408 

ROW Barry Coburn Tel: 01777 870408 

husband our commentator Nick, direct from a 

night out in London. Last but not least, thanks 

to my wife Nicola and my son Oliver who ran 

around all week getting ready for the show and 

organising on the day as I was not at my best. 

Forthcoming Events 

13th September – BDS Trec at Egmanton 

(Notify host at least one week in advance if you 

wish to take part). Contact Gill Coburn on 

01777870408 

17th October – Road Driving assessment 

Training Day at Cottam (Please book by 

October 1st). Contact Malcolm or Nicola on 

01777248210 

25th October – Road driving assessment day at 

Egmanton (Please book by October 1st) 

Contact Malcolm or Nicola on 01777248210 

Website: www.iow.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AAC Gail Yardley Tel: 01983 873529 

AAC Joanne Dunn 

Tamcken came a very close second with Hamlet 

her new pony who is going very well. Feedmark 

sponsored us with a £25 voucher for the winner

ISLE OF WIGHT Cont. 

Scotland 

Nicki McDonnah receiving 

first prize at the Trec 

and we also gave an NFU shopper bag and pen 

to each entrant. The competition was followed 

by a buffet and whilst we were eating this my 

first Welsh Section A was born and after waiting 

a while all were able to gaze at the little miracle 

in my stable. I could not resist calling him 

Longcommon Trec. The lessons with Sarah 

JERSEY 

AC Phyllis Gouédart 

Tel: 01534 721151 phyllis.gouedart@googlemail.com 

Unfortunately the May newsletter had the 

previous years copy. However to put the 

record straight I should mention the indoor 

Champions, Beverley Le Marquand in 

particular won three of the championships 

Margaret Robinson, Ellen Littlechild, and 

junior Josh Baudains the others. 

We have had two shows, the Midsummer show 

suffered with rain for most of the day, Beverley 

won both show championships with her pair of 

section A ponies driven to a dogcart. 

CENTRAL SCOTLAND 

Debbie Tamcken receiving 

second prize at the Trec 

AC Heather Gow 

Tel: 01307 462437 gow@pitscandly.plus.com 

In May, Central had their annual Drive out 

at Glamis Castle when there were twenty-four 

turnouts. Richard Lanni brought his elegant 

team of Gelderlanders and there were several 

pairs also taking part. The weather was kind 

which all helped to make it a very special day. 

In June there was the Dressage & Cones Day at 

Pitscandly with Joyce Simpson as Judge. 

DUMFRIES 

AC Catriona Murray 

McBride were a great success and we are 

hoping to repeat them in September. A lot 

of BDS members came over to the Island 

for WEDS Trans Wight Drive in June and 

all had a great time the weather was kind to 

us and The Sportmans Rest did us proud in 

the evenings. There were 29 turnouts and 

with landowners’ permission we enjoyed 

some spectacular views - why not come next 

year? This is not a BDS event but Gail and 

myself along with Linda Pike organise it for 

your enjoyment. Tel Gail Yardley Secretary 

WEDS 01983 873529 for details. Please 

support our area show on 16th August we 

have lots of qualifiers, a Feed Mark £25 voucher 

and a subscription to In Harness magazine to 

be won. 

August 

11th – Cones evening final Brickfields 7.30pm 

pay on night. 

Two beach scurries have been held in the 

evenings at St Ouen’s bay, also the second 

round of the Skilled Driver of the Year, the 

courses have been well designed to test the 

accuracy of drivers with their ponies resulting 

in some cricket scores so much so that in the 

Parish Teams event it turned out to be a surprise 

win for St Lawrence A team. 

The Inter Insular with Guernsey was a 

home win for both Senior and Junior Jersey 

Teams but all in all it was a day of renewing 


14th – Junior rally 10 -1pm. 

Tel Margaret 01983 615338 

16th – BDS Isle of Wight Area Show, 

start 10am. Tel Margaret 01983 615338 

September 

6th – WEDS Cream tea Nodewell Farm. 

Tel Angela 

DTBA – lessons with Sarah McBride £20 

spectators £5. Tel Margaret 01983 615338 

DTBA – Road Test last chance at £5 so why 

not take the test. Tel Margaret 615338 

October 

18th WEDS Gillian Ellis memorial spider drive 

to Old Smithy Godshill 12am. 

Tel Robert 07734166651. 

DTBA – Annual meeting Riverside Centre, 

Newport. 7pm. Tel Margaret 

Website: www.jerseyhorsedrivingsociety.com 

friendships as well as friendly rivalry, the return 

match in Guernsey is in September. 

Future Events 

August 1st& 2nd – Annual Show at Club field 

August 16th –3rd round Skilled Driver 

August 23rd – Le Trec 

September 13th – Mini trials 

September 20th – Jnr/novice/grooms Trials 

AAC Ann Small 01334 840609 

Future Events: 

9 August – St Fort Drive. Contact Zoe Sanders 

Tel: 01334 870151 

23 August – Tentsmuir Drive. 

Contact Ann Small. Tel: 01334 840609 

Happy and Safe Driving 

AAC Margaret Lupton Tel: 01461 201123 

Martinl757@aol.com 

page 27 | BDS News



GALLOWAY 

AC David Ivison 

Tel: 01581 300269 

A very successful BDS 

Trec day at Barstobrick 

was held in June, thanks to 

Jean Clarkson and Janette 

Watson for organising it, 

and the annual Bladnoch 

Competition Day arranged 

by the Wigtownshire Driving 

Club was held in July. 

Members are looking 

forward to a busy August. A 

Venture Drive will be held 

at Newton Stewart on the 

9th of August, followed by 

the driving classes of the 

Dumfries and Galloway 

Horse Show at Barstobrick 

on Sunday August 23rd. The showing classes at 

Barstobrick are qualifiers for the Whitehall and 

Chairman Cups. 

The month of September begins with a planned 

picnic drive and (other activities yet to be 

decided) at Lochinch on Sunday 7th. The last 

organised outdoor drive will be on Sunday 

September 13th and it will be a drive along 

LOTHIAN & BORDERS 

Yvonne Anderson 

Tel: 01620 842969 

In May we had our area show at Hoptoun 

House. This year we decided to have the show 

on the Saturday instead of the Sunday. This 

gave us the main ring all day without the cones 

to dodge and something for the crowd to watch 

other than the BHDTA. In the main ring we 

had a mixture of Private Driving and club 

classes. We had a reasonable turn out but some 

of the usual competitors were helping steward 

the marathon of the BHDTA national event 

which was running at the same time. We also 

had a drive around Hoptoun estate which was 

enjoyed by everyone who took part. 

NORTH OF SCOTLAND 

AC Jack Clyne 

Tel: 01456 476365 

Jean Clarkson and Geraldo, overall 

winners Bladnoch 2009 

WEST OF SCOTLAND & GLASGOW 

AC Sheila McNeill 

Tel: 0141 639 7510 sheila.mcneill@aggreko.co.uk 

the beach at Sandhead. 

September will also see a one 

off event in the form of a 

meeting of the Eriskay Pony 

Society of Scotland, hosted 

by members of the BDS at 

Barstobrick. It will be a day 

devoted to the Eriskay Pony 

and will include exhibitions 

of driving, amongst other 

related activities. Further 

information on this event can 

be had from David and Meg 

Jessiman, 01557 331257, 

dcjessiman@btinternet.com. 

The winter programme is 

taking shape. Barstobrick has 

been booked for four dates through October, 

November to Christmas. Details of these dates 

will be available in a further edition of the 

magazine. 

David Ivison has served as the Galloway AC 

for three years and will be stepping down. 

Nominations for his replacement will be sought 

in October and an election, if necessary, will be 

I would like to thank Ann Varley for her help 

and support and great organisational skills, 

also John Cowdrey for his commentary and 

our judge for the day, Joan Martin. In the 

afternoon we set up a cones course in the 2nd 

ring which was very enjoyable and great fun. 

Last year we did a driving demonstration for 

one of our local shows Haddington Show. It 

was such a success that we were asked back 

this year. This year we did a cone driving 

demonstration which went really well, I would 

like to thank all the drivers Ann Nisbet with 

AAC Jean Clarkson Tel: 01557 814672 

AAC Sue Mattison 

held in time for the confirmation of the new 

AC by the BDS Scottish Committee at the 

Annual General Meeting in November. 

GALLOWAY DIARY DATES 

Aug 9th – Venture Drive, Newton Stewart. 

Sue 01776 820341 

Aug 23rd – Dumfries & Galloway Horse Show. 

Jean 01557 814672 

Sept 7th – Picnic Drive, Lochinch. 

Sue 01776 820341 

Sept 13th – Beach Drive, Sandhead. 

Sue 01776 820341 

Sept 27th – Eriskay Pony Meeting, Barstobrick. 

Meg 01557 331257 

Oct 11th – Barstobrick Training Day. 

Jean 01557 814672 

Nov 8th – Barstobrick Training Day. 

Jean 01557 814672 

Nov 29th – Barstobrick Training Day. 

Jean 01557 814672 

Dec 13th – Christmas Fancy Dress, 

Barstobrick. Jean 01557 814672 

Thistle, Claire Armet with Baxter the donkey, 

Rebecca Boswell driving Eric, Jackie Lammie 

driving his new pair of Shetlands and a huge 

thank you to Gladys Dale driving Jemima. 

With Gladys at 87 years young and Jemima at 

18 a total of 105 years between them. I think 

this has to be a record for one driver and pony 

combination. 

I have a few things in mind for the next couple 

of months including a cones driving day so 

keep a look out on the web site for more 

information. 

AAC Robert Robertson Tel: 01292 520477

Wales 

About half of our areas have now held their 

qualifying events for the BDS Wales Welsh 

National Trec Championships. These are 

proving to be immense fun and a great way 

for potential new members to come along and 

see what we are capable of. Congratulations 

to those who have qualified so far. Details for 

the Finals to be held in the Crychan Forest on 

Sun 13th September will be made available to 

MID EAST WALES 

AC Emma Stevens 

Tel: 01591 610515 (day) info@lasswadehotel.co.uk 

As Emma is having a really busy time I’m 

writing this on her behalf on the longest day, 

looking out on a grey drizzly mist – it can 

only get better. Unfortunately our Le Trec 

competition fell prey to a weekend of terrible 

weather and had to be postponed. The original 

entries stand and the competition will be 

rearranged in August. 

Our area members had great successes at the 

Hereford show. Emily Ham with Crossfield 

Glory won the Private Driving Championship, 

the Concours d’elegance, the Victoria Foods 

qualifier, the BDS Wales qualifier and the 

Hereford member’s championship. Jackie 

Cartwright with Just Toto was 1st in the Ride 

and Drive, 1st Coloured, qualified for the 

Osborne Refrigerators 4 wheel exercise vehicle 

and came 3rd in the Country vehicle class. 

Then she and Just Toto teamed up with Emily 

to win the Whip and Groom class. 

Several of our area members enjoyed a charity 

ride and drive through the forestry around 

MID WEST WALES 

AC Angela Drinkwater-Lunn 

Tel: 01654 782 382 / 07768 426378 aed@aber.ac.uk 

On behalf of the junior members 

of area 50 I would like to thank 

the Welsh BDS and Mr & Mrs 

Mark Evans for giving them the 

opportunity of a lifetime. What a 

difference when they returned from 

junior camp. Their driving skills are 

so much improved and their stable 

management has taken on a 

very serious approach. They have 

been so inspired by the whole 

experience that they are already 

working on their folders for next 

year. I would also like to thank all 

the adults who gave up their valuable 

free time to help make the camp 

such a success. 

It was a pleasure to meet up with Anne Watson- 

Smyth and the Rainbow Trails Group for the 

drive in the Dyfnant Forest. The drive was a 

shortened seven miles due to the great heat. The 

riding or driving trails are superb and extremely 

well marked. The Dyfnant Forest provides 

corrals and tying posts and good driving 

surfaces plus a drive in drive out car park 

making the whole experience a pleasure. Anne 

provided us all with a splendid tea with more 

those who have qualified after the last event is 

held. Stewards will be needed on the day, so 

if anyone would like to volunteer, please ring 

Sian Burrows on 02920 832316 for details. 

Supporters are more than welcome, and anyone 

who would just like to come and have a look, 

please feel free to turn up. 

By the time this hits the doorsteps, the Tandem 

Meet will have passed us by. Congratulations 

Abbey Cwmhir – some managed to lose their 

way but I think had a good time in fine weather 

anyway. 

The following week saw driving classes at the 

Severn Valley Welsh Pony and Cob Association 

Summer Show near Caersws. Again Jackie 

and Just Toto had a good day being 3rd in 

the Coloured horse under saddle, 3rd in Any 

Harnessed Horse, 1st in the Pleasure Driving 

class and was Reserve Driving Champion. 

Now to future events: if possible please ‘phone 

the person organising at least a week in advance 

so that they have some idea of how many 

people to expect. 

Friday 14th August – Bob and Phil Giles are 

hosting a barbecue and Equestrian Boot Sale at 

Llangamarch Wells. Contact Bob on 

01591 620 216 

Friday night 28th - Monday 31st August – 

Glenys Davies is planning a weekend of driving 

and fun from the Glansevern Arms, Pantmawr, 

Ffion receiving instructions from Mark Evans 

than enough food for an army. I would like to 

thank her for our wonderful welcome and our 

appreciation of her splendid organisation. This 

certainly was a ‘pleasure drive’. We hope to join 

you again in September...and the fly repellent 

recipe certainly does work. 

We are now preparing for our area Le Trec and 

there is much bush and grass cutting to be done 

and rabbit hole spotting! Please will members 

sort out some raffle prizes for future events as 


to the BDS members who participated this 

year. It really is a lot of hard work putting these 

turnouts together and getting in the practice, 

so well done! 

It’s been lovely to see the shows so well 

supported despite horrible weather and the 

prospect of hours of cleaning up after wards. 

Thank you to everyone who has participated at 

these shows. 

AAC Kathy Gower Tel: 01686 440675 

Llangurig. Contact Glenys or Gwen on 

01686 440 240. 

Saturday 5th September – Beulah show. 

Driving classes with a show road drive. This 

will be our Area show. For further details please 

contact Emma Stevens 01591 610 515 

Sunday 13 September – B.D.S.Wales Le 

Trec Championship in the Crychan Forest, 

Llandovery. This is a new championship open 

to B.D.S. members who have qualified from 

their areas. Even if you haven’t qualified it 

should be fun to watch and any help with 

setting up or stewarding will be very much 

appreciated. 

Saturday 26th-Sunday 27th September – 

Dragon Drive. Two days of great driving that 

explores beautiful tracks in the mid Wales 

countryside. Contact Emma Stevens 

01591 610 515. 

AAC Sue Rimmer Tel: 01407 720573 

I am planning great things to be held at The 

University of Aberystwyth Equine Department 

and we need some funds in order to make this 

happen. With summer season activities and 

shows all on the agenda it is a very busy time 

for all of us and I am thrilled to hear that Chris 

West is taking up the reins again after quite a 

break. 

September 12/13 – Le Trec Finals. 

September 26th – Carriage Pulling Fun Day 

for Juniors. No ponies but pulling small carts 

accurately around cones to improve carriage 

control and otheractivities. Dolgoch 2pm. 

September 27th – Dyfnant Forest Carriage 

Drive with tea. 

October 10th – Dolgoch Studio. Annual 

Meeting. Fund raising activities/social. 

October 18th – Mary Jones Drive 

Llanfihangel. 12pm 

Please ring if you wish to join any of the 

activities to confirm details. 

page 29 | BDS News



NORTH EAST WALES 

AC Janet Williams 

Tel: 01978 750024 

bdsnorthewales@aol.com 

The weekend of May 9th & 10th saw the BDS 

show take place on the magnificent Erddig 

Park Dressage Arena by kind permission of the 

National Trust. The Carriage Driving Show was 

a huge success with more competitors forward 

than last year’s event. 

Saturday May 9th saw Mrs King of Derbyshire 

step into the ring to judge the classes, that went 

ahead in windy but dry conditions 

NOVICE LONG REINING attracted 4 entries 

with Sue Cole of Weeping Cross, Stafford in 1st 

place, driving Valcq Redwood Reflection. 

LONG REINING saw 9 entries with the 

winner’s ribbon going to Rachel Thomas of 

Penmaenmawr driving Gorsehill Jenga. Rachel 

also took both the Long Reining & Novice 

Whip Championships with Gorsehill Jenga. 

GROOMS CLASS with 4 entries, plus Junior 

whip class also went to Rachel Thomas driving 

Gorsehill Jenga. 

LADY WHIP with 6 entries went to Sue Cole 

driving Valcq Redwood Reflection, as did the 

Ride & Drive class (ridden) plus RIDE & 

DRIVE (Driven) 

GENTLEMAN WHIP was awarded to Tony 

Tharme of Penmaenmawr Driving Wally. 

OPEN DISABLED DRIVING Jackie Claydon 

of Dolwen, Conway driving Llynhelyg Tomos 

Reserve went Kelly Rush from Lavister nr 

Wrexham with Magic. 

Sunday May 10th was the formal show day 

under the watchful eye of BDS Judge Mr AF 

King also from Derbyshire and again drew 

excellent entries. Sunday’s weather was ideal for 

Driving. 

SMALL EXERCISE VEHICLE with 8 forward 

went to Rachel Thomas from Penmaenmawr 

driving Gorsehill Jenga. 

LARGE EXERCISE VEHICLE with 5 entries 

saw Janet Prytherch of Dolwen Abergele driving 

Llynhelyg Tomos take 1st. 

NORTH WEST WALES 

AC Morfydd Greatorex 

Tel: 01248 601012 

With the showing season upon us it’s all go 

at the moment; let’s hope it will stay dry this 

season. 

On the 12th April we and several area members 

attended neighbouring area 37’s art of carriage 

driving day, it was a lovely sunny day with a 

good variety of demos going on throughout the 

day. The highlight was seeing Mark Evans going 

out with his Friesian stallions in the Lonsdale 

park drag coach. On the 26th April we held 

our indoor cones event nr. Llanberis with very 

good entries in all the classes. Novice cones; 

1st Corrina Jones; 2nd Penny Wear; 3rd Pat 

Tharme. Open cones; 1st Colin Walmsley; 2nd 

Sharne Bellis; 3rd Tilda Manson. Relay cones; 

1st T. Manson & C. Walmsley; 2nd S. Bellis & 

A. Drinkwater-lunn; 3rd M. Ferne & C. Jones. 

AAC & Rights of Way: Edwina Hart Tel 01978 861638 Edwina@edwinahart1.orangehome.co.uk 

AAC & Training: Medina Dicks Tel 01492621307 medina_dicks@lycos.co.uk 

AAC & Safety: Bob Hargreaves Tel 01978 757464 bdsnorthewales@aol.com 

AAC & Treasurer: Steve Griffiths Tel 01978 263241 Steve.Griffiths@nationaltrust.org.uk 

Ruth Lancaster driving Bambridge Bright Spark 

NEWCOMERS PLEASURE DRIVING drew 

8 entries, 1st going to Sue Cole of Weeping 

Cross, Stafford driving Jim. 

OPEN PLEASURE 5 entries also went to Janet 

Prytherch of Dolwen Abergele with Llynhelyg 

Tomos. 

PLEASURE DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP 

was awarded to Janet Prytherch with Rachel 

Thomas reserve champion. 

VETERAN CLASS drew 5 entries and 1st 

was awarded to Ann Staniland of Cleobury 

Mortimer, Worcs driving Starbyte Little Trojan 

who at the age of 20 was awarded the Oldest 

Pony rosette. 

REGISTERED MOUNTAIN & 

MOORLAND went to Willowe Keeley from 

Albrighton,Wolverhampton driving Clothie 

Tumbell. 

REGISTERED WELSH, saw Ruth Lancaster 

of Congleton with Brambridge Bright Spark 

take 1st place. 

OPEN MOUNTAIN &MOORLAND with 6 

entries went to Janet Prytherch with Llynhelig 

Tomos. 

SMALL AMATEUR PRODUCED had 

7 entries with Alison Owen from Bangor, 

Gwynedd with Brynmor take 1st place. 

Cones winners 

Accumulator; 1st Tilda Manson; 2nd Margaret 

Ferne; 3rd Colin Walmsley. Ride & drive; 1st 

Margaret Ferne; 2nd Ronnie Williams; 3rd 

Website: www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk/northeastwales 

LARGE AMATEUR PRODUCED was 

awarded to Ruth Lancaster of Congleton 

driving Brambridge Bright Spark 

Final class of the afternoon was PRIVATE 

DRIVING this class attracted 4 entries and 

went to Ruth Lancaster driving Brambridge 

Bright Spark. 

Ann Staniland with her Tandem 

PRIVATE DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP 

Ruth Lancaster, reserve was Ann Staniland. 

SUNDAYS CHAMPIONSHIPS 

NOVICE WHIP SHOW CHAMPION, 

Rachel Thomas driving Shetland Gorsehill 

Jenga, reserve Sue Cole driving Jim. 

SHOW CHAMPIONSHIP. Ann Staniland 

of Cleobury Mortimer driving Starlyte Little 

Trojan, Reserve going to Ruth Lancaster of 

Congleton driving Brambridge Bright Spark 

North East Wales BDS Area Commissioner 

Janet Williams thanked all competitors for 

taking part in the two day event and a special 

vote of thanks was given to volunteers for 

stewarding and to Steve Griffiths Erddig 

Countryside Manager and his staff for 

preparation of the International standard 

Equine arena which can not be surpassed 

anywhere in Wales, and to the Trustees at 

Erddig for use of the excellent facilities. 

AAC Michael Greatorex mike.greatorex@tiscali.co.uk 

AAC Janet Prytherch Tel: 01492 680618 

Sharne Bellis. Handy pony; 1st Sue Osborne; 

2nd Sharne Bellis; 3rd Penny Wear. 

Our next event was our area Trec with 6 entries 

forward. We had a BBQ on the Saturday 

evening and held the Trec on Sunday, it was a 

lovely weekend weather wise and I would like 

to thank Janet and all our helpers on the day. 

This event was a qualifier this year for the BDS 

Wales Trec championship to be held in Sept. 

The first 3 qualified. 1st Peta & Elfyn Ellis; 

2nd Jenni & Paul Frost; 3rd Colin & Lynn 

Walmsley; 4th Fay Sanders & Gwyn Thomas; 

5th Mavis McBride; 6th Diane Rimmer. 

The following weekend we held our 2nd drive 

of the year in Newborough forest, with 11 

turnouts taking part, once again it was a nice 

sunny day and great off road driving.

NORTH WEST WALES Cont. 

Starting off on the Newborough Forest Drive 

Trec winners, Peta & Elfyn Ellis 

Our 1st shows of the season were Bethesda 

& Caerwys both on the 13th June. Bethesda 

had good entries in all the classes. Mr. John 

SOUTH EAST WALES 

AC Byron Jones 

Tel: 01495 227913 pam@ashleighcarriages.com 

SOUTH MID WALES 

AC Sian Burrows 

Tel: 02920 832316 sian.burrows@internet-at-home.co.uk 

Our area BDS Trec, held in April, was a little 

low on entries, but those who competed had 

a fun filled day with the added bonus of a 

beautiful scenic route and a ford to cross on 

the road drive. The skills/cones section caused 

the most laughter with the grooms having to 

balance an egg on a spoon through part of the 

course without breaking it. (Maybe we should 

have boiled them!). 

Qualifiers for the Trec championship were:- 

1st Emily Ham with Crossfield Glory. 

2nd Liam Tapp with Layton & Daniel. 

3rd Vicky Kedward with Gurnos Jojo. 

Lloyd the judge chose Roseanne Simpson with 

Crakerjack as Champion & Morfydd Greatorex 

with Mongarnedd Morgan as reserve. Area 55 

member Anthony Spencer & Bertie won the 

private driving and Janet Prytherch with Tomos 

won the pleasure driving at the Caerwys show 

well done both. 

On the 14th June we held our annual beach 

drive in Penmaenmawr with 9 turnouts coming 

along. It was another nice day and most of the 

horses enjoyed a paddle in the sea, we all then 

enjoyed a picnic by the sea side. 

The following week saw another 2 shows on 

the same day. Llanerchymedd in Anglesey, 

champion was Keith & Edith Bryant with 

Smokey. Clwyd Welsh pony & cob, champion 

was Janet Prytherch with Tomos and reserve 

Medina Dicks with Dennis. 

Beach Drive 

May 31st The drive in Merthyr was once again 

well attended, with 11 turnouts including 2 

tandems, enjoying the sunshine and views at 

the Ponsticill reservoir and an ice-cream at half 

way. 

Our junior drive from Oaklands Farm, was a 

great success with 2 single turnouts, Ruby Rees, 

driving Katrina Crabb’s “Gino” and Megan 

Donnan driving Katrina Crabb’s “Gromit”. 

Liam Tapp did an excellent job driving his cob 

“Layton” along with Richard Taylor’s “Daniel” 

in Tandem. (Well Done Liam!). We were 

joined by junior member Bethan Matthews of 


Liam and Martyn Tapp Vicky Kedward 

Emily and Chris 

Forthcoming events 

15th August – Llanrwst show 

Tel: 01492 650847 

16th August – BDS Wales show Tel: 

07966515325 

20th August – Flint and Denbigh show Tel: 

01352 712131 

23rd August – Funday BBQ at Barn cottage 

Llanllechid, overnight parking on the Saturday 

is available. Free to area 55 members £5 

otherwise, let me know if you are coming by 

17th August. 

26th August – Meironydd show 

Tel: 01341 422837 

31st August – Babbell Show 

Tel: 07980114083 

5th September – Cerrig y drudion show 

Tel: 01490 420626 

13th September – BDS Wales trec 

championship Tel: 07966515325 

20th September – Newborough forest drive 

Tel: Morfydd 01248 601012 to start at 11am 

Sept/Oct – possible drive at Llyn Brenig 

Tel: Morfydd 01248 601012 

Oct dates to be confirmed, road driving 

assessments. Training leading up to assessment 

with LHHI Rowena Moyse. 

AAC Pam Jones Tel: 01495 227913 

pam@ashleighcarriages.com 

Website: www.splashboard.co.uk 

AAC Martyn Tapp Tel: 01443 400183 

AAC Terry Stockdale Tel: 02920214477/07805901574 

Katrina and Helen 

page 31 | BDS News


SOUTH MID WALES Cont. 


Llangadog driving 2 of Mark Evan’s Friesian 

stallions, also in Tandem. Well done to all the 

juniors for their efforts and achievement. We 

would like to thank Lorraine and Adrian for the 

use of the yard and Ruby and her Mum Karen 

for organising the route and the lovely food. 

Also a big thank you to Katrina Crabb and 

everyone at the yard who helped in grooming 

and stewarding. 

SOUTH WEST WALES 

AC Peter Edwards 

Mobile: 07929 072612 

WEST WALES 

AC Gilly Flanagan 

Tel: 01646 661616 

Our area has, so far, enjoyed some wonderful 

drives. One wet and cold, but we all survived! 

The vehicle maintenance day was well attended 

and great fun. Maurice and Mike talked, 

adjusted and greased their way around a variety 

of vehicles. Many thanks to them and to their 

hosts, the Rees’, a successful idea. The diary had 

Our Hog Roast social evening went really well, 

with everyone enjoying the Karaoke well into 

the early hours. 

We are hoping to organise an area show in 

2010. Anyone interested in being involved in 

the show committee please contact me as soon 

as possible. 

to be adjusted to fit in with the National Parks 

and the Beach Drive and Anne Windsor having 

to cancel her date. So, on April 26th there was 

a starter day at Furzehill Farm. A select group 

who wanted to talk, watch and drive for a day. 

Tina, Maggie, Gilly, Tonto and Dennis went 

through harness, vehicles, pony, general safe 

procedure and at last, some driving. The result, 

we have two new drivers coming along happily 

with confidence growing all the way. Plus 

helpers for events. New friends - that’s what it 

is all about. 

The pending beach drive could only be held 

on May 10th. The weather was glorious, 

Dates for diary 

August 8th – Vintage Transport Day. Contact 

Martyn 

August 16th – BDS Wales show 

Sept 13th – BDS Trec Championship 

Oct – Len Hayes Memorial drive. Date/venue 

TBC. Contact Terry Stockdale. 

Website: www.westglam.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

AAC Tina Ree Tel: 01994 240910 

AAC Mark Evans LHHI Tel: 01550 779066 

AAC Maggie Ravenscroft Tel: 01437 563909 

National Parks looked after us wonderfully, 

private parking, barriers up and a warden in 

attendance. The Stevens family provided an 

all day picnic on the front, chairs, tea, food 

and then two and a half hours up and down 

this huge beach. Hard sand and lovely views 

and full sun. What an experience. The few 

members who took up this chance had a day 

to remember. We will do it again on 20th 

September. Book now. Thank you all! 

On 17th May we were grateful to Lester Dagge 

for taking on the drive at short notice. The 

weather let us down, but the tractor and our 

host did not. Lovely drive with refreshments 

and a pull out of the sodden field after, thanks 

Lester. Great countryside and company. Special 

congrats to Veronica Chesnott and Priscilla 

Bubb. Long journey for Ronnie and debut 

drive. Priscilla with her new pony. Big smiles 

all round. 

Next came the first of our camp weekends, 

hosted so well again by Val and Paul Higginson 

at Furzehill Farm. Numbers were down, no 

Cimla Club sadly. The seven who made it had 

a good drive on Saturday through the lanes,

WEST WALES Cont. 

mapped and signed all the way. Wonderful 

weather so the BBQ was outdoors as was 

Sunday breakfast. For the Trek on the Sunday, 

former member, Molly Watts had laid out 

a master plan. She is now a pro ridden Trek 

practitioner. Many thanks for really well 

organised paperwork, easy to follow, mark on 

all tasks. Our helpers had their instructions 

and sheets to follow-thanks to them all, it was 

a hot afternoon. I shall just mention one of 

new active members again, Ronnie and groom, 

Ashley, who came fourth in the Trek. Great 

result, the modern phrase is ‘respect’. Many 

of our judges on the field were new to us too. 

They made the effort to come and help without 

their ponies-thank you all. 

1st Lester Dagge, 2nd Tina Ree, 3rd Eleanor 

Stevens 

Well done Eli, driving a pony she had only 

met that day and very well too. These three 

will go forward to the finals in September. The 

weather continued to smile on Area 36 for June 

12-14 up into the mountains of Pembrokeshire. 

Out thanks to Carolyn Morgan of Crosswell 

Trekking Centre. Fields were provided and all 

camping facilities. The Cimla Club arrived 

on Friday night and we all joined them on 

Saturday morning. Carolyn had phoned her 

friends so we had access to wonderful lunch 

spots and cross country tracks on both days, 

Northern Ireland 

NORTHERN IRELAND 

AC Liz Kelly 

Tel: 02840 671318 Mobile 07771 798281 

4th May – Irish Hackney Society show 

Ballymena has changed venue causing a few 

problems for some to find but all enjoyed 

the day. Novice Champion was David Boyd 

Heartland Mighty Fine. (First time out) 

14th May – The Royal Ulster Agricultural 

Society (RUAS) judged by Jane MacInnes 

(Scotland) 

Under class 13.2hh: 

1st Mr William McAnally, Belfast, Fronarth 

Shaun, 2nd Mrs M Hampton, Downpatrick 

Croftvale Corum, 3rd Mr James Bailie, 

Newtownards, Chesney 

Over class 13.2hh: 

1st. Mr Jonathan Carnduff, Millisle Ulisha. 2nd 

G Fawcett, Saintfield Pair of Friesians, 3rd Mr 

Norman Brown, Lisburn Rosehall Tara Maiden 

with Jonathan Carnduff Ulisha Champion and 

Reserve Champion Private Driving going to Mr 

William McAnally, Fronarth Shaun 

25 miles of heavenly country and hellish hills 

on Saturday. The Gwaun Valley and Newport 

Seaviews totalling 15 miles on the Sunday- very 

fit ponies. If you haven’t been, you haven’t 

seen! God’s country. Thank you Carolyn for a 

wonderful weekend. 

Two items for you: 

Mark is collecting names for the Road Driving 

Tests. Do come forward and take these. Mark 

needs to put groups together and has dates in 

view for test days. Please phone him and book 

in, he is ready to advise and give encouragement 

to you all. 

Lester and his team had a most successful 

first appearance at St Clears show early in 

the season. Much enjoyed by the show team 

Jonathan Carnduff 

David Boyd’s hackney pony Heartland Mighty 

Fine was Champion Royal Ulster - second time 

out. 

16th May – BDS Shane’s Castle Drive. Shane’s 

Castle is the family seat of the O’Neill’s of 

Clandeboy. Although the castle has been in 

ruins since the fire of 1816, the remaining 

structure, including a unique Camellia House is 


and crowd. Do contact him if you can join 

in. Next known show is Pembroke Farmers, 

Nr Pembroke on August 5th. Also if you can 

help at the BDS Wales Show, Carmarthen 

on Aug 16th please contact Michelle Reid 

07966515325 soon. 

Safe Driving. 

Aug 16th – BDS Wales Show. Contact 

Michelle 07966515325 

Sep 6th – Drive near Whitland, contact Tina 

Ree 01994 240910 to book in please. 

Sep 13th – Welsh Championship Trek Finals 

Sep 20th – Pendine Sands Drive. Contact Gilly 

Sep 26/27th – Dragon Drive, Contact Emma 

Stevens 01591 610515 

David Boyd 

Website: www.ni-bds.co.uk 

Chairman: Eugene Larkin 

a striking feature in the landscape; the drive was 

enjoyed by some of the BDS members. Many 

thanks to the O’Neill family 

23rd May – BDS members Invitation Drive 

Ulster Folk Museum where 18 traditional 

vehicles turned out to give the spectators a 

real feel of the driven horse of yesterday. Many 

thanks to the organizers for their generosity and 

page 33 | BDS News


NORTHERN IRELAND Cont. 


the food was wonderful. See web 

site for 100+ images provided by 

James Miller of the museum. 

Mervyn Ward 

Ballynahinch Junior Class 

30th May – Ballynahinch International carriage 

driving festival turned out to be a great day with 

many getting sun burned! Mr & Mrs McNinch 

conducted the judging on the day with over a 

hundred entries no mean feat! This show had 

the best for last with 10 turnouts driven by 

juniors the oldest being 16. Mr McNinch had 

a hard job (no one wanted his job). Alistair 

said “The quality of these youngsters was 

indeed impressive and a real pleasure to judge. 

When assessing these Junior whips some of the 

youngsters were driving the turnouts better 

than the adults earlier in the day”, “I feel if 

some of the Northern Ireland Juniors were to 

compete in other classes, this would give the 

adults a run for their money!” Champion on 

the day was Jonathan Carnduff driving his 

father’s Dutch warmblood “Zatinka M” 

14th June – Many thanks to Joanne Orr 

Carriages for opening her yard to for the BDS 

Fun-day. Once the showers passed it turned 

out to be a great day for all, with the emphasis 

on promoting carriage driving safely and 

encouraging non drivers to take up the reins. 

With 16 juniors participating in the various 

tasks set up by the organisers, some had never 

Fun Day 

Museum 

held reins in their hands 

before. This venture was 

not restricted to juniors 

and many adults took 

up the challenge as well. 

Huge thanks to all who 

made the day a success. 

With a BBQ held after. 

A special thanks and 

congratulation to Uel Orr 

and Robert Smyth for 

completing their assessor’s 

certificates. 

20th June – Saintfield 

Show. The weather held 

and the show champion 

on the day was David Wilson with Mrs M 

Alexander’s Fronarth Sean. Mr George Fawcett 

held a BBQ afterwards and was well supported 

with 70+ £515 was raised for Parkinson. 

21st June – British Driving Society 45th 

Annual Show Smiths Lawn, Windsor Great 

Park. Our own Vice Chairman cleans up at 

the show winning the show championship. 

Congratulations to Jonathan and Susan 

Carnduff and groom David Bailie (& Ulishia) 

John Powell 

27th June – BDS Ballyward Drive the weather 

was lovely with John Powell and groom Leslie- 

Ann Horner driving Fronarth Flashman Uel 

Orr with welsh cobs tandem, Mervyn Ward 

driving Fronarth Cardi Express, Liam Rooney 

driving Fronarth Jupiter, Bobby Doran driving 

his piebald with groom D Horner, Wallace 

Shaw and groom Nathan Foster driving his 

Welsh pony followed by Mr Thomas Magill & 

groom with their black Jack donkey to a nice 

varnished trap also on the drive were four super 

donkeys who were made very welcome, also 

Mrs Marno first time out with her Shetland 

pony. All had a great time and food was 

supplied by Turley’s Bar Ballyward many thanks 

to the Turley Family and staff. £258 was raised 

for Diabetic NI 

A positive breakthrough in Northern Ireland. 

We have two BDS approved Training / Testing 

Centres/Yards 

Uel Orr @Joanne Orr Carriages, 54 

Clanmaghery Road, Ballyward, Castlewellan 

Co. Down BT31 9SA Telephone: 028 406 

50436 E-mail: joorr@btinternet.com 

Robert Smyth Ballyrainey Rd, Comber. Co 

Down BT23 5JT. Telephone 02891814170 60 

We are hoping to run more fun days..... If this 

is something you may be interested in please let 

me know.... contact detail through the 

www.ni-bds.co.uk 

If you have any suggestions on activities to run 

please let us know. This is your branch and you 

have a say (the crystal ball is not working too 

well so you will have to tell us) 

Dates for Meeting @ Bridge Community 

Centre Lisburn. Your support is very much 

appreciated. 

Committee meeting Aug 10th, 12th Oct. 

Open meeting Sep14th, (AGM) Nov 9th 

If in doubt as to where this is Phone Secretary: 

Margaret Carlisle on Tel: 02892 665893 

1st Aug – Annalong Show. 12noon. 

Mrs Horner 02843768446 

7th-9th Aug – Necarne Irvinstown. 

Mr Lewis Black 07801898299 

8th Aug – BDS Necarne Irvinstown. 

Margaret Carlisle or Liz Kelly 

Tel 028 92665893 or 02840671318 

15th Aug – “Markethill Fair Day” 

15-16 Aug – Argory National Trust (invite) 


Tel 028 92665893 or 02840671318 

22nd Aug – BDS Banbridge show (BDS 

Qualifiers) just above Downshire Caravans 

Newry St. Margaret Carlisle or Liz Kelly 

Tel 028 92665893 or 02840671318 

12 Sept – Castle Ward (invite) 

Strangford, Downpatrick, Co. Down BT30 7LS 


Tel 028 92665893 or 02840671318 

19 Sept – Country Comes to Town 

(Portadown) Show. E Larkin or Margaret 

Carlisle. Tel 02892621184 or 028 92665893 

Sunday 20th Sept – Laurel View Equestrian 

centre, 18 Knowehead Road, Templepatrick, 

Ballyclare, BT39 0BX. Closing Date: 15th 

August 2009. Classes: Exercise, Pleasure, Private 

Driving & Multiples. Further information and 

an entry form can be downloaded from 

www.fhagbi.co.uk or contact Jane Slevin on 

07740 305267 

4-5 Oct – Towerlands England. E Larkin or 

Margaret Carlisle. Tel 02892621184 or 

028 92665893 

6th Nov – Annual Dinner Dance 

Temple Golf Club. E Larkin or Margaret 

Carlisle. Tel 02892621184 or 028 92665893

Classified Ads 

General 

FULL RANGE OF EXERCISE 

VEHICLES (Shetland to Shire), 

drays etc from £430. Also IDEAL 

HARNESS Ring 01274 874939 for 

brochure or check our website 

www.hillam-1fe.co.uk 

TRAINING YARD 

DRESSAGE AND CARRIAGE 

DRIVING Have your driven horse’s 

dressage improved by professional 

dressage rider. FEI and show ring 

horses taken for breaking and 

producing. Teaching for beginners 

to club level. Excellent facilities near 

Standsted (Essex). Prices tailored to 

your personal package 

Ben Grose 07732435528 

Claire Morgan 07902046421 

ANNUAL BOOT SALE – Sunday 

September 27th 2009: 9am – 3pm. 

All equine items; Bargains Galore 

from a horse brass to a horsebox!. 


Derbyshire. 

DE4 2ER. Tel: 01629 733583 

LET PETER FORD BREAk 

YOUR PONY for driving, ring 

01452 527031 or email - 

peter@forddriving.force9.co.uk 

or visit his website - www. 

peterforddriving.blogspot.com. 

Vehicles 

POLISH 4 wHEEL TRIALS 

CARRIAGE to suit single or pairs 

ponies 12.2hh to 13.2hh. Very 

sound condition £1500. 

Tel: 01989 565509 

Harness 

ZILCO SINGLE AND 

PAIRS HARNESS as new, fit 

12.2hh to 13.2hh. Tel: 01989 

565509/07891717213 

The BDS is unable to accept any responsibility in respect of the above 

mentioned adverts. 

Road Driving Assessments 

To date with six months of the scheme left to run, 572 members have taken 

their Road Driving Assessment Test under the BDS/Salisbury Bursary Fund 

funding initiative. 

It is hoped that Area Commissioners will be able to organise some more 

Training Days and then have Test days before the end of December, both of 

which are supported financially by the Salisbury Bursary Fund, so that members 

can take advantage of the discounted test fee before the close of the three year 

scheme in December. 

Members have benefited from £12,420 of sponsorship from the Fund so far. 


SUPPORT YOUR SOCIETY 

advertise in the BDS newsletter 

Up to 15 words: £10 

15-30 words: £22 (30p per extra word) 

BDS website: £10 

No advertising is accepted for the BDS website unless the advert is 

first published in the newsletter. 

Print your advert clearly and send with 

your cheque payable to the BDS to: 

Michelle Reid, 222 Trallwn Road, Llansamlet 

Swansea, SA7 9UG 

Name ......................................................................................... 

Address ...................................................................................... 

................................................................................................... 

............................................................ Tel: ................................ 

Include on website .......................................... Yes / No ............... 

Print clearly, one word per box 

The BDS newsletter is delivered directly to a 

captive audience of 6,000 carriage drivers 

It’s a great way to sell your horses, harness and other driving equipment. 

Fill in the form above or send your ad via e-mail to 

michelle467@btinternet.com 

page 35 | BDS News


A charge of £25 pp children under 10yrs free. Arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning. Bring your own stabling 

facilities free of charge or rent a stable for £10 per night (The camp site is on the banks of the river Wye) 

Accommodation can be arranged locally. 

Itinerary 

Saturday a.m – Box up and drive 8 miles to Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian forestry centre. (café and toilet facilities) The drive 

starts at 11am and is approximately 16 miles. The first stage is to the Nant-y-Moch reservoir for a picnic. After lunch 

tracks and a river crossing go through some of the best and wildest scenery in mid Wales. Return to the visitor centre 

in time to see the Red Kites being fed. 

Saturday evening – Back at the campsite there will be a barbeque, free of charge, and a bar serving beer and wine. 

Sunday 11 a.m. – An 11 mile drive starting and finishing with a crossing through the river Wye with more splendid 

views of the upper reaches of the Wye valley and Plynlymon (the third highest mountain in Wales). There will be a 

short rest for a picnic at the Bothy which is the halfway point. 

Monday – A shorter 6 mile drive can be arranged if you still have the energy. 

BDS Trec continues to be a popular 

part of many areas’ activities and ever 

more ingenious skills are being created 

to test the ability of the whip and the 

agility of the groom! 

For those few who are still in the 

dark about Trec, it’s a low key three 

phase event comprising of a safety 

presentation, a short drive out and six 

or eight untimed skills. 

All these are completed individually 

making it an ideal starting point for 

novice animals and perhaps also less 

seasoned drivers. 

However it is very much a fun 

event for everyone and has become 

somewhat addictive to quite a few now 

known as ‘Treccies’! 

Would be organisers and 

competitors alike might benefit from 

reading the appropriate leaflet about 

Trec available from the BDS office. 

Amazing, 


This contains helpful hints and advice 

about each phase. It is clearly a good 

idea that all these competitions follow 

the same rough agenda, so these 

guidelines must be considered and 

adhered to wherever possible. 

Main BDS funds offer a grant 

to many areas who apply early and 

we are delighted that following her 

involvement in this year’s AGM at 

Hinckley, Blanche Surman, Affinity 

Marketing Executive from NFU Mutual, 

Stratford-upon-Avon, kindly agreed to 

provide a further £800 which enables 

a further right events to benefit and 

perhaps buy extra equipment or hire a 

better venue. This was a very generous 

offer and greatly appreciated. 

In addition to funding, on 

application, Tess Styles at Head Office 

will also send two sets of rosettes to 

every Trec organiser, one for the whip 

as well as one for the groom who is 

a vital part of the turnout on these 

occasions. 

For 2009, as in previous years, 

V-Bandz, makers of high quality 

reflective gear for all, have supplied 

vouchers to the value of £10 each 

for the winning turnouts and these 

are available from Linda Swain 07850 

706978 lindaswain10@aol.com who 

is also very willing to give any advice 

required. 

but not everyone knows we do car, home and business insurance 

If you’ve heard how good our horse insurance is, 

check out our other amazing insurance products. 

Call Ewan MacInnes on 01467 625424 

or email: inverurie@nfumutual.co.uk 

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited 

Carriage Driving Weekend 

Friday night 28th to Monday 31st August 

To be held at Glansevern Arms, Pantmawr, Llangurig, Powys SY18 6SY 

he beautiful range of the Mourne 

Email glansevern@pc-q.net or telephone Glenys or Gwen 01686 440 240 TMountains was the setting for the 

NI-BDS Drumlee Fun Drive, helping 

to raise funds for the junior driver’s 

camp at Swingletree farm in Essex. 

BDS Trec at Chatsworth 

Country Fair 

Friday September 4th 

Start 11am prompt. 

£10 entry fee. 

s.a.e. For entry form 



Tel 01629 733583 

INSURANCE PENSIONS INVESTMENTS 

We do right by you 

Help Us to 

Help You 

Transport Law Update 

With the new transport laws on 

lorries, the Society in the person 

of Chairman, John Parker, are still 

working trying to get changes made 

to drivers’ hours over 7.5 tonnes. 

Approaches have been made to MPs 

and the Welsh Assembly. Seventeen 

MP’s and Welsh Assembly members 

have taken up the matter for us. We 

do require more MPs’ support and 

a letter can be found on the BDS 

website which members can print 

off, sign and sent to their own MP. 

It must be remembered that VOSA, 

who interpreted the law, do control all 

vehicles and drivers’ hours of vehicles 

down to under 3.5 tonnes under what 

is known as ‘GB Law’. There is, at the 

moment, an exemption for 7.5 tonnes 

and under but we all know that this 

can change. Help us to help you by 

writing to your MP. 

Congratulations 

Two Gloucestershire BDS members, 

Barry McCooey and Rachael Edwards 

got married on the 4th July. Glyn Williams’ 

wedding vehicle was put to a team of 

4 horses, one of which was Barry and 

Rachael’s horse Victor. The carriage was 

driven by Tony Seller with the North 

Cotswold Hunt supplying the grooms. Best 

wishes to the happy couple. 

NI-BDS Fun 

Drive & BBQ 

Mr. Eugene Larkin and Mr. Norman Brown 

(judge) 

The Drive left Annahunshigo 

Orange Hall on the Lackin Rd, 

Ballyward with Uel Orr leading the 

way with a team of welsh cobs to a 

four wheel sporting dog cart. On the 

box seat with Uel was Eugene Larkin 

Chairman of the Northern Ireland 

Branch British Driving Society. Next 

on the road was Mr Robert Smyth 

and groom Emma Morgan driving 

a beautiful pair of George Fawcett’s 

Friesians to a landau and on board 

were special guests Hon. Sec. Mrs 

Margret Carlisle with Mr David 

Erereton and Mr John Powel. 

24th April was a lovely sunny 

day to take in the scenery on the five 

mile route with four of the turn outs 

driven by junior members. 

Norman Brown judged the best 

turnout on the day sponsored by F.S. 

Herron feeds. 

A huge thanks has to go to 

all the drivers, friends and family 

who supported with a BBQ to 

follow, also thanks to Joe Gibson 

(Ballyward) Euro Spar butchery & 

deli department (Castlewellan) and 

the Office Bearers and members of 

Annahunshigo Orange hall. 

Designed and printed by Infographics Limited, Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7PF Tel: 01446 772428

2009 Show Special - British Driving Society

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