BDS November 2008.pdf - British Driving Society

British Driving Society BRITISH 

News 

Inside 

this 

Issue: 

Rally Drive Medal 

page 2 

BDS Tandem Meet 

page 4 

Kelvin BDS Junior 

Driving Scholarship 

page 5 

Show Reports 

page 6 

Area Activities 

page 11 

DRIVING SOCIETY 

Issue No. 335 November 2008 

www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk

British Driving Society 

Harness Champion 

of the Year at HOYS 

Lucy Smith and Royal Sunshine at home in 

their HOYS regalia 

Topping the bill at this year’s Horse 

of the Year Show and thus taking 

the Harness Champion of the Year 

was Miss Lucy Smith, who at the age 

of sweet sixteen became the youngest 

ever to hold that title. Driving 

Hackney pony stallion Royal Sunshine 

to a Brown & Sons of Windsor, 

dark blue skeleton gig (1890) Lucy 

wowed judges Jane McInnes, Robert 

Robertson and Judy Blixby. Fresh 

from her win as the Osborne BDS 

National Exercise Vehicle Champion 

and Reserve Junior Driver Champion 

at the Towerlands Show in Braintree, 

Lucy was not sure who was crying the 

most when she was announced as the 

winner, Lucy or mum, Julia. Lucy was 

just happy to have made it through to 

the evening performance and seemed 

overwhelmed by it all. In their second 

season of showing, Lucy and Sunshine 

seem a well meshed partnership 

and this is due to the wonderful 

support that Lucy receives from her 

family in producing Sunshine. It took 

Lucy’s dad four years to persuade 

the previous owners in Holland to 

sell Sunshine where he is a premium 

stallion and judging by results, that is 

understandable. 

Standing Reserve, was Miss Melanie 

Vyse driving show ring stalwart, 

Glenshane Playboy to a Beaney Cut 

Under Gig, made in 1908, which saw 

its first outing at Swansea Show this 

year. This was the fourth time that 

Melanie has qualified for the Horse of 

the Year Show and will surely not be 

the last. 

BDS News | page 2 

Dragon Drive Report 2008 

Once again, the elements played 

havoc with the Dragon Drive. After 

last year’s Foot and Mouth we really 

thought that nothing major would stand 

in the way of organising the event but, 

with four weeks to go, 50% of our tracks 

were dropped due to the conditions 

of the ground which was heavily 

waterlogged. A bold decision was taken 

to re-route onto forest tracks which of 

course needed new Risk Assessment 

and Access planning. Forest Enterprise 

Wales were extremely helpful as always. 

Phew! That was a close one. All things 

ready to go. Two weeks away, our 

major stabling provider informed us he 

is bringing in his hunters early and the 

barns would be full of cattle. Who on 

earth said organising events was easy? 

However, friends came to our rescue 

with one set of stables belonging to a big 

dressage eventer. Horse Hotel or what! 

Guess what happens next. SUN! For a 

whole week and a half prior to the event 

and even all weekend. 

With people arriving from Yorkshire, 

Derbyshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, 

Kent, Cheshire, Staffordshire, South & 

Mid Wales we were all set to go. With 

the whole Restaurant being taken over 

for the Friday Evening Dinner; we were 

ready for action. 

Saturday saw us using the Crychan 

Forest which, is always a good test of 

stamina except the Falabella, who was 

distinctly under the impression he was 

in Holland and saw off the hills without a 

second thought. Putting some people’s 

horses to shame. 

We were privileged to receive help from 

two of our old Windsor Park Stewards. 

Nothing like experience on the ground 

when you need it. A real plus was the 

sighting of a red squirrel. The first one 

in the Crychan Forest since the late 

eighties. 

A return to the Lasswade for supper. 

After putting the horses/ponies to bed 

for the night, it was the welcome and 

relaxation needed to charge peoples 

batteries for the final day. 

Sunday was the Esgair Dyffad Forest. 

Right from the off there was a steady 

climb to the top about 600 ft. Once on 

the top it was easy going. However, 

those amongst us who suffer from 

vertigo were decidedly uncomfortable 

about just how deep the valleys and 

gorges were. One person managed a 

fifth return echo in one part. The views 

from the lunch stop were about 15 miles. 

Half the turnouts elected to spend 

another night with us, giving their 

horses/ponies and themselves that 

essential rest. Our first booking for 

next year has already been made with a 

request for a five day stay, so they can 

explore many other tracks and roads 

Rally Drive Medal 

This year seven BDS members have 

come forward as having completed 

the requisite number of miles (200) to 

have been driven at a BDS Rally Drive 

in order to qualify for the Rally Drive 

Medal. This The Rally Drive medal was 

created to encourage BDS members to 

participate in Rally drives outside of the 

show ring. Qualifiers are presented with 

a unique medal engraved with their 

names. Congratulations to the following 

very fit members and their equines for 

having completed this wonderful feat! 

Avril Pluck driving Rowena 

Jane Stretton driving Harry 

George W Thomes driving Helle, 

Rocky and Chloe 

Danny Watkins driving Fogle 

Andrew Wright with Tigger 

Roy Cowley with Bonnie 

Wendy Martin with Ted 

Andrew Wright driving Tigger at a 

Rally from Ibstock Country Fair 

Linda and Jane driving Harry in their usual 

going out gear 

Roy Cowley driving his pony Bonnie at 

Wartnaby Rally 

to be found in this area of outstanding 

natural beauty. We were also pleased 

to receive many requests for next year, 

this year seeing a 30% return. We were 

very happy to hear that it is regarded by 

all those who attend (there were 3 A.C.s, 

attending, relaxing and not worrying 

about organising anything themselves) 

that it was well organised with amazing 

views. 

Our thanks go to all who helped and 

attended this wonderful weekend. 

We look forward to seeing you next year. 

Diary date to book 26th/27th 

September 2009 

Dragon Drive 

Thank You 

I would like to say thanks to AC Emma 

and Roger for a wonderful weekend of 

off-road driving. Welsh drivers who have 

never taken part in this weekend - you 

don’t know what you’re missing. 17 miles 

on Saturday and 14 miles on Sunday with 

views to die for, although at times these 

views are not for the fainthearted. Many 

thanks once again from Terry Stockdale, 

Martin and Zorro. 

Mid & South Glamorgan. 

BDS AGM 

2009 

Big Band encore for the BDS dinner 

dance - Thanks to the continuing 

sponsorship toward the entertainment 

from Mr Tony Morris of Victoria Foods; 

we are pleased to announce that Mr 

Malcolm Salter has managed to reengage 

the much sought after band 

“Mister Sister”. Those who came to last 

year’s dinner know what a good evening 

it was, with the band playing a huge 

range and variety of tried and tested 

musical material from the 50’s rock and 

roll to modern pop with everything in 

between. 

Why not make up a table for 2009. Date 

18th April 2009 at the Hinkley Island 

Hotel. 

Tickets will be available after Christmas 

from Tess Styles, BDS Office 

Tel: 01473 892001 at £35.00 each 

Rooms can be booked directly with 

the hotel on 01455 631122. £65 for a 

single occupany and £75 for a double 

including breakfast.

Keeping Public 

Byways Clear 

This Summer Area 24 ROW 

Officer, Wally Binder and AC 

Eunice helped BDS member Peter 

Nichols from Shottisham in Suffolk 

to persuade Suffolk County Council 

to have overgrown Restricted 

Byways cleared in his area. We 

drove the routes and sent a report 

with photographic evidence to the 

East Anglia ROW Manager. It took 

this action to resolve the situation, 

and the work is now in progress. 

These Byways open up miles of off 

road driving in the Sandlings area 

of Suffolk. It was a worthwhile 

exercise, and should now be on 

record for future cutting schemes. 

New Area 

Commissioners 

Committee 

The newly formed Area Commissioners 

committee of Linda Swain (chair), Brian 

Ball, Malcolm Salter, Hazel Woodbridge 

and Jane Brightwell are taking on the 

first of what is hoped will be many 

events for members to enjoy. 

‘`Clinics and Classes’ will consist of 

training for private driving and exercise 

vehicle turnouts in the show ring. At 

each of four venues in the spring, there 

will be instruction from an LHHI and / 

or a BDS panel judge to encourage 

and assist members with ringcraft, rein 

handling, correct turnout, schooling 

and informal classes. There may also 

be opportunity for Road Test training if 

required. 

Novice whips, novice animals and all 

those interested in improvement will be 

welcome at just £10 per turnout (prebooked) 

and £5 each spectator 

(on the door). 

The dates and venues are - 

22 February - Talltrees EC, Camelford, 

Cornwall PL32 9XR. Contact Brian Ball 

on 01726 851144 for more details. 

21 March - RDA arena Cheltenham 

racecourse, Gloucs. GL50 4SH. Contact 

Hazel Woodbridge on 01793 770862 

for more details. 

5 April - Northern Racing College 

arena, Doncaster DN11 0HN. Contact 

Linda Swain on 07850 706978 for more 

details. 

26 April - Merrist Wood College arena, 

Guildford, Surrey GU3 3PE. Contact 

Jane Brightwell on 02086 579393 for 

more details 

Carriage Foundation Report 

At the time of writing, 70 members 

are looking forward to the visit to 

Sandringham Estate on October 11th 

and 12th by kind invitation of H.R.H 

The Duke of Edinburgh. The group 

will meet up at the Ramada Hotel in 

Kings Lynn on Friday for an evening 

meal followed by a talk and slide show 

with Mr John Mauger. 

Next years visit to Switzerland on 

April 19th-26th 2009 will include a 

visit to the Sattlerei Neiderberger to 

see carriages undergoing restoration, 

a small private collection belonging to 

Toni Meier and also to Kurt Meyer’s 

collection. The Basel Carriage 

Museum Swiss sleighs and carriages, 

a large private collection belonging to 

50 Counties at 50 

Reinhard Trapp who is an international 

judge of traditional carriages, plus 

sightseeing in Basel and a visit 

to Appenzell – a charming Swiss 

mountain village. All this and much 

more will ensure an unforgettable 

week. 

These trips are interesting and 

great fun and give members the 

opportunity to visit many venues 

that are not available for the general 

public to enjoy. If you are interested in 

receiving details of future trips, please 

send me an s.a.e. 

Caroline Dale-Leech, Hon. 

Secretary, Red House Stables, 

Darley Dale, Derbyshire. DE4 2ER 

Tel/Fax: 01269 733583 

To raise funds for 

Riding for the Disabled, 

incorporating carriage 

driving, and the Oak 

and Furrows Wildlife 

Rescue Centre, 

Stephanie Dale will 

carriage drive or ride 

in up to 50 counties to 

mark her 50th birthday. 

Most of the driving 

Stephanie Dale 

and riding will be on 

Roger, her 18 years 

old Clydesdale cross cob. If anyone would like to join Stephanie on her drives and 

rides in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland or can offer space to park 

her lorry (or loan a horse\drive for distant counties) and suggest routes, please 

contact her on 01666 505051. If you would like to support the fundraising, please 

telephone Stephanie for donation and gift aid forms or go to www.justgiving.com/ 

stephaniedale or www.rda.org.uk. 


Copy Deadline 

for November 

Newsletter is 

January 5th 2009 

Please send your contributions to: 

The Editor, BDS Newsletter, 

222 Trallwn Road, 

Llansamlet, Swansea, SA7 9UG 

Tel: 07966 515325 

michellereid128@hotmail.co.uk 

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 credits: 

From top right: 

1: Mr E. Smith with Smith Bros’ 

Baldwins John Boy 

2: Sian Burrows with her own Buttons 

& Smarties 

3: Miss Oakley Fuller with Messrs’ 

Trehewyd Brenin Arthur 

4: Mr Tom Robinson with Mrs R. 

Bownes Ovington Hermes & Marbon 

M’Lord 

5: John Wier with Milltown Boy 

Main picture: BDS Banbridge In 

Hand Champion ‘Bon Heather’ 

Call us on 

01206 337388 

You can now get a quote, take 

out policies and renew online 

page 3 | BDS News


Fenix 

Red Rover 

Awards 

Five entries have been received for 

this year’s Fenix Red Rover Awards. 

They are - 

Sally Kerr with Stepley Top ‘n’ 

Tails & Greenhurst Daytime 

Anna Mann with Threapwood 

Vanguard & Jasmine of Rowangar 

Mrs Eileen Snowdon with Elson 

Firebird 

Mr John Snowdon with Rex of 

Larkrise 

Mrs Joyce White with Splash 

If anyone has completed their 

road drives and have still to send 

their rosettes to the BDS Office for 

verification, please could they do so 

now. 

Plaques and rosettes will be awarded 

at the BDS Conference being 

held at the Hinckley Island Hotel, 

Leicestershire on 18th April. The 

BDS would like to thank sponsor 

Mark Broadbent for his continued 

support of this valued award. 

Wiltshire 

members put a 

best foot forward 

to recovery 

Danny Watkins who had a hip 

replacement earlier in the year 

was due to go for surgery on his 

ankle a few days after Brinkworth 

Country Show so they make 

the most of an enjoyable day. 

Danny is now getting around 

with a plaster and crutches but 

hopes to be driving Fogle again 

before the end of the year. A few 

weeks earlier, at the beginning of 

August, Ann Townsend won the 

Brinkworth Horse Show Private 

driving Championship the day 

before going into hospital for 

her hip replacement. Ann has 

made a great recovery and was 

determined to be fit enough to 

drive at Frome Show - which she 

did and was Reserve Champion. 

A very determined pair and we 

wish them the very best for future 

driving. 


Joyce White from Wiltshire - Red Rover Devotee 

Joyce White, 

AAC, has been a 

supporter of The Red 

Rover Awards since 

1994, when with 

her pony Sunshine 

completed the 

required 12 drives, 

as did they in 1995. 

Sadly Sunshine’s 

health deteriorated 

during the summer 

Joyce White 

of 1996 after having 

completed the first 

few drives of the season, but later 

that year Joyce purchased Splash who 

attended her first show with Joyce at 

Somerton, in Somerset a week after 

the purchase. I also attended that 

show with my pony, Mackintosh, who 

went on complete his third Red Rover 

that year. During that first driving 

season with Splash, Joyce managed 

The 31st BDS Annual 

Tandem Meet took place 

during the summer’s most 

glorious weather at Dinefwr 

Park, Llandeilo on the 27th 

July. BDS members eager 

to obtain their tandem bars 

travelled from as far afield 

as Jersey and N. Wales and 

were treated to spectacular 

scenery and quiet country 

roads with the obligatory 

stop at the pub halfway. 

New prospective members 

and old alike underwent a safety 

inspection by Mr Richard James in 

front of the 18th century Newton 

House before embarking down the 

tree lined driveway of the National 

Trust property and out onto the drive. 

With most tandems attempting the 

longer route, it was no mean feat that 

nobody got lost and this was down to 

the superb route organisation by Mr 

Stan Bates. 

After all the turnouts were back safely, 

everyone tucked into the buffet at the 

marquee and the tea and cakes were 

to complete 7 drives which was 

not sufficient to qualify in that year, 

although between the two ponies 

Joyce would have had sufficient had it 

been allowed. 

From 1997 onward Splash and Joyce 

have successfully completed the 

required number of drives to receive 

the Annual Plaque now so kindly 

BDS Tandem Meet 2008 

BDS Wales ROW Officer, Chris West 

Penny Richmond 

soon demolished. Richard James gave 

a short speech congratulating 

the Tandem Club’s newest 

members and presented each 

with a certificate in lieu of the 

Tandem Bars which were not 

available on the day. BDS Wales 

Chairman, Modris Kesans then 

gave a short speech thanking 

Richard James for kindly 

assessing the turnouts, also 

thanking the huge number of 

stewards who attended making 

the event possible and also to 

Liz Matthews 

Alison Kesans, Gilly Flannagan 

sponsored by Mark Broadbent and 

Fenix Carriages. This was with one 

exception in 2001 during the Foot and 

Mouth outbreak. Most years Joyce 

has achieved the required number 

with a few in hand, with the most 

collected in 2004 when 17 drives 

were completed. With the poor 

weather conditions during 2008 and 

so many shows being cancelled and 

general demise of Show Drives, this 

year has been particularly difficult 

to attain, so all successful Red Rover 

recipients deserve an extra large pat 

on the back for their efforts. 

Joyce will shortly be celebrating her 

74th birthday and Splash is in her 

17th year, but without doubt next 

year they will be collecting their fistful 

of rosettes to achieve their 2009 Red 

Rover. 

Hazel Woodbridge 

and helpers for the High Tea and 

also to Dave Morris for standing as 

the First Aider for the day. Thanks 

were given to Stan Bates for his work 

setting up the route and Michelle Reid 

as co-organisers. Congratulations 

were given to the new Tandem 

Club members: Sian Burrows (Mid 

& S. Glam AC), Liz Matthews, Tom 

Robinson and Chris West (BDS Wales 

ROW Officer). 

Everyone involved had a thoroughly 

pleasant day and those from 

across the border travelled 

home having experienced 

a sunny and dry Wales! 

Next year’s BDS Annual 

Tandem Meet will be held at 

Badminton House by kind 

permission of His Grace the 

Duke of Beaufort on Sunday 

19th July 2009 (date to be 

confirmed). 

Details are available from 

Colin Henderson 

01666 824706 or 

chmainbar@btinternet.com 

photos by Mrs. Joyce Rae

Kelvin BDS Junior Driving 

Scholarship 2008 

The BDS Junior Driving Scholarship 

2008 Assessment Day was held on 

Tuesday 12th August at Swingletree, 

the home of BDS Chairman, 

John Parker. The Scholarship 

was kindly sponsored by Kelvin 

KBB Ltd, a kitchen/bedroom/ 

bathroom company committed to 

quality, from innovative design, 

through manufacture, delivery and 

installation, to after sales service, 

and a trade only company based in 

Cumbernauld, Glasgow. The judges 

were; Susan Townsend, Barrie Luck, 

Linda Tate, Richard Lanni (Group 

Managing Director, Kelvin KBB Ltd 

& Vice Chairman of the BDS) and 

NOMINATIONS FOR COUNCIL 

Are your views being represented? 

The BDS Council of 12 members manages and administers the BDS and they are your voice, 

so this is your chance to nominate someone who will reflect your views. 

All BDS members over 18 years old can nominate a member. As a proposer, you will be asked to give details of your 

candidate for the voting paper explaining why they would be an effective member. These voting papers will then 

be circulated with the February newsletter. The person you nominate must be willing to attend Council meetings in 

London, normally held four times a year, and take an active part in the work involved. 

✁ 

Sarah Hallsworth (Redwings Horse 

Sanctuary). After a day of scrutiny 

in which the candidates were put 

through their paces, the scholarships 

were awarded to three young 

drivers. The winner of the 10-14 

year age group was Kathryn Kelly, 

the winner of the 15-18 year old 

age group was Becky Lyons and the 

winner of the driver not trained at a 

professional yard was Adam Black. 

The winner of the Barabara Stoddart 

Trophy given to the best driver was 

Lauren MacKenzie. The Simon Baker 

Memorial Trophy was presented 

in memory of Simon Baker, the 

Founder and CEO of Voice Products 

Springbridge Carriage Driving Centre 

Monday 11 August was a special 

day for the Springbridge Carriage 

Driving Group, as it was the day the RDA 

inspectors were on the yard to undertake 

a very important inspection of a new 

team member (a new kid on the block). 

Ekko is a six year old Norwegian Fjord 

pony and has suitably trained for some 

time in anticipation of her becoming a 

fully fledged member of the team. 

It was a very busy day for one of the 

inspectors, Caroline dale-Leech, who 

was not only undertaking the formal 

inspection of our new team member 

Ekko, but was also doing the road 

assessment test for members of the 

Leicestershire and Rutland British Driving 

Society, involving the horses, harness 

and some very nervous BDS members, 

every one passed. 

The other RDA inspector was Martin 

Atkinson who is a long-standing 

supporter of the Springbridge Carriage 

DrivingGroup, and as always gave his 

time without hesitation. 

A big thank you to both Caroline and 

Martin for increasing our team from 

seven to eight and making the inspection 

process a pleasant experience for those 

involved. 

Fill in the form below and return it to the Secretary by December 31st 2008 

which sponsored the Scholarship for 

many years. This was awarded as a 

perpetual trophy to the candidate 

with the highest marks, who this 

year, was Becky Lyons. Each of the 

three winning Junior Drivers will 

receive driving tuition at a BDS 

approved yard of their choice. The 

Kelvin BDS Junior Scholarship Award 

Certificates were presented to the 

winners at the Towerlands Show. 

Congratulations to Adam, Becky and 

Kathryn for winning their sections 

of the Kelvin BDS Junior Driving 

Scholarships, we look forward to 

hearing all about your scholarship 

training experiences. 

Ekko at the Equifest Show at the East of 

England Showground 

Some members of the group have 

already shown an interest in her and are 

looking forward to driving her especially 

with her very distinctive Mohican multi 

coloured mane. 

Nomination For BDS Council 2009 (four vacancies) 

We, the undersigned, being two adult members of the British Driving Society hereby nominate the following member 

for inclusion on the Council voting paper 

Candidate’s name: .................................................................................................................................... 

(consent of the Member must be obtained) 

Proposed by : ......................................................... Seconded by: ............................................................ 

Complete this form and return to: 

The Secretary, British Driving Society, 83 New Road, Helmingham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EA 

To arrive no later than DECEMBER 31ST 2008 


BDS Trec at 

Cornwall 

The day dawned with the hottest 

day of 2008 forecasted, such 

an opposite from 2007. Everyone 

assembling for a 10.30am start at 8 

minute intervals collecting information 

packs. Stewards collected score 

sheets, stopwatches and headed off 

to their designated stations of a walk 

section, 2 checkpoints. We even had 

one of our skills on the road drive, 

this being a laid on the road SLOW 

sign, Brett Green being in charge at 

this one. (It really confuses the locals 

as it is only in place for a few hours) 

How lucky we are to live in an area 

where everyone takes it in their stride 

and joins in the spirit of the event. 

Ally Bolitho was our Judge for the 

presentation, she was very particular 

about the position of the pad and 

some very ill fitting bits. There was 

an abundance of fluorescents but 

some spares kits were in need of 

some additions. Bryony Maunder 

saw competitors off at the start line 

and checked them back in return. 

It was quite a hard drive taking into 

consideration the heat on the day, 

only one competitor managed to fulfil 

a full score on the optimum time at all 

checkpoints. 

Meanwhile Tracey Ball and Di Hurst 

along with help from Shannon and 

Caitlin Fahey were busy setting up 

the Skills section consisting of circles, 

bends of cones, zebra crossing and 

fishing. This is where our grooms 

were really put to task! Along our 

riverbank there were flying fish, 

umbrellas, balloons left from a party 

and some ole girl perched on a chair 

apparently unaware of anything going 

on around her. There were flags to 

be collected and returned by the 

groom while the whip had to drive 

coachman style at the trot and an 

auto-reverse square (some fun here 

for 4 wheelers). 

Our final results were quite tight with 

several ties. 1st Jane Hampton wih 

groom Robert and pony, Jake. 2nd 

Elaine Kearney with groom Christine 

and pony, Holnemoor Tegan. A tie 

for 3rd Jo Sincock with groom, Mum, 

Hilary and pony Tamarino Bright Star 

and also Jenna Braddon with groom 

Jonathan and pony Twyford Conker. 

Mr Philip Richards our host for the 

day kindly presented the rosettes. 

Thanks must go to our stewards 

too numerous to name them all, 

but without them these events are 

impossible to stage. The day ended 

with a picnic sustaining us for our 

journeys home. 



Driving Towerlands - a force to be reckoned with 

On Saturday 4th 

and Sunday 5th 

October the Osborne 

Refrigerators BDS 

Nationals Championships 

& Hackney Horse 

Championships were 

held at Unex Towerlands. 

Bringing together the 

best of the driving 

world who competed 

throughout the weekend 

culminating in the 

Osborne Refrigerators 

BDS Private Driving 

Championship. 

Last year’s Jubilee Show 

seemed a hard act to 

follow, but building on 

its success more entries 

were received and the 

Gala Night was slick, 

polished and exciting. 

The Show Committee 

of the BDS always try its 

utmost to get the best 

for this prestigious show, and this year it included 

amongst other things, three top commentators 

from the HOYS, one of whom had commentated 

for the Olympics in Hong Kong. 

The BDS owes an enormous debt of thanks to all 

those involved in the show. It would be impossible 

to name all – sponsors, officials, those who loaned 

carriages, manned trade stands, provided displays 

and many members, who took time out of their day 

job to help in the production of such a wonderful 

event. 

We were honoured once again, by the kind 

permission of H M The Queen who allowed the 

Royal Mews to bring to the event another example 

from the Royal Carriage collection, namely Queen 

Victoria’s Victoria, used on a regular basis to 

convey members of the Royal Family. Along with 

the carriage, members from the Royal Mews 

took part in several of the driving competitions 

during the weekend, from the long reining class 

on the Saturday morning through to the Pairs and 

Gentlemen and Ladies Whip classes on the Sunday. 

Coupled with this on the Saturday Evening 

Gala Performance, we welcomed the Osborne 

Refrigerators Double Harness Scurry – the Formula 

1 of carriage driving. 

Keeping up the tempo we also had a visit from the 

Shetland Pony Grand National, through this event 

nearly £400,000 has been donated to various 

charities. 

Saturday evening also saw the finals of the Carriage 

House Insurance Concours d’Elegance, judged 

by Mr Simon Garrett an artistic producer who 

was involved in putting together ‘All the Queens 

Horses’. This was won by Janice Clough with Mr 

and Mrs P Clough’s Halloughton Hallmark and 

Camorland Just Right to a beautiful Ladies Spider 

Phaeton. 


Show Reports 

BDS Concours d’Elegance Champion: Janice Clough 

with Mr & Mrs P Clough’s Halloughton Hallmark & 

Camorland Just Right 

BDS National Exercise Vehicle Championship 

Champion: Miss L. Smith with Smith Bros. Royal 

Sunshine 

The timetable featured 

over 65 classes; the 

first 23 resulting from 

qualifiers for the 

Osborne Refrigerators 

Championships. 

The number of type 

sections has grown 

in the past two years, 

enabling a wider 

spectrum for our 

members to take part 

and compete. A firm 

favourite and hotly 

contested has been 

the Exercise Vehicle 

Type Sections, the 

overall Champion this 

year being won by 

Lucy Smith with Royal 

Sunshine driven to a 

Bennington Buggy. 

Reserve Champion 

for the Exercise 

Vehicle class went 

to a competitor from 

Northern Ireland, 

Elizabeth Kelly, driving Fronarth Cardi Express. A 

large contingent of Irish supporters was there to 

cheer her on having flown into Stansted airport and 

stayed for the whole weekend. 

For the first time at Towerlands we presented the 

Kelvin KBB Young Driver Scholarship awards. 

Winners were Adam Smith, Becky Lyons and 

Kathryn Kelly. The Scholarship prize being a grant 

of £500 to each winner, towards training at a BDS 

approved training establishment in 2009. 

During the show three rings were in operation, 

two outside on the all weather surface and one 

indoor arena, which on Saturday ran classes 

from 9 am in the morning till 10 pm at night 

recommencing on the Sunday at 9 am until 

the Private Driving Championships which 

were held at 5 pm in the afternoon. 

Alongside the Osborne Type Section 

Championships, were a number of other 

classes, which could be entered by any 

member without prior qualification. These 

ranged from a Pairs class, to Siemens 

Multiples and Coaches, Carriage Driving 

Magazine Coloured classes, Traditional and 

non-Traditional, Balanced Horse Feeds 

Mountain and Moorland, T. Cribb and Sons 

Novice Pony and Horse, something for every 

driver. 

This year saw one of the biggest classes 

in the trade. Giving the audience the 

spectacular view of traditional trade vehicles 

ranging from milk floats, butchers carts, 

fishmongers’ vehicles to luggage vans and 

trolleys. This division was divided into 

three sections resulting in the first two 

placed winners taking part in the Osborne 

Refrigerators BDS National Light Trade 

Championship. The winner this year was Mr 

Edward Smith driving the Smiths Brothers Baldwins 

John Boy to an original London Delivery Box Van. 

We once again were able to recreate the original 

coster vehicles, a tradition with true costermongers 

for centuries, always ready to show the quality 

and condition of their horses and their wares. Our 

grateful thanks must go to everyone involved in 

producing these fabulous turnouts. Visitors to the 

Trade Stand Hall could watch the trolleys being put 

together and there is definitely an art to putting 

it together. Once again Johnny Vyse’s fruit and 

flowers were on sale at the end of the show, all the 

money contributed being sent to charities of his 

choice. I for one came home with an enormous 

box of fruit, the pineapple tasted gorgeous and the 

children certainly had their five fruits a day! 

Not everyone coming to the two day driving show 

was competing but there was plenty to keep 

visitors busy in the Trade Hall. All types of driving 

equipment brought by Susan Townsend were on 

display, have a go sessions on putting harness 

together in the fastest time; how well do you 

know your carriages? and have a go on a driving 

machine were all on show. Colin Pawson joined 

in the demonstration area bringing his collection 

of coaching horns, explaining the intricacies of 

the various calls and even letting people have a 

go. Staged around the Trade Hall was a fabulous 

collection of different carriages, which visitors could 

view and ask questions about. 

We must not forget the magnificent Hackney Horse 

Classes leading up to the Hackney Horse of the 

Year at the end of Saturday night. The audience 

nearly brought the house down, and the horses’ 

performance rose to the acclaim of the spectators. 

The judges certainly seemed to have a hard time 

in deciding which was best on the night and time 

and time again competitors were asked to come 

Hackney Horse of the Year: Mr C. Moran with his own 

Drewsherne Corrall 

Hackney Pony of the Year: Mr L. Huckrieder with 

Mr G. Van Nispen’s Sunbeam Victory

Osborne Refrigerators BDS National Private Driving Champion: 

Mrs N. Salter with Mr O. Salter’s Thistledown Eric 

out to exhibit their horses. Their movement was 

breathtaking truly the original ‘sports car’ of the 

horse world. 

Despite the weather, we had four coaching teams 

competing in the Four in Hand class, who bravely 

turned out taking part in a four-mile drive. The 

winner was Mr Frank Warrenders’ team driven 

to an 1865 Park Drag driven by Hayden Webb. 

He received a specially commissioned trophy, 

the ‘Tom Ryder Trophy’, which was presented 

by Tom himself. This year is Tom’s 90th Birthday 

and the Council’s decision to acquire this trophy 

was to mark the achievements of an exceptional 

man. Ever since he was 17 years old Tom has had a 

Towerlands Show Results 

Class 1 Osborne Refrigerators 

Single Hackney Type 

1st Mr A. Hamilton – 

Rhodes & Mr J. Hollister’s 

Brookeborough Duke (Mr A. 

Hamilton-Rhodes) 


Single Non-Hackney Type over 

13.2hh 

1st Mrs M. Woolley’s Striker 

(Mr G. Docking) 


Single Non Hackney 13.2hh 

and under 

1st Mrs D. Charlesworth’s 

Starting General (Mr M. Salter) 


Single Country Turnout 

1st Mr M. Berrow & Mrs M 

Traver’s Dalcrest Jessie (Miss 

C. Mouland) 


Single Welsh Cob – Section D 

1st Mr R. Howitt’s Throndon 

Park Telynor (Miss K. Moreau) 


Single Welsh Cob – Section C 

1st Messrs M,N & O Fuller 

Trehwyd Brenin Arthur (Mr 

N. Fuller) 


Single Welsh Cob – Sections 

A & B 

1st Mr O. Salter’s Thistledown 

Eric (Mrs N. Salter) 


–Single Mountain & Moorland 

1st Mrs V. Hampton’s 

Northscousburgh Carlas (Miss 

passion for horses, he has written a number 

of books on driving, including ‘On the Box 

Seat’. With such a wealth of knowledge 

he has been in constant demand as a judge 

and today he still continues to write and 

travel. On behalf of all the members of the 

BDS I would like to wish him all the best for 

his birthday year and may he continue to 

enjoy his association with driving. 

Finally in the Private Driving 

Championship, eight type section 

Champions came forward to take part. 

This finale was judged ice skating style 

by Richard James, Alistair McNinch and 

Angela Sixsmith, each judge awarding 

a score from one to ten. The 

running order was organised at random 

with Nicola Salter and Thistledown 

Eric, picked to go first. She produced 

a fantastic score of 26, only 4 short of 

the maximum, and the class looked 

to be hers until Andrew Hamilton 

Rhodes came in with Brookeborough 

Duke who had won the Hackney type 

section for the third time. He too 

was awarded 26 points. This meant 

that there would have to be a drive 

off to determine the Champion and 

Reserve Champion positions and the 

enthusiastic crowd really got behind the 


two competitors. First came in Andrew Hamilton 

Rhodes with Brookeborough Duke, who again 

achieved a score of 26 points. Then in came Eric, 

who gave a fantastic display. With the audience 

giving encouragement, Eric rose to the occasion 

showing full extension and looking a picture of 

health, gained the near perfect score of 29 out of 

30. Nicola and the family have worked for many 

years getting Thistledown Eric to this height of 

performance and Nicola could not hide her emotion 

as she was given her winner’s sash. Originally 

bought for her son Oliver to show in hand, Nicola 

said “I don’t think he will be getting him back now”. 

Pictures of Towerlands are available from www. 

esphotography.co.uk and videos from Flash Harry 

Photography Tel: 07944-280-697. 

Mr A. Hamilton-Rhodes with his & Mr J. Hollister’s 

Brookeborough Duke 

A. Hampton) 

Guvnor (Mr T. Thomas) Exercise Vehicle 

Welsh Section D 

Class 9 Osborne Refrigerators Class 15 Osborne Refigerators 1st Mr & Mrs J. Snowdon’s 1st Mr & Mrs M J Edmonds 

– BDS National Pairs & 

–Two-Wheel Exercise Vehicle Rex of Larkrise (Miss A. Parkton Unique (Mrs E. 

Tandems-Open 

– Single 

Turner) 

Edmonds) 

1st Hartland Carriages’ Star & 1st Smith Bros. Royal Sunshine Class 22 Osborne Refrigerators Class 29 Balanced Horse 

Metts (Mrs J. Hartland) 

(Miss L. Smith) 

Young Driver 15-17 years Feeds Mountain & 

Class 10 Osborne 


Exercise Vehicle 

Moorland Championship 

Refrigerators – BDS 

Refrigerators-Four-Wheel 1st Mrs E. McCarthy’s Minnie Champion: Mrs V. 

National Private Driving Exercise Vehicle – Single Cooper (Miss C. McCarthy) Hampton’s Makalan Mac 

Championship 

1st Mrs F. Gordon-Clarke’s Class 23 Osborne 

(Miss A. Hampton) 

Champion: Mr O. Salter’s State Secret (Mr G. Docking) Refrigerators-BDS National Class 30 Non Hackney Types 

Thistledown Eric (Mrs N. 

Salter) 


Refrigerators-Four-Wheel 

Young Driver Championship 

Champion: Messrs Trehwyd 

Singles 13.2hh & Under 

1st Mrs R. Bownes’ Ovington 

Res. Champion: Mr A. Exercise Vehicle –Pair Brenin Arthur (Miss O. Hermes (Mr T. Robinson) 

Hamilton-Rhodes & Mr J. 

Hollister’s Brookeborough 

Duke (Mr A. Hamilton- 

Rhodes) 


– Two Wheel Light Trade 

1st Mr T. Thomas’ Sunbeam 

The Guvnor (Mr T. Thomas) 


1st Mrs E. Thompson’s 

Cortaflex Benny & Cortaflex 

(Mr W. Leslie) 


Refrigerators- BDS 

National Exercise Vehicle 

Championship 

Champion: Smith Bros. 

Royal Sunshine (Miss L. 

Fuller) 

Res. Champion: Smith Bros 

Royal Sunshine (Miss L. 

Smith) 

Class 24 Balanced Horse Feeds 

Mountain & Moorland 13.2hh 

and Under 

1st Mrs V. Hampton’s Makalan 

Mac (Miss A. Hampton) 

Class 31 Non Hackney Types 

Singles Over 13.2hh 

1st Mrs M. Woolley’s Striker 

(Mr G. Docking) 

Class 32 Hackney Type 

1st Mrs J. Clayden’s Glenshane 

Prince (Mrs J. Clayden) 

Class 33 Siemens Lady Whip 

Four-Wheel Light Trade 

1st Smith Bros. Baldwins John 

Smith) 

Res. Champion: Mr M. 


Mountain & Moorland Over 

1st Mrs T. Reeve’s Waveney 

Cabalette (Ms H. Sharp) 

Boy (Mr E. Smith) 

Ward’s Fronarth Cardi 13.2hh 

Class 34 Siemens Gentleman 

Class 13 Osborne Refigerators Express (Ms E. Kelly) 1st Mrs S. Walrond’s Murvey Whip 

– Costers/Trolleys 

Class 19 Osborne Refrigerators Dunhill (Mrs S. Walrond) 1st Mrs R. Bownes’ Ovington 

1st Mr S. Brown’s Drumbo 

Great Expectations (Mr S. 

Young Driver 10-14 years 

Traditional Vehicle 


Hermes (Mr T. Robinson) 

Class 35 Four in Hand 

Brown) 

Class 14 – Osborne 

Refrigerators – BDS 

National Light Trade 

Championship 

Champion: Smith Bros. 

Baldwins John Boy (Mr E. 

Smith) 

Res. Champion: Mr T. 

Thomas’ Sunbeam The 

1st Messrs M, N & O Fuller’s 

Trehwyd Brenin Arthur (Miss 

O. Fuller) 



Traditional Vehicle 

1st Smith Bros Royal Sunshine 

(Miss L. Smith) 



Welsh Sections A & B 

1st Mrs W. Wybrew’s Tilston 

Cardinal (Mrs W. Wybrew 


Welsh Section C 

1st Mr & Mrs D. Pritchard’s 

Northleach Roulette (Miss K. 

Pritchard) 


1st Mr F. Warrender’s Laurel, 

Hardy, Jeeves & (Mr H. Webb) 

Class 36 Multiples 

1st Mrs C. Alexander’s Team 

of Gelderlanders (Mr B. 

Alexander) 

Class 37 Karel Doyle Pairs 

1st Kelvin KBB Ltd’s Simon & 

Tyree (Mr C. Rushton-Green) 

page 7 | BDS News 

Pictures by ES Photography


Towerlands Show Results continued. 

Class 38 World & Rare 

Breeds 

1st Mr J. Bulmer’s 

Monnignton Overture (Mr J. 

Bulmer) 

Class 39 T Cribb & Sons 

Novice Single 13.2hh and 

Under 

1st Mrs A. Lewis’ Kingsmead 

Gatekeeper (Ms M. Winn) 

Class 40 T. Cribb & Sons 

1st Mr D. Matthews’ Tom 

(Mr D. Matthews) 

Class 41 T. Cribb & Sons 

Novice Championship 

Champion: Mr D. 

Matthews’ Tom (Mr D. 

Matthews) 

Res. Champion: Mr J. 

Rowe’s Brookeborough 

Stepping Star (Mr J. 

Rowe) 

Class 42 Carriage Driving 

Magazine Coloured Horse 

–Traditional 

1st Mrs V. Hampton’s 

Northcousburgh Carlas (Miss 

A. Hampton) 



–Traditional 

1st Mr N. Brown’s Rosehall 

Tara Maiden (Mr A. Presho) 

Record Entries at Area 55 North Wales Show 

With the week leading up to the show 

being wind and rain, show secretary and 

organiser Morfydd Greatorex feared the worst, 

the weather forecast was not good. As we put up 

the rings etc. on Friday afternoon in the wind and 

rain, I thought well the show must go on. To my 

amazement we awoke on Saturday to sunshine, 

our judge for both days was Mr. Les McCall from 

Cheshire and what a job he had as most classes 

had 10 or more entries forward. Some of the 

driving classes had to be split to make it fair for the 

smaller ponies. All the entrants were a credit to 

the show, most were local area members who put 

a lot of work and effort into getting to the show. 

The grass roots classes were the best supported 

with 16 entries in the cones class. Judge Mr. Les 

McCall took time to get into every carriage and 

gave a great deal of support and help to many of 

our novice and junior whips. 

The Osborne Refrigerator qualifying classes were 




Championship 

Champion: Mr N. Brown’s 

Rosehall Tara Maiden (Mr 

A. Presho) 

Res. Champion: Mrs J. 

Halnan-Blackwell’s Soange-Taha 

(Mrs J. Halnan- 

Blackwell) 

Class 45 Country Vehicles 

13.2hh and Under 

1st Mr & Mrs J. Snowdon’s 

Rex of Larkrise (Mr J. 

L.Snowdon) 

Class 46 Country Vehicles 

Over 13.2hh 

1st Mrs S. McBride’ 

Grayswood John Boy (Mr 

R. Page) 

Class 47 Veteran Horse or 

Pony 

1st Mrs R. Bownes’ Marbon 

M’Lord (Mr T. Robinson) 

Class 48 Pleasure Driving 

Singles & Pairs 13.2hh & 

Under 

1st Miss L. Kirby’s Just 

William (Miss L. Kirby) 

Class 49 Pleasure Driving 

Singles & Pairs Over 13.2hh 

1st Mr & Mrs Saunders’ 

Rocking Rolo (M. Saunders) 

Class 50 Ride & Drive Single 

14.2hh & Under 

1st Mr M. Berrow & Mrs M 

Travers’ Dalcrest Jessie (Miss 

C. Mouland) 

Class 51 Ride & Drive Single 

Over 14.2hh 

1st Ms T. Howard’s Spider 

(Ms T. Howard) 

Class 52 Jubilee Drivers 

Obstacle Competition 

1st Mr D. Bownes’ Laurtom 

Gold Spark (Mr R. Vautier) 

Class 53 Carriagehouse 

Insurance Concours 

d’Elegance 

1st Mr & Mrs P. Clough’s 

Halloughton Hallmark & 

Camorland Just Right (Mrs J. 

Clough) 

Class 54 Long Reining 

1st Mrs M. Fox’s Funway 

Blue Orchid (Mrs M. Fox) 

Class 55 Siemens Vintage 

Vehicles 

H.M Queen’s Ensign & 

Lahore (Mr M. Hargreaves) 

Class 56 Donkeys & Mules 

– Open 

1st Mr D. Capps’ Jeeves (Mr 

D. Capps) 

Class 57 Donkeys & Mules – 

Best Whip 

well supported with many locals qualifying 

to their surprise. Well done to you all. Pairs 

qualifier Georgina Holt; Section A Welsh, 

Penny Wear; Section C, Welsh Morfydd 

Greatorex; Section D Welsh, Robert Parry; 

Country turnout Anthony Spencer; 2 wheeled 

exercise vehicle Janet Prytherch; 4 wheeled 

exercise vehicle Tony Tharme; Junior whip 

10-14 Rachel Thomas; Junior whip 15-17 

Roseanne Simpson. 

The private driving champion and Victoria 

Foods qualifier was Morfydd Greatorex. The 

overall show championship is decided on a points 

system with the 5 highest class placings to count, 

2 members were joint 1st so 1st, 2nd and 3rd 

places had to be counted to find the champion, 

it was Morfydd Greatorex with Welsh section C 

Mongarnedd Morgan with reserve going to Janet 

Prytherch with Welsh section D Llynhelyg Tomos. 

Line up of the Junior Whip Class Penny & Trevor Wear with Diamond 

Chip winner of the novice whip 

1st Mrs J. Oliver’s Mix & 

Match (Mrs J. Oliver) 

Class 58 Donkey & Mule 

Championship 

Champion: Mr D. Capps’s 

Jeeves ( Mr D. Capps) 

Res. Champion: Mrs J. 

Oliver’s Mix & Match (Mrs 

J. Oliver) 

Class 59 Young Driver 

Mr M. Ward’s Fronarth Cardi 

Express (Miss K. Kelly) 

Class 60: Worshipful 

Company of Farriers Best 

Shod Horse 

1st Mr T. Burgess’ Cranfield 

Park Dark Destroyer (Mr T. 

Burgess) 

Class 61 Open Hackney 

Horse of the Year 

1st Mr C. Moran’s 

Drewsherne Corrall (Mr C. 

Moran) 

Class 62 Open Hackney 


1st Mr G. Van Nispen’s 

Sunbeam Victory (Mr L. 

Huckriede) 

Class 63 Supreme 

Hackney of the Year 

Champion: Mr G. Van 

Nispen’s Sunbeam Victory 

(Mr L. Huckriede) 

Points Show Champion 

Morfydd Greatorex and 

Reserve Janet Prytherch 

Res. Champion: Mr C. 

Moran’s Drewsherne 

Corrall (Mr C. Moran) 

Class 64 Denis Midgeley 

Memorial Novice Hackney 


1st Miss S. Wormwald’s 

Atlowsprings Ratafia (Ms S. 

Barraclough) 

Class 65 Denis Midgeley 

Memorial Novice Hackney 

Pony of the Year 

1st Mr M. Jenkins’ Heartland 

Jerilynn (Ms S. Barraclough) 

Class 66 hackney Private 

Driving Championship 

1st Mr A. Hamilton- 

Rhodes & Mr J. Hollister’s 

Brookeborough Duke (Mr A. 

Hamilton-Rhodes) 

Class 67 Hackney Junior 

Whip 

1st Mr D. Vyse’s Seamair 

Simply Marvelous (Miss C. 

Vyse) 

Class 68 Terence Butler 

International Hackney Horse 

1st Mr P. Vugts’ Shanie 

Strikeler (Mr E. Emmink) 

Class 69 International 

Hackney Pony 

1st Mr E. A Ward’s 

Westbourne Hi Tech (Mr B. 

Ward) 

Judge Mr. Les McCall with Angela 

Drinkwater-Lunn and the smallest 

pony at the Show, Trotski 

This area show has gone from strength to strength 

over the past few years with a great deal of hard 

work from many of our members and a lot of 

generous sponsorship from local businesses. The 

proceeds of the raffle held in the show were given 

to Air Ambulance Wales this year. 

Show Champion Morfydd Greatorex with 

Mongarnedd Morgan

BDS Banbridge Show 

The First BDS BANBRIDGE SHOW took place on 

Saturday 23rd August 2008 commencing at 10.00 

a.m. in The Old Rifle Park, Newry Road, Banbridge (by 

kind permission of Mr Cowan). The sun shone early in 

the day but the weather turned somewhat wet in the 

afternoon. The Judges selected from the British Driving 

Society Panel of Judges were Mrs. J. Boucher and Mr. 

Clive Scott, (England) who have never Judged in Northern 

Ireland before and said they truly enjoyed their first 

visit. The Concours D’Elegance and Show Drive through 

Banbridge was efficiently policed by PSNI Banbridge and 

judged by Councillor N Beare (Chairman of Banbridge 

District Council). The Show Director was Mr John Powell, 

(Lambeg), Mr Stephen Wilson – Chief Steward was 

assisted by Mr R.J. Mc Connell, Mr D Horner, Mr. P. 

King, Mr J Crumlin, Mr M Ward, and Ms Liz Kelly (Area 

Commissioner). The N.I.Branch – British Driving Society 

Chairman is Mr Eugene Larkin and Margaret Carlisle Hon 

Secretary. The Treasurer is David Wilson and Mrs Lesley 

Horner acted as Hospitality Hostess. The catering van 

was in the safe hands of Mr Joe Moore, (Banbridge) and 

his staff. The main funder of the show was Banbridge 

District Council and the sponsors were George Fawcett, 

Sawmills, Saintfield, Jollyes Pet Food Suppliers, Banbridge, 

Murdoch Equine.co.uk, Geoffrey Walker, Blacksmith, 

Ballyward, Stewarts Solicitors, Newtownards, Johnston’s 

Saddlery, Banbridge, Castle Horse Boxes, Newry, P.Turley 

and Sons, Ballyward and Stanley Stewart, Dromore. 

Marquee was supplied and erected by The Lions Club, 

Ballynahinch. The British Red Cross were in attendance. 

Tyrone Crystal was presented to the Champions and 

Reserve Champions. 

Exercise vehicle up to 13.2 hands 1st John Weir (Ballyclare) 

‘Milltown Boy’ 

Champion Hackney Pony driven by David Boyd, Pot Pourri Farm 

Comin Thru 

Champion Hackney - in Hand David Boyd (Caryduff) 

‘‘Heathland Unexpected’ 

Alexander Presho (Brookeborough) driving Norman 

Brown’s Rosehall Tara Maiden to a Brewster Going to 

Cover Cart 

Champion in Hand James Cleland (Hannahstown) ‘Bon Heather’ 

Championships 

Champion – in –Hand: James Cleland (Hannahstown) 

‘Bon Heather’; Reserve Champion – in Hand David 

Cleland, ‘Mystro’; Champion Hackney – in Hand David 

Boyd (Carryduff) ‘Heathland Unexpected’; Champion 

Exercise Vehicle Class – John Weir (Ballyclare) ‘Milltown 

Boy’; Reserve Champion Exercise Vehicle – Fergie 

Bingham (Ballyward) ‘Crabtree Prince’; Champion 

Hackney Horse Driven to a Show Wagon – Michael 

Hanlon (County Louth) ‘Downtown the Business’; Reserve 

Champion Hackney Horse Driven to a Show Wagon 

– Linda Skillen (Newry) driving James Cunningham’s 

‘Stapleford Oliver’; Champion Private Driving Classes: 

Alexander Presho (Brookborough) driving Norman 

Bown’s ‘Rosehall May Queen’ to a Brewster going to 

cover Cart; Reserve Champion Private Driving Classes 

Deborah Lyttle (Hillsborough) driving ‘Long Lane Ranger’ 

to a Stick Back Gig. 


Banbridge Show 

Results 

CLASS (1) Welsh Pony in Hand won 

by Wallace Shaw (Castlewellan) 

‘Clarvalley Jewel’ 

CLASS (2) Welsh Cob in Hand won 

by James Cleland ‘Bon Heather’: 2nd 

David Cleland 

CLASS (3) Hackney Horse in hand 

David Boyd (Carryduff) ‘Heartland 

Unexpected’ 

CLASS (4) NOVICE HORSE DRIVING 

winner David Wilson (Maze) Driving 

‘Fronarth Bellamy’ to Spindle Back 

Gig’ 

Image: 0164 : CLASS (5) EXERCISE 

Vehicle up to 13.2hands 1st John Weir, 

(Ballyclare) ‘Milltown Boy’ 

CLASS (6) EXERCISE Vehicle over 

13.2hands John Mc Gahey ‘Buddy’ 

CLASS (7) Single non Hackney under 

13.2Hands won by Wallace Shaw 

‘Clarvalley Jewel’ 

CLASS (8) Single pure bred Section 

‘D’ Liam Rooney ‘Fronarth Jupiter’ 

CLASS (9) SHOWMAN’S CLASS joint 

winners with 47 Points each David 

Wilson driving Margaret Alexander’s 

‘Fronarth Sean’and Alexander Presho 

driving Norman Brown’s ‘Rosehall 

May Queen’ 

CLASS (10) Country Turnouts won 

by Alexander Presho driving Norman 

Brown’s ‘Rosehall May Queen’ to a 

Brewster going to cover Cart 

CLASS (11) Shetland Pony driving 1st 

Deborah Lyttle ‘Long Lane Ranger’ 

2nd Eileen Weir, ‘Nimrod Longfield’ 

CLASS (12) Hackney Horse driven to 

a show wagon won by Michael Hanlon 

‘Downtown the Business’ 

CLASS (13) Concours D’Elegance 

and Show Drive – show drive lead 

by Joanne Orr driving a pair of Grey 

Horses to a Pumpkin Fairytale Coach 

and Judged by The Chairman of 

Banbridge Council Councillor N Beare 

the winner was John Weir, driving 

‘Milltown Boy’ to a Milk Float’ 

CLASS (14) JUNIOR WHIP winner 

John Weir driving Milltown Boy 

CLASS (15) Lady Whip won by 

Deborah Lyttle driving ‘Long Lane 

Ranger’ 

CLASS (16) Light Trade winner John 

Weir ‘Milltown Boy’ driven to a Milk 

Float; 

CLASS (17) Open Class under 12 

hands 1st Deborah Lyttle ‘Long Lane 

Ranger’: 

The organising Committee of the 

BDS Banbridge Show wish to thank 

all those who worked so hard to make 

the Show a success. 



Brinkworth Country Show - August 31st 

Despite heavy rain early morning by mid day and the start of the driving classes the sun had managed to shine. Mrs Sinclair had a small but enthusiastic 

entry to judge in the 4 classes. 

Brinkworth Show Drive 

Duke Delights in Wales By Michelle Reid 

Weather that forced other shows to cancel, 

fortunately did not hinder the BDS Wales 

Show, and the Judges, Mr D Baker and Mr T 

Teague were treated to a full schedule of classes 

full of enthusiastic participants waiting to show 

them what they could do. 

The Exercise Vehicle Championship was the first 

Championship of the day and was won by Mrs 

Kedward driving W. G Parry’s Gurnos Welsh JoJo. 

The Exercise Vehicle Classes were highly attended 

so this was a brilliant achievement as this was a 

first show outing for Mrs Kedward and JoJo. The 

two are obviously a winning combination as they 

notched up wins in the Ride and Drive Class and 

also the Novice Horse/Pony Class, watch this 

space. 

BDS Wales Exercise Vehicle Champion, Mrs Kedward 

driving Gurnos Welsh Jojo 

Reserve Exercise Vehicle Champion was local 

AC, Sian Burrows driving her own twin Welsh 

Section A’s Buttons & Smarties. Sian attended the 

BDS Welsh Supreme Champion Sian Burrows with twins, 

Buttons & Smarties 


Brinkworth Horse Show Ann Townsend P D Winner 

Tandem Meet earlier in the year, which was held 

in Dinefwr Parc, Llandeilo, where she obtained her 

tandem bars, so she was particularly pleased to 

do so well driving them as a tandem at the show. 

Later on in the day, when the sun finally came out, 

Sian drove the twins to victory in the Multiples 

Private Drive Class as a pair before taking the BDS 

Wales Welsh Pony Championship and Overall 

BDS Wales Welsh Champion. Participants of the 

Welsh Championship qualify from shows around 

Wales over the course of the year, the qualifying 

factor being that the horse and whip must reside 

in Wales. A new feature this year was the offering 

of prize money to the Horse and Pony Champion. 

BDS Wales Welsh Horse Champion, Paul Mandes 

driving Mrs D. Hunter-Thomson’s Caedfwlch 

Breuddwyd Dafydd was pleasantly surprised when 

he was told he was going to receive a cheque 

instead of having to write one! 

BDS Wales Welsh Reserve Pony Champion was 

Mr D. Dix’s consistently good, Grants Havanna 

driven by daughter, Mrs S. Dix-Avery. 

BDS Wales Points Champion, Emily Ham and 

Crossfield Glory 

Emily Ham was the recipient of this year’s Points 

Champion Award, driving her own Crossfield 

Glory. ‘Jack’ travelled with Emily quite recently to 

Austria as part of the Junior Drivers Driving Trials 

Welsh Team and the Welsh Section C was very 

well behaved despite being a stallion. 

Junior driver, Ashleigh Jones, had a very good day, 

winning the Junior Whip class and also bagging 

the Osborne Qualifiers for the Junior Driver 15-17 

year old Exercise Vehicle and the Single turnout 

Brinkworth Show Danny Watkins and Fogle 

to a four wheel Exercise Vehicle driving her own 

Seren Du. Ashleigh’s father, Bryon, not to be 

outdone, won the Welsh Section C & D Private 

Drive Class including the Osborne Section D 

Qualifier as well as the Open Harness Class driving 

his and wife, Pam’s Cefn Gelli Bouncer. 

Concours D’Elegance Judge, Kay Hutchins had 

a hard time deciding in a strong Concours class, 

before choosing local lady, Ms Rowena Moyse 

driving her pair of Gelderlanders, Sam & Solo. 

BDS Wales Show Supreme Champion Andrew Hamilton- 

Rhodes driving his and J. Hollister’s Brookeborough 

Duke 

Emma Edwards was victorious in a strong Single 

Hackney Private Drive Class driving Dr B M Lewis 

& Mr W Isaac’s Stapleford Harry and shortly after 

standing Reserve Show Champion and qualifying 

for the National Carriage Driving Championships 

at Windsor in September. Winning the Open 

Private Drive Class and standing Supreme Show 

Champion was Mr Andrew Hamilton-Rhodes 

driving his and Mr J. Hollister’s Brookeborough 

Duke. 

The show organisers were tremendously 

pleased that the show was so well supported 

by competitors. The show schedule has been 

gradually re-written over the last two years with 

the end aim being to enable competitors to have 

a wide choice of classes to enter. Watch out next 

year as the show is launching properly on the 

internet so that next year’s schedule and all results 

will be available to download. In the meantime 

pictures are available from Louis Milburn’s website 

www.louismilburn.co.uk 

photos by Louis Milburn

Area Activities 

BEDS, BUCKS & HERTS 

AC Linda Swain 

Tel 07850 706978 

lindaswain10@aol.com 

Congratulations to all those area members who 

took part in and enjoyed the Championship 

show at Towerlands. 

Remember that if you’ve attended 10 or more 

events since 1 December 2007, you’re eligible for 

a special end of year award – contact Linda now ! 

If you have a few spare hours over the winter 

months, why not visit the Stockwood Discovery 

Centre in Stockwood Park, Luton which has now 

reopened to the public with new facilities for you 

to enjoy. The Centre brings together a host of 

attractions, including beautiful historic walled 

gardens, fascinating heritage displays, interactive 

environmental galleries and opportunities 

for both play and relaxation. The Mossman 

collection of horse drawn vehicles was given to 

Luton Museum Service in 1991. It illustrates the 

development of horse-drawn road transportation 

in Britain from Roman times up until the 1930. 

It illustrates the life of tradesmen and ordinary 

people as well as the lives of the aristocracy. Its 

existence is owed to the enthusiastic collecting 

of a local man called George Mossman who 

was born in Caddington, Bedfordshire, in 

1906. Shortly after the First World War George 

Mossman left school to start work for Panter’s 

butchers on Park 

Street, Luton, as a 

butcher’s delivery 

van driver. He 

delivered meat to the 

people of Luton and 

surrounding villages. 

This began his life 

long interest in horsedrawn 

transport and 

there are 54 vehicles in 

the collection which is 

free to visit. 

18 Nov – CHDC evening with Maggie from the 

National Donkey Sanctuary talking about the 

seaside donkeys, with her Xmas goodies on sale, 

Black Cat Pub, Lycrome Road , Chesham. Ring 

Kath 01442 258602 for details. 

22 Nov - Annual Dinner & Awards presentation 

at The Novotel Hotel near Knebworth Park, 

Stevenage, Herts with invited guest speaker Gary 

Docking. 

The raffle will be in aid of The Gambian Horse 

& Donkey Trust, so please bring a prize along 

& give generously on the night. Also prizes for 

the best dressed lady and gent, which Gary is 

threatening to judge! 

Black tie preferred but not essential. Tables of 

ten available – why not bring a friend or two? 

Tickets @ £25 each from Linda now so send your 

cheque made out to Beds, Bucks & Herts. BDS 

to 35 Havelock Road, Biggleswade, Beds SG18 

0DB 

29 Nov – Janet’s annual charity quiz night at 

Letty Green Scout hut, near Hertford with fish 

‘n chip supper at cost. Come alone & make up a 

table or with friends. Details from Janet or Linda. 

Light trade inspection at Ashwell Show 

AREA NEWS | British Driving Society 

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, 

AAC Janet Wischhusen Tel: 01992 553253 

AAC Shirley Higgins Tel: 01923 267919 

ROW Kath Worrell MBE Tel: 01442 258602 

3 Dec - Lecture series for horse owners at the 

Royal Veterinary College, Potters Bar, Herts - 

“Skin: Sarcoids / Sweet 

Itch / Mudfever” Lecture 

supported by BHS 

Hertfordshire. Just £10 

per person but places are 

limited so book early to 

avoid disappointment. 

Tickets @ £10 must be 

purchased in advance. 

Please note: late-comers 

may be refused entry. 

Ring 01707 666865 for 

details & to buy tickets. 

Time: 7.30pm to 9pm 

(registration commences 

Reg Newman with judge Jane Brightwell at 

Ashwell Show 

at 7pm). Free refreshments from 7pm.You can 

get further information and a booking form from 

www.rvc.ac.uk 

5 Dec – Visit from expert horse dentist Colin 

Hill at venue near Royston, Herts. Ring Linda 

asap to book your animals in. 

6 Dec - Chiltern Harness Club Xmas Dinner at 

Boxmoor Lodge, Herts. Amazing cuisine. Ring 

Kath 01442 258602 for details. 

14 Dec – Spider drive to 

The Crown PH, Northill, 

Beds for 12 noon, or just 

come along in your car for 

pre Xmas chat! Ring Linda 

if you need box parking. 

21 Dec - From 11am until 

2pm Oaklands College, St 

Albans, Herts indoor arena 

is booked for a fun show. 

This one is for young drivers 

only and due to time of year 

we are not expecting people to wash out ponies, 

carriages and harness, just to be there for some 

festive fun classes. It will include a festive turnout 

class, young drivers, versatile pony, handy pony 

and cones. Contact Elizabeth Cockrane on 

07971 454104 in good time if you would like to 

take part or help in any way. 

26 Dec – Fancy a Boxing Day trip out? With 

other BDS members see the classic cars meet at 

the Green, Sarratt, Herts. From 11am until 2pm 

with food available at nearby pub. Ring Shirley 

for any more details required. 

10 Jan – Social evening from 7pm at The Green 

Man PH, Stanford, Beds. Please ring Linda 

by 3 January latest if you wish to make a table 

booking. 

18 Jan - Meet up for a social evening and meal 

in the Kings Langley area. 

Contact Shirley on 01923 267919 by 1 

December to confirm places please. 

20 Jan – CHDC talk by Stewart Russell, ex 

Kings Troop and harness maker, Black Cat Pub, 

Lycrome Road, Chesham. Ring Kath 01442 

258602 to book a seat. 

Publicity: sylvia sullivan Tel: 01767 677906 

ssulledit@aol.com, 

Website: bedsbh.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

4 Feb - Lecture series for horse owners at the 

Royal Veterinary College, Potters Bar, Herts 

- “Colic” Lecture 

supported by BHS 

Hertfordshire. Places are 

limited so book early to 

avoid disappointment. 

Tickets @ £10 must be 

purchased in advance by 

ringing 01707 666865. 

Please note: latecomers 

may be refused 

entry. Time: 7.30pm 

to 9pm (registration 

commences at 7pm). Free 

refreshments from 7pm. 

17 Feb - Chiltern 

Harness Driving Club get together and AGM 

with a possible speaker, Black Cat Pub, Lycrome 

Road, Chesham. Ring Kath on 01442 258602 to 

book a seat and menu. 

1 March – Trec skills training, rein handling, 

ringcraft advice all at Shuttleworth indoor arena, 

Old Warden, Beds. from 12 noon until 2pm. 

Otherwise you are welcome to just park up and 

enjoy a drive around the local area. Ring Linda if 

you intend coming along please. New members 

most welcome to come along and meet others. 

3 March – Social evening at The Queen Adelaide 

PH, Croydon near Royston, Herts. SG8 0DN. 

Meet up from 7pm for drinks, but please book 

your own table for any meals by ringing 

01223 208278. 

14 March – Meet up at the National Stud, 

Newmarket CB8 0XE for 1.30pm before a tour 

of the stud. See the top class stallions, mares and 

foals. Tickets £6.50 with concessions. Remember 

the Racehorse Museum in the town has a great 

restaurant! 

17 March - Annual Fun Quiz Night, Black Cat 

Pub, Lycrome Road, Chesham. Bring some 

friends and make up a table. Ring Kath 01442 

258602 to book a seat and menu. 

If anyone wishes to travel a little further afield 

over the winter months, Thetford Forest on the 

Norfolk / Suffolk border is an amazing place in 

which to drive. Contact Linda if you need help 

with a permit or parking details etc. 

Please remember that your BDS membership 

card should be with you at all driving events as 

proof of insurance and that those aged 14 years 

and under must wear hard hats at all times whilst 

in a carriage. It is also recommended that high 

viz gear is worn by all our members whilst on 

the roads. There are excellent products available 

for carriage, horse and humans – it is too late to 

think about this after any incident! 


British Driving Society | AREA NEWS 

BERKSHIRE 

CHESHIRE 

CORNWALL 


AC: DENNIS PERKINS 

Tel: 0118 9545530 

d.b.perkins@ntlworld.com 

The Great Park Drive 

Thirty turnouts 

participated in this event 

on 24th August. Besides 

following the roads that 

criss-cross the park, the 

route took full advantage 

of the varied aspects of 

Windsor Park bypassing 

through woodlands, 

traversing open deer 

pastures, driving along 

Rosettes for all at the Great Park 

Drive 

farm tracks and exploring the sanded paths that 

are used by riders. Distance options ranging 

from 7 to 13 miles were offered along the clearly 

marked route. 

AC Barbara Hill 

Tel: 0161 440 8410 hill.lodge@sky.com 

I hope that you have all had a good summer 

regardless of our weather. It is unfortunate 

that once again a number of events were either 

washed out or cancelled, however the show must 

go on and I enclose a number of dates for the 

oncoming winter season and I hope that these 

are suitable supported and do not fall foul of the 

weather! A drive was held in Delamere Forest on 

Sun 12th September kindly arranged for us once 

again by Neville Lancaster. As usual this was a 

popular event and as always was organised very 

professionally by Neville, our thanks go to him 

for all his hard work. The sun shone and in fact it 

AC Brian Ball 

Tel: 01726 851144 treolwyn@tiscali.co.uk 

The drive and BBQ at Treolwyn organised by 

Brian and Brenda is an event which has become 

as much a social meeting as well as a driving 

event on our calendar. Unfortunately it did 

clash with Tregony Show, an apology was sent 

to the Show Secretary. With so many events 

now happening in the area it is sometimes 

unavoidable. (In some ways this is a good sign 

that Cornwall is bouncing.) For those of us on 

the drive around quiet country lanes we were 

able to build an appetite for the lovely BBQ to 

follow. There was excellent food and beverages 

to be enjoyed with very pleasant company. Brian 

and Brenda laid on this event as a ‘thank you’ 

to members for all the help and support given 

throughout the year. Here’s looking forward to 

next year’s. (It will soon come around) 

As the driving season draws to a close for 2008 

uncertainty throughout the year because of 

adverse weather conditions made us unsure 

whether events would take place until the last 

moment. We were so lucky here in Cornwall 

to have the most beautiful day for our annual 

drive on the Boconnac Estate. 14 turnouts met 

at lunchtime to enjoy a choice of 3 very different 

routes or all 3 if one so desired. Brian and Brenda 

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

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

www.bdsberkshire.co.uk 

had obviously been busy 

making arrangements for 

parking on hard standing 

and signposting the 

routes. The main drive 

is long and straight, 

lined by fine old estate 

trees, Rhododendrons 

in abundance and 

beautifully kept lawns. If 

one closed ones eyes and 

let the imagination run 

riot you could soon go 

back in time. Following 

Ashe Warren Drive 

As in previous years this 

late summer event was 

extremely well supported. 

There was an eleventh 

hour snag when part 

of the route across a 

neighbouring estate 

had to be abandoned 

but the many tracks 

around Ashe Warren 

Farm provided ample 

opportunity to select an equally interesting 

and challenging drive over this down land 

location. The views have to be seen to be 

believed. Some optional obstacles were 

was like a summer’s day. I mean the summer that 

we didn’t have. 

Finally after much consideration and with 

much regret I have decided that this will be 

my final season as your Area Commissioner. I 

will have had the privilege of being your BDS 

Commissioner for seven years and next year I 

think it is time for me to hang up my gloves 

(as you might say) and allow perhaps someone 

younger to take up the reins and come in with 

fresh ideas. I cannot deny that I have really 

enjoyed myself but I believe that now is the time 

to take a step backwards. I hope that someone 

Dianne & Phil Thompson 

at Boconnac 

on into the lovely woodlands, crossing the river 

over the ornate stone bridge, continuing past 

estate cottages disturning dogs lying in the sun 

having a lazy Sunday afternoon nap. Onto the 

tracks leading to the lakes, this time through the 

river (a problem for some), sweet corn growing 

higher than us, pheasants using this for cover as 

we pass by, the highly coloured male much braver 

because he knows he is more beautiful, newly 

shorn sheep in the meadow. How privileged are 

we to be invited to drive on these fine country 

estates. Our most grateful thanks must go to Mr 

erected around the circuit to let whips test their 

driving and manoeuvring skills. 

Both the above events raised funds for the Pony 

Driving for the Disabled, Newbury Group. 

Into an obstacle at Ashe Warren 

will come forward and be willing to take on the 

job. 

Winter Cones 

BDS: Nov 9th, Dec 14th, Jan 11th, Feb 8th, Mar 

8th, April 5th, 

Ches.D.Club: Nov 23rd, Dec 28th, Jan 25th, 

Feb 22nd, Mar 22nd, Apr 26th 

All of the above cones are at the Lodge, Blossoms 

Lane, Woodford, SK7 1RE. The course will 

be open to walk at 1pm and the fun starts at 

1.30pm. Further details from me on 0161 440 

8410. 

and Mrs Fortiscue. There has been a 

new driving group set up in Cornwall 

within an exsisting RDA group. This 

meets at the Chiverton Arena on a 

Monday and Thursday of each week. 

With only three events left in 2008 we 

have already started planning for 2009 

with a training day at Tall Trees Arena. 

It should be noted that all events run 

under the BDS banner or headings 

need to be passed through the AC, so 

that all members in the area can be 

notified. 

Diary Dates 

Nov 14th BDS General Meeting date to 14th 

November 7.30 at Tywardreath. Contact Brian 

01726 851144 

Nov 28th Christmas party time Lakeview, 

contact Diane 07966595153 or Tracy 

07966959104 

Dec 14th Christmas Drive Perranwell contact 

Diane 07966595153 

Feb 22nd Training day at Tall Trees Arena. 

Information to follow.

CUMBRIA 

AC Margaret Sanderson 

Tel: 01768 898712 

The Trec at Dailmain on 28th September was 

a lovely fun day enjoyed by everyone. The sun 

shone and the eight competitors from as far afield 

as Dumfrieshire and Yorkshire as well as those 

from the East of Cumbria, enjoyed the drive 

and the mixture of hazards, cones and obstacles 

- assorted! Sadly there were no entries from the 

west of Cumbria. 

The overall winner was Barbara Patterson from 

Dumfriesshire. 

DERBYSHIRE/STAFFORDSHIRE 

DEVON 

DORSET 

AC Brian Durow 

Tel: 01283 733007 Work: Tel: 01283 215253 

Members of Derbyshire & Staffordshire BDS at the 

Doug Bradbury Museum 

AC Judy Green 

Tel: 01404 812742 

At the time of writing we have 

one more drive through the 

Forestry Commission plantations 

on October 5th and a desperate 

summer has turned into a golden 

autumn. Regardless of the rain 

however we had a fun Treasure 

Hunt in August. Perhaps it was 

fortunate that competitors started 

out in the dry, even if they were 

soaked at the finish! 

Whitchurch Common Drive (on 

the edge of Dartmoor) was abandoned after 

torrential rain and a lack of members signing 

in, but we will try again another time. At last in 

September the sun shone on us and Sue Parrott 

arranged a lovely drive from Okehampton Camp 

up over the high moors with spectacular views 

and a light breeze to keep the horses cool. 

AC Alison Trevett 

Tel: 01258 881295 

Sue Joll returning soaked 

but cheerful at the end 

of the Treasure Hunt 

November 28: Area Annual Meeting at Bere 

Regis Sports Club, Bere Regis. 7.45pm. Please 

contact Alison Trevett Tel: 01258 881295 

December 7: Christmas Lunch. The Crown 

Hotel, Blandford, DT11 7AJ. 1.00pm for 

1.30pm. Three courses plus coffee at £18.00 

per head. Pre-booking by November 29 please. 

Telephone Alison Trevett Tel: 01258 881295 

2009 

January 1: New Year’s Day Dog Walk at 

Chilbridge Farm, near Wimborne, by kind 

invitation of Mr and Mrs Jim Richards. Meet 

at 11.30am to leave for the walk at 12 noon, 

followed by hot soup, crusty bread etc. Raffle. 

Whip Beatrice Hassell-McCosh and groom Mark 

Grakles with Willow while Mr & Mrs Hassell-McCosh 

& family look on 

BDS members enjoyed a visit to the Doug 

Bradbury museum which contains a fascinating 

collection of anything to do with a blacksmith and 

farrier. Doug is a blacksmith and farrier himself. 


AAC George Bell Tel: 01900 814521 

Whip Faith Billington and groom Jenny Harris 

with Waverhead Andrew 

The visit was followed by a lovely drive on Sunday 

May 25th with the ponies around Pilsley and 

surrounding area. Mr Trevor Ford entertained us 

to a very nice picnic tea afterwards 

AAC Paddy Hext Tel: 01626 854531 

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

I look forward to meeting some of our 

members at our Pub Lunch on 12th 

October and at the Christmas Lunch on 

December 7th. 

For those of you in North Devon Brian 

Colebrook-Clark has agreed to be my 

ACC with special responsibility for that 

area and I look forward to working with 

him as he gets to know what members 

would like to do without having to travel 

huge distances. He has written a small 

piece about himself which is available to 

read after the diary dates. 

Diary dates: 

12th October Pub Lunch without horses, Rose 

and Crown Calverleigh, Near Tiverton contact 

Karen Horsefall 01769 574803 by 5th October 

Adults £5 per head, children and dogs free. For 

further details contact Wendy Richards 

Tel: 01258 857203 and numbers please to 

Wendy by December 30 

January 29: Evening Meeting at Bere Regis 

Sports Club, Bere Regis. 7.45pm. New Year 

social, including a talk by Jenny Pennell, South 

West Region Carriage Driving Representative of 

the Riding for the Disabled Association, on the 

work of the RDA. Further details from Alison 

Trevett Tel: 01258 881295 

February 26: Evening Meeting with Pam 

Mooney of Healthwise Essentials, who will tell 

us about her work as an energy therapist and 

7th December Christmas Lunch Fingle Glen 

Golf Hotel, Tedburn St Mary 12:30 for 1:00pm. 

Please return booking form Judy Green by 30th 

November. 

The Devon BDS Show will be at Crealy Barton 

on 12th July 2009 

My first contact with harness horses was at the 

age of three years. I was lifted on to the back of 

a Suffolk Punch at hay time to keep me out of 

harm’s way. Horses have always been part of my 

life. Until recently I rode regularly but eventually 

‘Anne Domini.’ caught up and for some eight 

years now I have left the riding to my wife whilst 

I have enjoyed the carriage driving side. I have 

helped organise local events and hope to do 

more in the future in the North and West Devon 

area as transport is so expensive now. All will be 

welcome. 

ROW Dorothy Webb Tel: 01929 463622 

communicator, providing a natural alternative 

approach to all sorts of issues for both horses and 

humans. Free admission for BDS members and 

non-members very welcome at £3.00 per head. 

Bere Regis Sports Club, Bere Regis. 7.45pm. 

Further details and numbers to Alison Trevett 

Tel: 01258 881295 

June 7: Dorset Area Show at The Turnpike 

Showground, Motcombe. Further details from 

Alison Trevett Tel: 01258 881295 

Details of additional events will be available in 

the Area newsletter, on the Dorset website (www. 

dorset.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk) and from 

Alison Trevett. 



ESSEX & NORTH LONDON 


AC Eunice Hopton 

Tel: 01268 773291/07952 232149/07948 221297 eunicehopton@btinternet.com 

After the success of the 

BDS Christmas drive Barry 

and Steve invited members 

to an end of summer drive 

on Sunday 7th September, 

and would like to thank 

everybody who attended. 

We had an excellent turn 

out of 10 very nice lots, 

which was surprising 

GLOUCESTERSHIRE 

HAMPSHIRE 

considering that many had been busy organising 

and eventing at the Orsett Show, on the previous 

day. We were lucky enough to be in the presence 

of many horses which were sporting ribbons from 

the previous days competition at the Orsett show. 

This made the drive even more impressive due to 

the high standard of turn out. The lots amongst 

others consisted of some very nice cobs and Welsh 

ponies, and one very pretty hackney pony. Also 

a very well done to Jessica and Dixie on their 

first organised drive with their pony Ellie. The 

weather was kind to us and the rain held off. We 

AC Peter Ford 

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

Saturday 22nd November 2008 - SKITTLES 

EVENING - Queens Head, Aston Cross 

- fun evening with supper - £11.00 per head - 

telephone to book your place - 01452 527031 

Saturday 13th December 2008 - CHRISTMAS 

MEAL - at The Beckford - £25.50 per head to 

include a three course xmas meal and a christmas 

present - with an option to join the dance which 

is going on in another part of the Beckford. Let 

AC Roger Page 

Tel: 01962 777863 

HEREFORDSHIRE 

Essex & N. London BDS 

members enjoying a drive on 

Canendon 

Summer came at last! What glorious weather we 

had for New Forest Driving Weekend. Our Sunday 

Best drive on Whitefield Moor, Brockenhurst, 

attracted 25 turnouts, many of whom stayed for a 

picnic afterwards in the warm sunshine, instead of 

dashing home for dry warm clothes! Unfortunately 

though, the weather was not kind enough to us 

for our Trec which had to be cancelled due to 

waterlogged fields! Better luck next year. 

Congratulations to Roger who has reached 25 

years as Area Commissioner for Hampshire. Roger 

was presented with a pair of silver cufflinks by 

Linda Swain, to commemorate the occasion, from 

all his appreciative members, at our annual dinner 

at Sway Manor on Friday 26th September. 

Thanks to some of our members hosting drives, 

we have raised a considerable amount of money 

AC Kay Walton 

Tel: 01989 540209 bdsherefordshire@aol.com 

This summer has been difficult for everyone 

and several shows in our area were cancelled 

unfortunately. However those that did go ahead 

started the drive around West Tilbury Village; 

many spectators lined the Green watching 

as the carriages drove through. We put to at 

3pm, accompanied by vehicles of competent 

stewards to ensure the safety throughout the 

drive. Following the success of the Christmas 

drive, we took a similar route through the 

country lanes in and around West Tilbury, 

ending up at the Ship pub in East Tilbury 

Village. Many thanks to Vera, Keith, Paul and 

all the Staff at the Ship who kindly 

sectioned off most the car park for 

the horses and laid on a lovely buffet 

of hot roast potatoes, sandwiches and 

tasty snacks which were very much 

appreciated. On the return journey 

we drove on through East Tilbury, to 

finish back at West Tilbury Village 

hall. The drive was 8.1 miles in total 

and throughout we were accompanied by Thurrock 

Camera Club who interviewed the drivers and took 

many photographs. Tea and cake were awaiting as 

Peter know if you would like to join us and 

subject to availability he will book you in. 

Saturday 7th February 2009 - SKITTLES 

EVENING - as above. 

Sunday 15th March 2009 - BDS GET 

TOGETHER SUNDAY LUNCH.- Ring for 

details 

AAC Stuart & Tessa Johnstone Tel: 01590 622945 

AAC Sarah McBride Tel: 012380 651953 

for some very worthy charities. These being: 

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Animal Rescue 

Team £237, Macmillan Nurses £169, Motor 

Neurone Research £100 and £160 for the Gift of 

Sight where Professor Lotery is doing research into 

age related Macular Degeneration. Well done and 

thank you to everyone who contributed to these in 

whatever way. 

Thank you once again to all the many helpers, 

stewards and hosts who have given their time 

during the summer to ensure that all ran smoothly. 

December 4th 

Xmas lunch at the Rising Sun, Wootton. 12 for 

12:30. Please tel Anne Mouland on 01590 678321 

to book in for this very popular lunch, no later 

than 27th November. All welcome. 

were well supported, it was lovely to see 21 

turnouts in the ring at Burwarton Show. The 

Hereford District Driving Group have had some 

Easton Farm Traditional 

Drive 

AAC Colin Green Tel: 01702 257197 

AAC Lisa Norton Tel: 07789 254181 

they returned, overall everyone who took part had 

a great day. After the success of both drives we are 

planning a winter drive and assessing a new route. 

Many thanks. 

Twenty seven turnouts enjoyed an eight mile 

drive around Canewdon, Essex on Sunday 21st 

September, luckily the sun shone for us. Grateful 

thanks go to our hosts, Mr & Mrs Roger Burroughs 

and the staff of the Plough and Sail in Paglesham, 

our half-way watering hole. Four donkeys enjoyed 

a slightly shorter route to the Punch 

Bowl, arriving back, fresh as daisies and 

showing up some of the other equines! 

Our Christmas meal has been arranged 

for Thursday 18th December at the 

Bell Pub in Rettendon, the same venue 

as last year, excellent food and guest 

speaker, Mr Roger Clark. Only 50 places 

are available, so book very early please. 

Ring Eunice on 01268 73291 or 07948 221297 

21 March ; ‘Clinics and Classes’ at the RDA 

arena Cheltenham racecourse for those with 

private driving and exercise vehicle turnouts. 

Learn more about ringcraft, rein handling, 

correct turnout and schooling for the show ring. 

Turnouts welcome at £10 each (must be prepaid) 

Contact the organiser Hazel Woodbridge on 

01793 770862 for more details. 

Spectators welcome on the day at just £5 each. 

ROW: Carole Ruse Tel: 01488 648397 

December 7th 

Xmas lunch Drive from Swanmore. Please tel 

Sue Page on 01962 777863 for more details. 

December 14th 

Xmas Drive from the Rising Sun, Wootton. Prizes 

for best decorated turnouts. Mulled wine and 

mince pies very kindly provided by Steve Croll and 

his staff. Please tel Anne Mouland to book in on 

01590 678321. 

January 30th (not 16th as previously stated) 

Late New Year Dinner and get together at The 

Swan, Lyndhurst. 7 for 7:30 pm. Please tel Tessa 

on 01590 622945 to book in. 

There will be test and test training days being held 

at Lowhill Farm during the winter months , so for 

more info on these please contact either Roger or 

Sue on 01962 777863. 

AAC Roy Moore Tel: 01568 797776 

www.bdsherefordshire.co.uk 

excellent rallies and good weather made their Fun 

Show one of the best days this year, 14 turnouts 

in the exercise vehicle class!

HEREFORDSHIRE Cont. 

KENT 

LANCASHIRE 

We shall be running our New Years Day 

Drive from KC Riding and Rescue Centre at 

Bodenham again this year and we hope to be able 

to run a Trec in 2009. 

The BDS stand will be at the Equestrian 

extravaganza at Tack Farm on the 25th October 

AC Sarah Owlett 

Tel: 01732 838320 

First I feel I must apologise to all the Kent 

members who received a newsletter from me with 

the wrong postage on it. 

Sara Howe has organised plenty of training days, 

which will be held at Bradbourne Carriage Driving 

Centre, Bradbourne Vale Rd, Sevenoaks unless 

otherwise stated. For bookings please ring Sara 

Howe on 07961314941. 

The Christmas meal will be held at The White 

Rock Inn Underriver on Thursday 11th December 

11th at 7.45pm. The cost is £24.95 per person. 

Please send an sae to BDS Dinner, Absoloms 

Farm, Underriver, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0SL for 

a menu before 24th Nov. 

For all details of Indoor driving, please ring Rita 

Bundock on 01227 768769. 

It has been a sad week. We have 

said a final goodbye to Tinker, 

our lovely 27 year old pony who 

taught my two sons, Liam and 

Lloyd to ride and drive and whom 

it has been a pleasure to own for 

the last 21 years. 

He has been one of those rare 

Tinker 

ponies who, although we have had 

lots of fun over the years he has never let me down. 

I used him for carriage driving tuition, he drove 

singly and as a pair and Tandem with Romany. He 

raised lots of funds at school galas, church fetes, 

attended rallies, fundays and helped hundreds of 

whips pass their BDS proficiency tests. He had the 

patience of a saint and a great sense of humour. He 

and we will have a small driving demonstration. 

Jane and Suzy have volunteered to do this so do 

come along and support them. Sheila Bell will be 

there with Peter as well. 

October 25th - Tack Farm, Equestrian 

Extravaganza organised by the BHS 

Diary 

Nov 11th - Road drive testing day, to book ring 

Sara Howe 

Nov 15th - Indoor driving at Golden Cross 

Nov 25th - Training with Sara Howe at Blue Barn 

Indoor Arena, bring your own turnout. To book, 

ring Sara Howe. 

Nov 30th - Indoor driving at Bradbourne, to book 

ring Sara Howe 

Dec 9th - WATO at Bradbourne, to book ring 

Sara Howe 

Dec 11th - Christmas meal at The White Rock, 

Underriver 

Dec 21st - Christmas Indoor driving at 

Bradbourne, ring Sara Howe 

AC Pat Calderbank LHHI 

Tel: 01772 423630/mobile: 07734 176827 pat.calderbank@healthgain.co.uk 

LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND 

December 13th - Supper & Social evening contact 

Linda or Jane 

December 21st - Christmas Drive from Springbridge 

Tel: Linda or Jane 

January 1st - New Years Day drive from 

Springbridge 

January 24th - Supper & Social evening contact 

Linda or Jane 

July – We had a Rally from Wartnaby, as usual Sioux 

and Dave made us all very welcome and even arranged 

good weather, with ice lollipops at the village green, 

and tea in the garden on our return 

August 3rd BDS Trec 

The weather was fine for the trec and we had a good 

turnout, an unexpected hazard on the tracks had to 

has been a much loved character in the North 

West. 

My other horses are missing him too, not 

least my 30 year old Freisian Stallion Sjouke, 

they shared the last 18 years together since I 

bought Sjouke. 

Autumn/Winter events; 

Xmas meal and get together at the Italian 

Orchard, Preston, Saturday 6th Dec 7.30pm. 

Please snd me £10 deposit, and bring your horsey 

stories and your friends to our festive meal. 

Boxing Day Drive, weather permitting, choice of 

route lengths, Spider Drive style, to meet at a local 

Hostlery at 12.30pm and finish at my stables, near 

Croston for Mulled wine and mince pies. Please 

ring me for details. 

be negotiated by drivers, since checking the route the 

day before a burnt out car had appeared on part of the 

track, all the drivers drove past without a problem. 

David Palett with Beryl Hall as groom came 1st, 2nd 

Mick Ward – Beauty, 3rd Heather Miles - Jack ,4th 

John Martin – Smarty, 5th Rosemary James – Apache, 

John Martin driving Smarty with 

Freda Martin grooming negotiating 

burnt out car on one of the tracks 


David Pallett driving Rosie with 

Beryl Hall grooming winner of 

the Trec 

October 17th – 19th - Welsh Cob Sales at 

Builth Wells 

November 4th - Reading Carriage Sales 

January 1st - BDS New Year’s Day drive from 

KC - 01981 540209 

AC Sara Howe Tel: 07961 314941 

AAC Barrie Luck Tel: 01892 723393 

Dec 27th - Indoor driving at Golden Cross 

2009 

Jan 3rd - Indoor Driving at Royal Leisure Centre 

Jan 17th - Indoor driving at Golden Cross 

Jan 20th - Road driving testing day to book, ring 

Sara Howe 

Jan 27th - Training with Sara Howe at Blue Barn 

Indoor Arena. Bring your own turnout. To book, 

ring Sara Howe. 

Jan 31st - Tack Auction at Underriver Village 

Hall. Viewing 6pm, auction starts at 6.45pm. 

Feb 7th - Indoor driving at Duckhurst EC 

Feb 21st - Indoor driving at Golden Cross 

March 8th - Carriage driving fair Ardingly 

AAC/ROW Peter Bamber Tel: 01772 784844 

AAC Colin Pass Tel: 01772 456621 

Leave your horse at home and join us for a social 

evening and great food at the Blue Anchor, 

Bretherton for a carvery; Sunday 4th Jan. 

17th Jan. 12md meet at EST, Debdale, Gorton, 

Manchester tel 0161-301-4051, for Bacon 

sandwiches and a guided tour of what goes on at 

this branch of the Donkey Sanctuary. Carriage 

driving, rides for the disabled and a whole lot of 

wellfare work, an interesting visit for all the family. 

The Website is www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk 

then click on EST, Manchester. 

The Winter BDS training is available again, and 

this time there should be no shortage of Assessors. 

So do get in touch whether you would like training 

or simply to come along for a Test. 

Best wishes and Happy Driving, 

AC Linda Cotterill Tel: 0116 2776242 

AC Jane Stretton Tel: 0116 2707732 mobile: 07711 084142 jane.stretton@vesa.org.uk www.leicsandrutlandbds.co.uk 

6th Rosemary Hall – Davy, Andrew Wright driving 

Blue was the turnout the judge would like to take 

home. 

August 24th - Fun Dog Show in aid of Springbridge 

Disability Driving Group 

Rosemary James driving Apache 

with Sarah Wright as groom 

tackling the skills 


British Driving Society | Driving Activities Across the UK 

NOV AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 

2 Dorset The Rockbourne Ride Rob 01725 518297 

Hampshire Meeting & Social Evening Tessa 01590 622945 

Lincolnshire Indoor Driving 

Kent Training Day Sara 07961 314941 

6 N. Scotland End of Season Meeting & Stovie 

7 Carm/Car/Pem AGM Dinner Gilly 

S. Powys Quiz Evening Kathy 01686 440675 

8 N. Scotland AGM 

9 Cheshire Winter Cones Barbara 0161 440 8410. 

Somerset Pub Lunch Chris 0117 959 1048 

11 Kent Road Driving Test Day Sara 07961 314941 

14 Cornwall BDS General Meeting Brian 01726 851144 

15 & 

16 

Flin/Den Training Day with Mark Evans Janet 01978 750024 

Lothian End of Season Meeting Yvonne 01620 842969 

N. Ireland Annual Dinner Dance Margaret 02892665893 

N. Ireland Road driving Assess. & Prelim Eug/Marg 

16 Guernsey Fun Event Dave 1481263496 

Sussex East Drive Sue 01285 890264 

18 Beds/Bucks CHDC Evening Kath 01442 258602 

22 Glos Skittles Evening 01452 527031 

Beds/Bucks Annual Dinner Linda 07850 706978 

Scotland Scottish AGM Dinner Dance in Perth 

23 S. Powys Rally Drive Emma 01591 610515 

W. Glam Test Day Peter 07929 072612 

Wilts Drive from Woodward' Joyce 01249 720608 

25 Kent Training Day Sara 07961 314941 

W. Scotland End of Season Meeting 

28 Dorset Area Annual Meeting Alison 01258 881295 

Cornwall Christmas Party Diane 07966595153 

29 Beds/Bucks Annual Charity Quiz Night Linda 07850 706978 

Gwy/Con/Ang Christmas Indoor Cones 01248 601012 

Sussex East BDS Assessment Day Helen 01825 872030 


DEC AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 

2 Isle of Man AGM & Quiz Wendy 01624 851302 

3 Beds/Bucks Lecture Series 01707 666865 

4 Hampshire Xmas Lunch Anne 01590 678321 

5 Devon Christmas Lunch 

Reading Carriage Sales 

6 Surrey Fish & Chip Supper 

Gwy/Con/Ang Xmas Quiz Morfydd 01248 680717 

Lancs Xmas Meal Pat 01772 423630 

Surrey Fish & Chip Supper Jane 0208 657 9393 

7 Somerset Xmas Lunch 

Driving Activities 

Hampshire Xmas Lunch Drive Sue 01962 777863 

Lincolnshire Indoor Driving 

Devon Christmas Meal Judy 01404 812742 

Dorset Christmas Lunch Alison 01258 881295 

Flin/Den Chritmas Meal Janet 01978 750024 

Somerset Christmas Lunch 

Suff/Cam Mossman Carriage Collection Elaine 01223 870181 

9 Kent WATO Sara 07961 314941 

11 Kent Christmas Meal 

13 Glos Christmas Meal 

Leic & Rut Supper & Social Evening Linda/Jane 

Mid & S. Glam Xmas Dinner & Dance Kat 07886 219211 

S. York & Not AGM Malcolm 01777 248210 

Wilts Annual Xmas Dinner Hazel 01793 770862 

14 N. Ireland Annual Dinner Dance Margaret 02892 665893 

Hampshire Xmas Drive Anne 01590 678321 

Beds/Bucks Spider Drive Linda 07850 706978 

Cheshire Winter Cones Barbara 0161 440 8410. 

Cornwall Christmas Drive Diane 07966595153 

Galloway Christmas Fun Day Jean 01557 814 672 

18 Isle of Wight BDS Xmas Dinner Rick 07528 099926 

Essex Xmas Meal Eunice 01268 73291 

20 S. Powys Xmas Lunch 01591-610515 

21 Beds/Bucks Young Drivers Fun Show Elizabeth 07971 454104 

Leic & Rut Xmas Drive from Springbridge Linda/Jane 

Mid & S. Glam Xmas Drive from Angel Hotel Sian 02920 832316 

W. Glam Xmas Dinner Jon 01639 637104 

26 Beds/Bucks Clasic Car Meet Shirley 01923 267919 

Lancs Boxing Day Drive Pat 01772 423630 

28 Gwy/Con/Ang Christmas/New Year Drive Morfydd 01248 680717

across the UK 

JAN 

09 

AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 

1 Dorset New Year Dog Walk Wendy 01258 857203 

Herfordshire New Years day Drive Kay 01981 540209 

Leics & Rut New Years Day Drive 

4 Lancs Social Evening Pat 01772 423630 

Surrey New Year Drive Jane 0208 874 0201 

Wilts New Year Drive Hazel 01793 770862 

6 Isle of Wight Juniors Gail 1983873529 

10 Beds/Bucks Social Evening Linda 07850 706978 


Suff/Cam AGM Eunice 01473 830326 

12 Mid & S. Glam AGM Sian 02920 832316 

17 Gwy/Con/Ang AGM Morfydd 01248 680717 

Lancs EST Meet 0161-301-4051 

18 Beds/Bucks Social Evening Shirley 01923 267919 

Somerset Pub Lunch Chris 0117 9591048 

Wilts Drive tbc Hazel 01793 770862 

20 Beds/Bucks CHDC talk Kath 01442 258602 

Kent Road Driving Test Day Sara 07961 314941 

24 Leics & Rut Supper & Social Linda/Jane 

25 Suff/Cam Drive Eunice 01473 830326 

27 Kent Training Day Sara 07961 314941 

29 Dorset Evening Meeting Alison 01258 881295 

30 Hampshire Late New Year Dinner Tessa 01590 622945 

31 Kent Tack Auction 

1 Wilts Drive tbc Hazel 01793 770862 

4 Beds/Bucks Lecture Series 01707 666865 

7 Glos Skittles Evening Peter 01452 527031 

Gwy/Con/Ang Ten Pin Bowling Morfydd 01248 680717 

W. Glam Coaching Talk by Colin Pawson Peter 0792 9072612 


15 Surrey Valentines Drive Jane 020 8657 9393 

Wilts Drive tbc Hazel 01793 770862 

21 Mid & S. Glam Quiz Night 

22 Cornwall Training Day 

Somerset Pub Lunch Kathleen 01823-672 377 

Driving Activities Across the UK | British Driving Society 

26 Dorset Evening Meeting Alison 01258 881295 

27 S. Powys Area AGM Emma 01591 610515 

MAR AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 

1 Beds/Bucks Trec Skills Linda 07850 706978 

3 Beds/Bucks Social Evening 01223 208278 


14 Beds/Bucks National Stud Trip Linda 07850 706978 

15 Glos Sunday Lunch Peter 01452 527031 

Gwy/Con/Ang BDS Drive Morfydd 01248 680717 

17 Beds/Bucks Annual Fun Quiz Night Kath 01442 258602 

21 Glos Clinics and Classes Hazel 01793 770862 

Wilts Refional Training Day Hazel 01793 770862 

APR AREA EVENT CONTACT TEL 


12 Gwy/Con/Ang BDS Drive Morfydd 01248 680717 



LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND Cont. 

LINCOLNSHIRE 

OXFORDSHIRE 

SHROPSHIRE 


Thank you for your support the afternoon raised over 

£400 pounds for the group and everyone had a good 

time with great weather. The entry this year was 83 

dogs (not one dog fight) 

Sept 7th - Leicestershire & Rutland Area Show at 

Springbridge 

David Faulkner 

Tel: 01205 460351 david.faulkner60@btinternet.com 

Congratulations to all Lincolnshire members 

who have done well in all aspects of Driving 

during the Summer Season, culminating in our 

Horseman’s Sunday on 28th September when 

£80 was raised for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. 

Our new Style Winter Championship 

AC Peter Kyle 

Tel: 01235 765810 peterkyle@tiscali.co.uk 

Many of the Oxford area whips and grooms 

joined the Berkshire area for the annual Windsor 

Great Park Drive on 24th August, courtesy of 

Dennis Perkins, AC Berkshire. The weather was 

kind, and the Park looked its best - a really good 

drive. 

On 31 August many 

joined Berkshire again 

for the AsheWarren 

Farm Drive, courtesy 

of Colin Pawson. 

This was reported as 

a most successful and 

enjoyable drive. 

AC Philip Holder 

Tel: 01952 242495 

philip@wellingtoncarriageco.co.uk 

Lorraine Edwards with Dianne Collacott 

driving Speckles at the Unicorn Trust 

Newport and District Driving 

Society’s annual club show was 

held at Chillington Hall on the 

6th of July by kind permission 

of Mr and Mrs Giffard. This is a 

wonderful venue, the backdrop 

of the stately home and the 

unsurpassed drive around the 

estate. We welcomed visitors 

from as far afield as Norfolk and 

Nottingham Cannock and the 

Welsh borders. Judged by John 

Rees winners were; in hand Kevin 

Turner from Cannock, Style and 

Performance qualifier-Elspeth 

Gill, Novice Whip - Sue Cole, 

Young Driver - Alice Green, Private Driving and 

Victoria Foods Qualifier - Tony Gregory. Only 

one of the six Victoria Foods Qualifiers was 

claimed - Sue Cole, one of our newest members, 

who also won the club points trophy. Concours d 

elegance was judged by Mrs Giffard and awarded 

to Julie Wedgbury. 

commenced 1st September, and we look forward 

with interest to the results. Don’t forget to use 

your card whatever type of driving, training, tests 

or fun days you are participating in. 

Indoor Driving dates at Laughton Manor, 

Lincolnshire: 2nd November, 7th Dec 2008 

Diane Collacott and Peter Kyle qualified as able 

bodied whips for the RDA on 27.8.08. They 

will now be able to accompany disabled whips 

on outings. This assessment was quite stringent, 

with a very heavy emphasis on safety. 

Diane Collacott and Peter 

Kyle accompanied Lorraine 

Edwards, a disabled whip, 

to a training day at the 

Unicorn Trust at Stow on 

the Wold, organised by 

Margaret Brockie, on behalf 

of Carriage Driving Sports 

Group for drivers with 

disabilities, over the 16th 

AAC Ursula Dobrowolska Tel: 01939 250936 

AAC. Lester Dagge Tel: 01584 890882 

John Gibson (Rights of Way) Tel: 01952 691214 

Tony Gregory in the 

Shrewsbury Carriage Parade 

Unfortunately we had appalling weather leading up 

to show so the ground was waterlogged, our original 

judge could not make it, and we hope she is on the 

mend and feeling better. We would like to thank 

Mrs R Bown for agreeing to judge at short notice, 

although in the end we had to cancel. 

We have had plenty of drives from Springbridge most 

We were back at Chillington Hall 

on the 20th of July for Country 

Fair hosted by Mr and Mrs Giffard 

in conjunction with Staffordshire 

Tourism and Leisure. Newport and 

District Driving society were invited 

to put on a display at the fair and 

were allowed to have a drive around 

the estate beforehand. Local BDS 

members Rod and Barbara Stockton 

led the drive with a team of 

Hackneys to the “Monarch” Road 

Coach. Later in the display area 

participants gave individual shows 

whilst each turnout was described 

by commentator Tony Gregory. A 

very pleasant day, thanks to Mr and Mrs Giffard 

for their invitation. 

At the end of July members travelled to 

Brampton Bryan in the delightful South 

Shropshire country side for the five days of 

Shropshire Driving days. We were joined by 

members who had travelled from other areas to 

weeks when nothing else is on normally stopping at a 

local pub for drinks. Hopefully if the weather remains 

good we will be driving most weekends from the yard 

if any members want to join us or arrange a different 

venue. Our thanks to all members that have supported 

us through the season and look forward to seeing 

them for some winter driving. 

AAC Gordon Denton Tel: 01724 711298 

AAC Kathleen Faulkner Tel: 01205 460351 

26th October, at Elms Farm Equestrian Centre, 

Caythorpe, is the first training day for our new 

Musical Drive (exercise vehicles) anyone in the 

immediate area interested contact David on 

01205 460351. Anyone wishing to take the 

Road Driving Assessment also contact David. 

AAC Karen Harvey Tel: 01993 880445 

kharvey@swets.com 

and 17th September. This was a really fulfilling 

two days, where the teaching was superb, and 

Lorraine achieved tremendous success with cones 

and obstacles. 

The Oxford area BDS website is in the process of 

development 

and should 

be up and 

running 

before long. 

Dianne Collacott being assessed 

by Mr. Colin Pawson for her RDA 

assessment 

Philip Holder (Website) Tel: 01952 242495 

Doreen & Peter Tindale Tel: 01785 661 903 

petertindale2@btopenworld 

take part. John Williams made us welcome to 

Williams brothers farm where in spite of having 

less stabling available this year, everything 

worked out well. Fanny, Mrs Mop’s niece alias 

Judy Pinkerton, put in an appearance at the 

Saturday briefing much to everyone’s amusement. 

Judy did a great job cleaning the toilets and 

husband Max provided evening entertainment 

with his guitar. John Gibson was in charge of 

base and with a bit of help from Anne Moses 

checked everyone in and out as well as delivering 

the human and horse refreshments to the lunch 

stops. Bill Frizwell was not able to be as involved 

as usual but we hope to see him fully back in 

action next year when his new knees are fully 

functional. We enjoyed three sunny days of 

driving, the weather deteriorated on Tuesday and 

Wednesday but it did not spoil the fun and we all 

survived the damp, meeting low flying jets and a 

flock of sheep coming in the opposite direction. 

Many thanks to the committee and Jackie our 

excellent caterer for helping make the event a 

success.

SHROPSHIRE Cont. 

SOMERSET & AVON 

Lizzy Laurence once again made us welcome 

to her brother’s farm at Sweeney Mountain 

Oswestry on 24th of August for our BDS Trec 

with 6 competing turnouts taking part. Well 

done to this year’s winner Elspeth Gill with Billy. 

One of the highlights of the season was the 

Shrewsbury Carriage Parade held in conjunction 

with Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council 

held on September the 14th. Twenty two 

turnouts took part. The carriages set of from 

Attingham Park at twelve noon for the six mile 

drive and were joined by the small ponies at 

the shire hall. The drives then continued to 

Shrewsbury’s Quary Park where the Mayor 

Councillor Mrs Anne Chebsey presented each 

turn out with commemorative brasses. The 

Mayor then travelled in AC Philip Holders 

AC Terry Barrett 

Tel: 01935 706386 terry4gloria@hotmail.co.uk 

July 20th, the Fun-day at the 

home of Mr. & Mrs. J. Yule, 

North Heywood Farm, Stewley, 

Wellington was a huge success, 

with competitors from Devon, 

Cornwall, Wiltshire, & Somerset 

competing. The overall Winner 

Over 14hh was Beverley Trout, 

driving TOBY TOBIAS, from 

Fivehead Nr. Taunton. Other 

results as follows;- 

CLASS 1.14hh & under. 1st. 

Gary Fuszard Martock. 2nd. Margaret Wyatt 

Roadwater. 3rd. Sue Douglas Warminster.Wilts 

CLASS 2.14hh & over 1st. Beverley Trout with 

Fivehead. 2nd Rachel Ball Westbury. Wilts 3rd 

Jenny Yule Wellington 

CLASS 3. DRESSAGE Maxine Ingham 

Saltash Joe Broadbent Clayhidon 

CLASS 4 CONES 1st Joe Broadbent 

Clayhidon 2nd. Hilary Sandon, East Harptree 

Drive from Mr. & Mrs. D. Whitfield Kentisbearne 

Beverley Trout driving Toby 

Tobias winner of over 14hh 

SUFFOLK, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HUNTINGDON 

AC Eunice Binder 

Tel: 01473 830326/07963 285 952 

eunicebinder@btinternet.com 

Summer events have been well supported by our 

members but the last of the summer has flown 

past and now we find ourselves with winter 

approaching. 

20th July. Suffolk Coast Drive from Dunwich 

Beach to Eastbridge Eel’s Foot. Twelve Turnouts 

joined us for this drive and picnic in the meadow, 

from all parts of our area. Tom & Elaine Farmer 

brought a pair of Friesians from Tick Fen, a 

State Coach with horses Baron and Derish 

in Semi State harness leading parade back to 

Attingham Park. The turnouts assembled on 

the lawn for the presentation of rosettes and 

this year a new trophy was presented by George 

Austin in memory of his wife the late Elizabeth 

Austin MBE who had been a long standing BDS 

member. The trophy went to senior member and 

former AC Trevor Teague. Tea was then served 

in the orangery. I am pleased to say that the 

standard of turnout was excellent and about half 

the carriages were traditional. The record crowd 

that turned up to watch the spectacle were surely 

not disappointed. Thanks to all who took part or 

helped with the organization not forgetting the 

two motorcycle police officers who escorted us 

through the busy streets of Shrewsbury. 

3rd. Maxine Ingham Saltash 

CLASS 5 Marathon & Obstacles 

1st. Joe Broadbent Clayhidon, 2nd 

Hilary Sandon, East Harptree 3rd 

Caroline Phillips Nether Stowey 

August 10th - The Drive from the 

home of Mr. & Mrs C. Isdell- 

Carpenter was supported by Six 

turnouts who drove 7 Miles to the 

home of Mr. & Mrs. Cogswell at 

Clayhidon for lunch followed by 

Cones & then back to Kerlyn Farm for Tea with 

Mr & Mrs C. Isdell-Carpenter, it was a lovely 

day & enjoyed by all. 

August 31st - Brought us once again to the home 

of Mr. & Mrs. David Whitfield, Kentisbeare, 

Cullompton. 16 Outfits enjoyed the Drive 

through the lovely Devon Lanes and the weather 

was kind which makes the day complete. We 

had a stop at Payhembury for refreshments which 

was very much appreciated, especially the cider !! 

Mrs. Whitfield and her helpers put on a fantastic 

Tea for all and everyone went home looking 

forward to the next one!!! 

December 7th XMAS LUNCH to be held at 

“OAKE MANOR GOLF CLUB” 0AKE nr 

Taunton. Adults £13-00 per Head. Children 

under 10 yrs £6-00. Numbers please by 

November 30th. Please make cheques out to 

B.D.S. SOMERSET AREA. Please remember to 


The September 21st Fun Day was held at Sunny 

Side Farm home of AAC Ursula Dobrowolski 

and husband Walt. The event is spread over 

five fields so different activities can be arranged 

safely. This year there was a nervous horse course, 

balloons, umbrellas etc, and a cones course, 

handy pony with a ghost train, an obstacle and 

on the lawn, horse shoe throwing competition. 

In the gazebo a raffle which raised £106.00 for 

Hope House Hospice. Some turnouts also went 

out on a drive. Ten ponies and forty six visitors 

enjoyed the event. Many thanks to Ursula and 

Walt. 

There are no definite dates available for winter 

activities at the moment but they will be 

published on the BDS Shropshire website and in 

the local driving club newsletters in due course. 

AAC Moya Bangham Health & Safety Tel: 0117 9591048 

AAC Kathleen Hill Tel: 01823 672377 

Bill. Dawson ROW Tel: 01225 427584 

send in your dates for Somerset Shows attended 

for the Points Trophy. As usual a Draw Prize will 

be appreciated. 12-30 for 1-00 p.m. Please send 

your cheque by December 1st. 

January 18th - PUB LUNCH without horses to 

be held at “THE NAGS HEAD” Thornfalcon. 

Nr. Taunton. 12-30 for 1P.M. Numbers please 

by January 11th to Chris Wilkins 

Tel: 0117 9591048 

Feb 22nd - PUB LUNCH without horses. 

For further details & Venue please contact 

Mrs. Kathleen Hill. Tel; 01823-672 377 

Out on a drive August 31st 

Hostess of Funday and cones at Heywood Farm, 

Jenny Yule, 3rd in Dressage 

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 

striking contrast to Janet & Nigel Sycamore’s 

Miniature Shetlands from Shimpling. 

On 6th August we held a social meeting with 

a Harness Maker at Rutland Arms Hotel, 

Newmarket. We had a good turnout and received 

a very interesting and enlightening talk from 

Malan Goddard, a local harness maker. We learnt 

the difference between good and poor quality 

leather, how harness is made, what to look for 

when buying second hand harness and what type 

of harness is appropriate for what job. A very 

enjoyable, informative evening was had by all. 

A very high standard was achieved by all the 

competitors at the BDS Trec held at Blandings 

Farm on 10th August. After a harness safety 

check and a standing presentation the turnouts 

completed a timed drive around the lovely grass 

tracks through the woods, along the corn fields 



SUFFOLK, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HUNTINGDON Cont. 

SURREY 

SUSSEX EAST 


and through the orchard. Next there were six 

skills to test driving ability and have fun with. 

A good time was had by all competitors. 

21st September saw a Traditional Drive from 

Easton Farm Park. A wide variety of 16 vehicles 

all turned out in their Sunday Best enjoyed a 9 

mile drive round the Suffolk Villages, followed 

by a communal picnic and a cones competition. 

Maureen Wilcox won the cones with Carrie in 

her Stratford Cart and daughter Jackie grooming. 

Ann Sisterton, a new member, put her minature 

Shetland into top gear and enjoyed a thrilling 

cones round! 

During the Summer our area has helped Peter 

AC Jane Brightwell 

Tel: 0208 657 9393 surreybds@aol.com 

With the dreadfully wet weather conditions we 

have experienced lately Dave and Helen decided 

to go ahead with the Whiteley Village Drive. 

Although on the Sunday morning travelling 

down the motorway I began to wonder whether 

we had made the right decision as the rain lashed 

down! But upon arrival at Whiteley things did 

not seem quite so bad and we all had a wonderful 

day of good old fashioned FUN and laughter. 

Including a very game resident of Whiteley who 

drove the cones in his scooter, it was certainly a 

day to remember. Thank you to all who took 

part and I hope you enjoyed the day as much as 

I did! 

Margaret’s Treasure Hunt in September was 

attended by eight turnouts who all enjoyed a 

super drive in wonderful sunshine (for a change). 

Margaret and her friends put a lot of work into 

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

AC Cathy Millard Tel: 07887 654174 

The Oaks 32nd Annual Show in 

August was a great success for the 

local BDS members who were in the 

ribbons for many of the classes. 

Later on in the month we met at 

Joyce Burt’s house for a drive around 

the lanes of Cowbeech. Joyce kindly 

provided lunches for us all, which 

were greatly received. 

The September drive was around the 

lanes of Framfield and the neighbouring villages. 

The weather was kind, gracing the day with 

sunshine. All returned for bacon rolls and cake, 

from the rapidly growing Highview café. 

The 19th of October’s drive is going to be held at 

Peasmarsh. The drive will entail a relaxing all off 

road drive around farmland and orchards. With the 

now travelling Highview Café. Please ring Donna: 

01797 230295 (evenings). 

November’s drive is for 

Children in Need on the 16th. 

We raised just over £1,000 was 

last year and we would like to 

beat it. The drives can be done 

with mileage to suit you and 

your beastie. Parking will be at 

Highview. Ring Sue 

Mrs. S. Page after competing 

the Road Driving Assessment 

Successful WATO candidates, Ade 

Matthews, Bob Cox and Sue Page 

Nichols from Shottisham to persuade his local 

council to clear the Byways in his area. See 

separate article. 

The Annual Area Meeting will be held on 11th 

January at Kirtling Village Hall, 11am for an 

11.30 am start. This is a social occasion and a 

a chance to find out about the Winter/Spring 

programme of events. Look forward to seeing our 

members there. 

7th December we are organising a visit to The 

Mossman Carriage Collection at Stockwook Park 

in Luton. This collection consists of 63 vehicles 

including original carriages from the 18th to the 

20th centuries and also many replicas made for 

preparing the drive and organising the food 

afterwards, it was much appreciated. A hat was 

put round at the end of the day and £130 was 

raised for Head and Neck Research at the Royal 

Marsden Hospital. Margaret was very touched 

by everyone’s generosity – thank you. 

With the winter months now upon us please 

do not forget our Fish and Chip Supper on 6th 

December with guest speaker Gary Docking. 

Don’t miss out on what should be a great 

evening. Book your tickets early. 

We will also be holding a New Years Drive this 

year so put the date in your diaries and come 

along for a drive and some mince pies and 

mulled wine. 

With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year 

and a big thank you for all your support. 

We are hoping to hold a Christmas 

drive in late December, we are still 

deciding on the location. When a 

suitable location is chosen we will 

send out a mail shot to everyone. 

Any offers on location or any 

preference in an area, please ring 

me (Sue). 

Myself, Lizzie, 

Donna and 

Claudia, Donna’s groom, this 

month attended the Dragon 

Drive in South Wales. I just 

wanted to write a quick thank 

you to Emma and Roger who 

organised the event. They did 

a fantastic job, juggling the 

drive and also running the 

Successful WATO candidates, 

Val, Katie, Anthea, Sue & Helen 

with Barrie Luck 

hotel where we all stayed. The drive was a real test 

of the horse’s fitness through the Brecon Mountains 

with staggering views and fabulous 

company. I recommend this drive to 

anyone who fancies a horsey holiday. 

Helen’s Report! 

We have continued interest in BDS 

exams in East Sussex, W.A.T.O, road 

driving assessments and preliminary 

tests are still run on a regular basis. 

Pinewood and Elstree Studios towards the later 

half of the 20th century. The collection covers 

trade and working vehicles to state coaches and 

life on the grand estates. This visit will be an 

enourmous help to anybody wishing to take their 

Intermediate Test as part of that test includes 

identifying different types of vehicle. There 

is an entrance fee of £2.50 and this also gives 

entrance to the craft fair so you’ll be able to do 

some Christmas Shopping too! Contact Elaine 

for details. 

25th January there will be a drive in Rendlesham 

Forrest with soup and rolls. Contact Eunice for 

details. 

AAC David Pritchard Tel: 01372 457074 

www.surrey@britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

Saturday 6 December Fish & Chip Supper with 

Guest Speaker Gary Docking, at Bocketts Farm, 

Young Street, Fetcham, Nr. Leatherhead Tickets 

£5.00. Contact Jane Brightwell, Highfield, 2 

Tandridge Gardens, Sanderstead, Surrey. CR2 

9HU (sae please) tel: 020 8657 9393. 

Sunday 4 January New Year Drive from 

Bookham Equestrian Centre, Great Bookham, 

Surrey. Please contact Jane Curtis for details on 

0208 874 0201 or 07949 227377. 

Sunday 15th February – Valentines Drive, 

Horton Country Park Epsom, ENTRY FORM 

from Jane Brightwell, Highfield, 2 Tandridge 

Gardens, Sanderstead, Surrey. CR2 9HU (sae 

please) tel: 020 8657 9393 (between 6pm – 

8.30pm). 

AAC Helen Bridges Tel: 01825 872030 

AAC Louise Mortime Tel: 01323 832035 

These are normally run in April and again in 

November. The November date is the 29th, to be 

run by Minta Winn. This will have the emphasis 

on road driving assessments. Contact me (Helen) if 

you require more information. 

As I have said before in these days of litigation owe 

is constantly having to prove competency, so all I 

can say is have a go! As you can see by the photos 

everyone is smiling so it can’t be that 

bad! 

The New Year’s Drive is from Golden 

Cross Equestrian Centre. Once again 

our friend Ian Bareham is kindly 

allowing us to park there for our annual 

event. The drive consists of a 5 mile 

flat drive which can be done twice if 

your beastie is still raring to go. The 

first turnout is to leave at 10:30. The 

morning is finished with a social gathering and a 

bowl of Sue Vines legendary soup to welcome in 

2009. Please ring me (Helen) on 01825 872 030 

We really do need the numbers for this drive in 

good time for the soup, rolls and rosettes. We only 

cancel this drive if it is snowing or blowing a gale… 

I will require mobile numbers for all turnouts. 

There will be a Spring come Bluebell drive in 

May at Woldingham. Barbara Kingsley-Monks 

has kindly invited us to an off road drive on her 

property. More details next issue.

SUSSEX WEST 

AC Colin Hurd 

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

On an unusually fine day for this time of the year 

West Sussex BDS hosted what is hoped to become 

an annual event, our first TREC. Kindly being 

judged by Linda Swain, eight high quality turnouts 

gathered for an informal introduction into the 

art and skills required by this growing discipline, 

Linda laid out various skills that her devious mind 

had developed and after a briefing on all three 

phases, allowed all forward to either walk the skills 

with some competitors taking the opportunity 

to harness up and practice for real, many good 

questions were forthcoming and Linda answered 

each of them adding comments and pointers for 

the event to come in the afternoon. 

First to go in pole position was our newest member 

(of about a week!) Jenny Moon, and although 

quite nervous she confidently led off into the 

presentation and then on to the 5.5km drive 

around, firstly a lap of our kindly loaned field 

(thanks to Mr D Mortimer of Aldwick), then 

on to a road drive in the quiet lanes of Lavant 

before returning and completing a lap of the field 

in the opposite direction, and to her surprise she 

was well inside the optimum time allowed. Jenny 

was followed off by probably our area’s most 

experienced, notorious and well known whip, 

judge, council member etc., etc., etc. Gary Docking 

who had bought a young Dutch horse in order that 

they could both experience Trec conditions, this 

also being Gary’s first time in such a competition; 

all our other competitors followed on and all 

enjoyed the drive with no problems encountered 

thanks to the stewarding of our AC, AAC, family 

and friends. Only one turnout managed to hit the 

optimum time exactly. 

Linda was pleased that all turnouts gave her a 

smart and safe presentation and all had taken the 

safety aspect of road driving on board with good 

and proper spares, headcollars and fluorescent gear. 

Competing in his first Trec, Jeff Osborne, best 

known for his scurry driving and for the last few 

years his support of the BDS with the Osborne 

championships, made a welcome appearance with 

his big coloured horse The Poacher which is to 

be aimed at light trade classes next year, both Jeff 

and his groom Alison saw the importance of good 

manners in Trec and Alison commented that she 

should have bought Jeff’s Horse of the Year Show 

bound hackney for a lesson. The smart pair of 

ponies of Elaine Thompson and Will Leslie found 

themselves back as single turnouts competing 

against each other with both performing well as 

is expected of these experienced whips and the 

honours going to Will on this occasion. 

The skills phase proved to sort the men from the 

boys (and girls from ladies) with test ranging from 

simple addition (difficult for some), a one handed 

figure of eight and reversing out of a marked area, 

and it showed that those who had good basic rein 

handling and understanding of how a turnout can 

operate, performed well and it paid in the results. 

A local turnout of Sue Martin gave a good account 

of itself and was soon gaining the benefit of having 

taken the chance of practising the skills and picked 

up good marks here. Jane Parsons was another 

who benefitted from the chance to practice and 

showed good understanding of the various tasks 

set. Well known lady judge, Jo Halnan-Blackwell, 

often known for playing the fool, proved that it is 

all an act and upstaged everybody by showing both 

driving skill and panache with her coloured cob Ta 

Ha and her springing of the hill, and with groom 

Rose hanging on for dear life, had all in stitches at 

the end of our event. 

After some sharp mental arithmetic (thanks Anne) 

the results were declared and our winner was the 

turnout of Jo Halnan-Blackwell and Rose Grind 

with Jeff Osborne and Alison Tucker as runners up 

and Sue Martin in a well deserved third. 

Thanks to all who attended and all of those who 

assisted Linda, Lesley and I in this event and we 

hope to make this an annual event and improve 

upon the challenges posed in our next Trec. 

Visit to the Hyatt Collection September 20th 

Under a bright late summer sun 15 members 

gathered at the invitation of Mr James Hyatt and 

were privileged to be shown around his extensive 

collection of carriages, trade vehicles, harness, 

accoutrements and pictures collected over many 

years. 

From the mail phaeton, shown this year with great 

success with his pair of Friesians (and Horse of 

the Year bound), to a hand carts and everything 

in between all where available for inspection and 

many questions and tales about each enlivened 

the afternoon. Most of the vehicles are in superb 

condition and some of the best of their types from 

WARWICKSHIRE, WEST MIDLANDS, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE 

Dawn Skett 

Tel: 0121 7823493 

Mobile: 04020 22825 

We have had a varied programme 

this season with hopefully 

something for everyone. Fillongly 

Show went ahead after torrential 

rain during the week with well 

filled classes. 

17th Aug Trec went well, with 12 

turnouts enjoying the sunshine, 

two smaller ponies took the short 

route and the rest took the longer 

route which happening to past the 

pub meant that many stopped for 

refreshment. We tried a few new 

skills, under flags is getting really 

Anne Tebbs & Willow, 

overall Champion of 

Show 

AAC Olive Belcher Tel: 01926 815240 

AAC Dianne Austin Tel: 01922 637191 

good now and the turn on the sixpence 

really easy for all turnouts, the one handed 

circle still tests the skills for some drivers. 

Mon 25th Aug found us at the New 

Country Festival at Stoneleigh. We were 

asked to put on a driving display in the 

equestrian ring for the spectators. A Trec 

skills comp with a cones course was set 

out and a three deep appreciative audience 

stayed all morning and a lively commentary 

was given by Marion Smith. There was 

some very stiff competition in all sections. 

We finished the morning with a pageant of 

carriages and carts through the years. Esme 


the finest makers and most having the correct 

accoutrements, in period bottles for the milk float, 

luggage for the luggage cart etc, I don’t think 

anyone checked if a coffin was with the two wheel 

hearse (but no doubt Jim would buy one if needed) 

and harness to complete the turnout with the 

greatest attention to detail possible. 

One of the vehicles which received the most 

interest was an immaculately restored four wheel 

governess cart as well as interest in a couple of 

recently purchased churns, which when opened 

for the first time, sadly didn’t reveal a stash of gold 

or silver. 

Thanks go from all present to the kind and most 

generous refreshments laid on by Jimmy and 

Lorraine and everyone’s glass stayed full for all of 

the visit. 

DRIVING TOWERLANDS. 

West Sussex members again proved themselves to 

be among the best whips in the country with all 

our HOYS qualified members forward all showing 

good form leading into the big one at Birmingham. 

Minta Winn won a good novice class with a new 

Sec B pony and Gary Docking had the Over 13.2 

non hackney class with Mrs Woolleys Striker, 

Jimmy Hyatt did not have the luck and was only 

third in the trade championship while Jeff Osborne 

left his hackney at home and showed for the first 

time his new trade turnouts both two and four 

wheel classes. Joanna Hartlands impressive pair 

stood out in the main ring to win her class and her 

son also performed well with the pair of coloureds, 

our area was well represented in other classes and 

a thank you to our most generous sponsor and 

area member Jeff Osborne for another successful 

Osborne Refrigerators series. 

By the time this is being read the HOYS champion 

will have been declared and it will all be over with 

the show season for 2008, but again well done to 

10% of our membership for qualifying and I hope 

that one of you managed to win the class. 

We are debating whether to have a Xmas do (for 

want of a better description), perhaps just a drink 

and a chat in a pub somewhere?, if enough people 

show an interest Lesley and I will arrange a suitable 

venue and date, and perhaps may be able arrange a 

speaker or quiz, or similar, please contact me before 

mid November to express your interest. 

AAC Chris Jacob Tel: 01564 775325 

AAC David Coghill Tel: 01604 762924 

(Northamptonshire) 

Howells led the parade with Thomas in his original 

Rally cart(1865), then Jim Yarrow & Boy with 

his lovely Victorian phaeton (1890). Peter Munt 

with Irish Draught pair Dallas & Diamond with 

his modern Park Brake followed by David Gray & 

Gipsy in his modern Spider Phaeton. Martin Munt 

with Gelderlander, Alltimo put to a Genesis Rally 

cart and Carl Warrilow & Blue Boy led the modern 

vehicles put to a Bennigton Intro 4. Lynne Green 

and Dartmoor Hill Pony Dexter put to a 4 wheel 

marathon vehicle were followed by Anne Tebbs and 

her Dartmoor Hill Pony Willow put to a Bellcrown 

Debut. Faye Taylor with miniature Shetlands Pepsi 

& Poppy to a Hartlands Micro Sports Carriage 

were followed by Lindsey Dorran with Just William 



WARWICKSHIRE, WEST MIDLANDS, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Cont. 

WILTSHIRE 

WORCESTERSHIRE 


to a 4 wheeled marathon vehicle supplied 

by Rene Schoop. Last but by no means 

least, although by far the smallest was 

William Semmens with his matched pair 

of Miniature ponies, Jerome & Black Tie 

to a perfectly scaled down phaeton. 

We have arranged Mary Wilde’s Trec at 

Preston Baggot for the 12th Oct. 

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 

Autumn Drive from 

Wharf Farm 

our web site for photographs from our events, you 

never know you might find yourself there! 

Sunday November 23rd Drive from Woodward’s 

Farm, Dog Trap Lane, Upper Minety by kind 

permission of Mr and Mrs Sheppard hosted by Ann 

and John Wadsworth. 11 for 11.30 refreshments 

on return. Contact Joyce White for further details 

01249 720608 

Saturday December 13th - Annual Christmas 

Dinner at Hafawey House Purton. Choice of menu 

£16.50 per person. Please contact Hazel as soon 

as possible as limited numbers Contact Hazel on 

01793 770862 

2009 

Sunday January 4th - New Year Drive from 

Greenhill Farm Tockenham, by kind invitation of 

Mr and Mrs Ivory hosted by Danny and Muriel 

Watkins 11 for 11.30. Refreshments on Contact 

Hazel on 01793 770862 

Sunday January 18th - Drive to be confirmed. 

Contact Hazel on 01793 770862 

Sunday February 1st - Drive to be confirmed. 


AC Paddy Marris 

Tel: 01885 410324 paddy@marris.net 

I have had a busy summer helping my granddaughter 

to train for the Junior World Trophy 

carriage driving trials held in Austria from 23rd to 

the 27th July. The English team came third, the 

Welsh last, but everyone did their best and we had a 

great time. We do need more young drivers to bring 

on for the future, please ask among your friends 

and relations and see if you can help to encourage a 

young person to start driving, several junior camps 

are held around the country and they are such fun 

for the children, two of my grandchildren went to 

the Swingletree camp in August and learnt so much. 

Our local clubs welcome juniors and arrange rallies 

and training days. See below for telephone numbers. 

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. 

Peter Munt at Packington Ford 

with his team of Irish Draughts 

Faye Taylor with Pepsi & Max at 

Packington Ford 

Sunday February 15th - Drive to be confirmed. 


Saturday March 21st - Regional Training day at the 

Cheltenham RDA Indoor Arena with Heather Noad 

and Sarah Wildy. Hands on with your turnout. 

Programme available shortly Please contact Hazel on 

01793 770862 to register your interest 

Sunday May 3rd - BDS Trec Oxfordshire Wiltshire 

Joint venture – preliminary 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 me. 

Area News 

In August we held our joint 

drive with Oxfordshire 

and drove in about a ten 

mile circular drive almost 

entirely off road east along 

the Ridgeway on the restricted byeway. We had great 

fun with just a slight shower in the middle. At the 

end we had a picnic in the field we had been allowed 

to park in. However just as I shut the gate on the 

field after the last lorry left the heavens opened, I 

didn’t think it was possible to get so wet so quickly. 

Sally Kerr and Joyce White complete 

their tally of drive rosettes 

We were particularly fortunate that our main Area 

Shows survived the weather, but Foxham, Cricklade 

Thank you everyone for all your help 

and cheerful comradeship which has 

made this season a very happy one. 

Northamptonshire, you are most 

welcome to any events, some have 

been quite close to your border. Any 

suggestions for events in your area will 

be most welcome. 

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

AAC Belinda James Tel:01684 310766 www.worcs.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

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 23304. Please telephone the organiser a week 

beforehand if you would like to join the drives. 

Belinda James and Lester Dagge reorganised the 

carriage driving classes at the Three Counties Show 

to give two days of showing with separate classes 

for over and under 13.2, two and four wheeled 

exercise vehicles and private driving and a concours 

d’elegance , Welsh show wagon classes for all 

sections, Hackney classes and light trade classes. 

The Wolverley DDC have an excellent programme 

of varying events and training. In August David 

and Lyn Smith held another of their most enjoyable 

weekends at their home with a show on Saturday 

and a mini event on Sunday. The club proposes to 

AAC Joyce White Tel: 01249 720608 

www.wiltshire.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

and Leigh were less fortunate. All these shows had 

road drives which meant that those trying to achieve 

their Red Rovers were in real trouble. Well how 

long does it take to organise a show – well actually 

5 days! When we realised that Leigh – the last show 

before the closing date, was to cancel their driving 

classes, thinking caps were pulled on! Almost a year 

to the day we returned to Glevum Farm ironically 

in Leigh (we held one of our training days there 

last year) where a very large concrete yard provided 

hard standing for parking and a raised slightly 

dome-shaped paddock a well drained ring. Web 

sites advertised the venue plus numerous e-mails, 

affiliations transferred, a judge booked and we were 

away. Sunday the 28th turned out to be a glorious 

day so with two classes and 4 competitors in each 

we had a show and everyone got their 

required drive rosettes. A great end to 

the Showing year. 

Nine members set off very early on 

October 4th to travel to Towerlands, 

a great day was had by all what a 

shame so many of you missed it. 

We stayed to watch the evening gala 

performance and returned home in 

the early hours of Sunday morning. 

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 

offer training for the Road Driving Assessment. 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 

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. 

Our newsletters are published in the BDS news 

and also on our website. Our AGM will be held in 

February 2009, details will be sent in January.

YORKSHIRE & CLEVELAND 

AC Daphne Summers 

Tel: 01653 648208 

e-mail: daphnecobwebs@yahoo.co.uk 

Well here we are at the end of another season. Not 

much to look back on I’m afraid! Rotten weather, 

lame horses, high fuel prices and poor attendance 

at most events, let’s hope 2009 will be a better 

year. We already have quite a few rallies booked, 

including a super new venue in Rosedale. It’s round 

the valley bottom, so you don’t need to worry about 

steep hills, we also have access to Cropton forest. 

The charity ride and drive in Dalby Forest was a 

huge success, as usual. Unfortunately, I was unable 

to complete it as Toby broke a loin strap at the 

SOUTH YORKSHIRE & NOTTINGHAMSHIRE 

GUERNSEY 

ISLE OF MAN 

AC Malcolm Salter 

Tel: 01777 248210 mnosalter@hotmail.com 

It’s been a disappointing end to the season with 

wet weather and the credit crunch taking their 

toll on area events. The fun day due to be held 

at Tuxford had to be moved at the last minute 

(due to wet ground) to Gill and Barry Coburns 

Egmanton home. Many thanks to Christine 

and Lucinda Southern for all their hard work in 

organising the event, and to Barry and Gill for 

stepping in to save it. Although I was not there I 

understand everyone had a great day. I hope more 

turnouts will turn up to these types of events in the 

future as they take a lot of organising and are great 

fun. The Trec that was rescheduled from May did 

not fair so well and had to be cancelled due to lack 

of entries, this was sad as again so much effort had 

been put in by Gill Coburn to run it and we lost 

AC Rose Yates 

Tel: 01481 258181 rose.yates@cwgsy.net 

The Guernsey leg of the inter Insular was held 

at the Club field with the ladies providing an 

excellent lunch and refreshments throughout the 

day for all who took part or spectated. The driving 

saw a clean sweep for Jersey in both the junior 

and senior competitions but it was a hard fought 

contest and everyone enjoyed the chance to catch 

up with our Jersey friends. 

The Cross country at Le Bemont Farm was well 

supported and it took place on one of the lovely 

Indian Summer days we have had.It was good to 

see some prospective new drivers who came to see 

AC Wendy Kirkpatrick 

Tel: 01624 851302 wendykirk@manx.net 

We didn’t manage to organise the Trec on August 

19th but had pleasant picnic drive instead. 

On 31st Aug we did hold our Trec. This was 

our first but it went very well and enjoyed by all 

inspite of dull and drizzly weather. 

We used a new riding track that has been opened 

in the north of the Island – Ballacorey. It is 

wonderful going as much of it is on old airport 

runways that now have grass growing through the 

AAC Jan Martin Tel 01405 860266 

AAC Mark Jopling Tel 01642 300030 

AAC Marnie Summers Tel 01347889118 

top of Bickley bank after doing seven miles, and 

although we repaired it as best we could out of our 

spares kit, we decided it would be safer to continue 

along the tarmac road. The weather was pretty good 

that day, so that added to everyone’s enjoyment, and 

we all look forward to next year’s event. 

I would like to take this opportunity to say a 

big thank you to everyone who hosted an event, 

and hope you will let us take advantage of your 

hospitality next year. An extra special thank you 

to Douglas Strachan for his Driving Trials training 

the £100 grant I had applied for as it did not take 

place. 

On a more positive note I did see a lot of our area 

members enjoying Chatsworth Country Fair and 

it was good to hear that Josie Mckenzie and Julie 

Peel did well with their novice pony. 

Showing competitors from our area had another 

good season. Linda Jones is steadily rising through 

the ranks; Eric Mills and Joanne Dobson have 

had some notable successes, Oliver Salter has been 

successfully taking on the adults and John Dobson 

and Janice Clough both Qualified for “Horse 

of the Year Show”. I must congratulate my wife 

Nicola who with“Thistledown Eric” became the 

Osborne Refrigerators BDS Supreme National 

what happened and were kindly given a trip round 

by Liz Garton and her Fell pony Moss. It is always 

a surprise to people how much extra work driving 

is to riding with the extra equipmment involved, 

but also how enjoyable it is. 

Dave Fallaize put in some hard work and new ideas 

to his field event, doing atake your own line cones, 

timed sections and obstacles and finally a scurry. 

Everyone taking part welcomed a change from the 

usual formats. The only junior who took part was 

April Walker who showed great improvment in her 

driving, coming a creditable second in the horse 

tarmac – lovely for driving. There 

was a good entry and it was won by 

Margo Dahn with “Bertie” followed 

by Joan Lever with “Llewin. 

We are looking forward to 

organising another next year. 

Earlier in the year 4 members Ken 

Corlett, Lynda Christian, Patty 

Squires and Margo Dahn passed 

BDS Trec 


ROW Pat Whelan Tel 01748 824 331 

Social Sec: Liz White Tel 01723 862091 

Newsletter Editor: Den Martin Tel 01405 860266 

days. Hopefully those who attended will have “got 

the bug” and become regular competitors. 

We are still looking for new ideas for events, 

especially in the Winter months, so do contact me 

if you have any sugestions, one idea is a visit to a 

professional yard, which I’m trying to organise. I 

look forward to seeing you all in the new season, 

hopefully with sound horses and raring to go. Best 

wishes for Christmas and The New Year. Daphne 

Summers 

AAC Graham Schofield Tel: 01709 586829 

AAC Gill Coburn Tel: 01777 870408 

ROW Barry Coburn Tel: 01777 870408 

Champions at Towerlands, repeating their win 

of this title in 2005 when held at Burghley and 

following them being Reserve Supreme at the same 

event last year. We are so fortunate to own such 

a pony. 

Our Annual Area meeting is at Rampton Village 

Hall on Saturday the 13th of December at 7pm. 

We will be holding a quiz followed by a pie and 

pea supper, please come along and support what 

is usually a very good evening. I would be very 

grateful if you could notify me if you intend to 

come so we know how many to cater for. 

Forthcoming Events 

13th December -Annual Area Meeting and Quiz, 

7pm Rampton Village Hall, Rampton, Notts. 

section with her father’s cob Tonto. 

Future events 

October 26th Cross Country at Le 

Bemont Farm and Hocarts Farm 11am Roy 

01481238711 

November 16th Fun Event at BSJA Chemin Le 

Roi Showground 11am Dave 01481263496 

November 15th Course walk above 2pm 

AGM date and venue to be advised 

contact Roy 01481238711 



ISLE OF MAN Cont. 

ISLE OF WIGHT 

JERSEY 

Scotland 


their prelim level 1. 3 members passed their road 

driving competence certificate – Lynda Christian, 

Lynda Kneale and Myself. 

Mr Walter Gilbey has kindly offered to open 

AC Margaret Honeybourne 

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

The last three months have gone rely quickly there 

has been so much to do. The Area Show was a 

great success and with seven entries in the Style 

and Performance class. The traditional vehicles 

were thin on the ground Jackie True has just 

come back to private driving after loosing her 

regular welsh driving pony. She now drives Vectis 

Jenny Wren a section A that she recently broke 

in herself. The judge(Mary Ford) liked this pony 

and her turnout so she won the private driving 

class and went on to be Show Champion, Victoria 

AC Phyllis Gouédart 

Tel: 01534 721151 phyllis.gouedart@googlemail.com www.jerseyhorsedrivingsociety.com 

The final round of the Skilled Driver of the Year 

was a true test of skill which left no room for 

error and needed two drive-offs as drivers finished 

on equal points over the three events. Beverley 

Le Marquand beat Emma Le Marquand for the 

seniors. In the novice class Dave Gallichan won 

on the day with only ten penalties but must have 

been disappointed to lose the drive off with Phil 

Rondel. Josh Baudains made his mark this year to 

be tops for the juniors. 

A new class proved very popular, a Topscore 

Accumulator with the course getting more difficult 

with more points to gain or lose, all hinged on the 

final chicane of cones. 

CENTRAL SCOTLAND 

AC Heather Gow 

Tel: 01307 462437 gow@pitscandly.plus.com 

July was Central Area’s time of year for Drive Outs 

and we had three very good evenings all thanks 

to the organisers Audrey Barron, Ian Ronaldson 

and Heather Reid. There were approximately 

11 turnouts at West Newton on the re-arranged 

date of 21st July. It is always a good drive in that 

the area is on fairly flat countryside and going 

right down to near the sea at Auchmithie. It was 

a wonderful evening which concluded with an 

excellent BBQ, ably cooked by Ross Stoneley and 

assisted by wife Judy. 

The Burnturk drive in Fife was supported by six 

drivers and again on a lovely evening giving one 

fabulous views over much of Fife and beyond. We 

ended up with a get together, drinking wine and 

eating Jill’s ‘goodies’. 

up his carriage and harness collection to the 

members throughout the winter to learn more 

about the type and construction of the carriages 

and make up of the harness. 

Foods Championship Qualifier and second in 

the concourse d`elegance class. Unfortunately I 

have no photo of her. Margaret Honeybourne 

was Reserve Champion also taking the Osborne 

Refrigerators Championships Mountain and 

Moorland Qualifier and wasConcours`delegance 

winner and 1st in Style and Performance 

Qualifier class with Shetland, Clothie Ex-Toll 

and a traditional Dog Cart ,Fiona Paxton Driving 

Parkhurst Tiger Lilly was exercise vehicle Qualifier. 

Both Jersey senior and junior teams won the 

Inter-Insular in Guernsey. It’s been ten years since 

this was achieved. As usual the hosts excelled 

themselves with their hospitality. 

Two driving trials were held at Les Cotils - sadly 

the last time as the hay fields go back to potatoes, 

the second trials was for novice/grooms/and 

juniors with the course already set up from the 

previous week only the obstacles needed reflagging. 

Ellen Littlechild has competed with success at 

Borderhill and Normanhurst this year and Tara 

Hill has had success with Bertie in Heavy horse 

classes. 

Amidst a spell of rather unsettled weather the 

Meikleour Drive managed to be held in ideal 

conditions. This drive takes place in a lovely wood 

where the tracks are rutted in places but generally 

they are fairly easy going and getting lost did not 

prove too much of a problem. Sharing the area 

with dog walkers and others usually means that 

the markers are turned in other directions! There 

followed a ‘bring & share’ feast for all to partake 

and was a happy ending to an enjoyable evening. 

Again there were eleven turnouts including three 

pairs – Jock McFarlane giving his new horse pair 

their first outing in public. 

The Anthea Greenlees Day at West Newton went 

very well with eight young drivers coming forward 

for tuition and help. There were three turnouts 

Dates to note 

2nd December AGM and Quiz – Manor Hotel 

Douglas 

AAC Gail Yardley Tel: 01983 873529 

AAC Richard Powell 

AAC Joanne Dunn 

Linda Pike driving Vectis Puzzle was 1st in 

the exercise vehicle class. Fiona also won the 

Lady Whip. Tracy Sillwood is new to driving 

and driving her coloured Cob My Lucky Lady 

came 2nd in the exercise vehicle and 3rd in the 

Concourse d`elegance. 

Abby Mackett took the Junior Osborne 

Refrigerators Qualifier and her Mum Nicki 

Five drivers got away early to beat the impending 

storms to compete at Towerlands and had 

commendable successes. 

Dates for 2009 

Indoor Trials at Les Marais 

February 1st, 15th; March 1st, 15th 

Spring Show - 3rd May JHDS Showground 

Midsummer Show - 7th June JHDS Showground 

Junior/Novice Show - 5th July JHDS 

Showground 

Annual Show - 1st/2nd August JHDS 

Showground 

AAC Ann Small 01334 840609 

for the children to drive. All of the candidates 

got some reward at the end of their day in the 

form of a lesson (or more) from a known driving 

instructor. Eileen Cornish and Sheila Macneill 

kindly assisted Audrey on the day. 

One has to mention with great sadness and shock 

the tragic accident on the A9 on 26 July when 

both David and Juliet Oswald were killed along 

with their beloved dogs. They had both given 

much of their time to the Driving world and will 

be sorely missed. Our sympathies go to their four 

children and extended family at this sad time.

DUMFRIES 

GALLOWAY 

AC Catriona Murray 

It has been a very wet summer and we had to 

cancel our drive at Craigshaw which had been 

postponed earlier on this year also due to the 

weather, here’s hoping next year will be better for 

us all. We managed to hold with success our first 

Venture Competition Drive at Dunwoodie Lodge 

near Lockerbie. Our members Debbie Findlay 

and Margaret Rogan along with their partners 

organised and run the event for us. They had 

organised and had worked hard on mapping out 

two routes 18km and 10km mapped out for any 

member who had small ponies. The venture 

drive is run very much like the endurance rides, 

where members are given the map and the notice 

board shows the km markings for members to 

AC David Ivison 

Tel: 01581 300269 

A trial of a fully-fledged Venture Drive took place 

at Lochinch near Stranraer on Sunday September 

7th. A 20 km long distance drive, driven in 2 

parts, was successfully completed by a number 

of Galloway drivers. This was, unfortunately, 

the last outdoor event of the driving season, as 

the Trec Day planned for the end of September, 

itself a rerun of a previously cancelled day, was a 

casualty of a poor entry and was called off. 

However, an enthusiastic planning meeting at 

Gatehouse Of Fleet, has mapped out a series of 

events for next 12 months that include, training 

days, fun events, a Venture Drive, Trec, a number 

LOTHIAN & BORDERS 

Yvonne Anderson 

Tel: 01620 842969 

I am coming to the end of my first year as AC for 

the Lothian and Borders area. It has been quite a 

steep learning curve as I have not done anything 

like this before, but it has been great meeting 

some really good people who are all interested in 

the same thing, Carriage Driving. Lots of issues 

have come up and I have had many discussions 

with all kinds of people about all kinds of things 

especially access to paths and routes that we as 

carriage drivers need to exercise our ponies in a 

safe way off road as well as on road. This is still 

an ongoing mission that I will try to help with 

but it does seem that every area has a different 

NORTH OF SCOTLAND 

AC Jack Clyne 

Tel: 01456 476365 

The Grampian area has been blessed with 

reasonable weather this autumn and all our drives 

have taken place as scheduled. 

A Drive and picnic was held at Fasque house, 

near Fettercairn in early August when some of 

our BDS friends from the Central area joined us 

for the 14 and 19km routes through the grounds 

of Fasque house and the picturesque village of 

Fettercairn. 

work out for themselves the distance and timings 

travelled. 11 members participated and for a 

change the weather was kind to us. Many thanks 

to The Forestry Commission and to the local 

estates, who gave permission for us to use their 

grounds as part of the course. Ann Varley was 

on hand to TD, risk assessment and Harness and 

Carriage checks before each turnout started the 

course. Ginger and Audrey Taylor did our vet 

checks and start, middle and end, with 20 years 

experience with endurance they were a great 

asset to us. We had a good mixture of drivers 

from trial drivers to pleasure drivers and those 

with young inexperienced horses. The event 

was judged on fitness of the horses, time keeping 

of shows and a visit to Northern Ireland. 

By the time this report is published, the first 

of our winter training days with Andrew May 

will have been held, and the second one will be 

held at Barstobrick on Sunday November 9th. 

Our annual Christmas Fun Day is planned for 

Sunday December 14th, mince pies and mulled 

wine included, at Barstobrick. For further details 

of these two events please contact Jean Clarkson 

(01557 814 672). 

A winter lunch, with or without a guest speaker, 

seems to have become an event eagerly looked 

forward to by members, and this coming January 

outlook. Some councils like us to drive off road 

and others seam to want to close all our access! 

We will have to see how I go. 

We have had a quite time of late but we had a 

great drive out that Shirley MacGregor organised 

from her farm in the Borders, it was lovely 

weather and some super scenery including the 

lamas! Thank you Shirley and hopefully we will 

do it again soon and get more people along for 

the drive next time (it is well worth it ). 

Our end of season meeting will be on Friday 

14th November (Not sure where yet but I will 

We then had a drive and picnic at Glen Tanar 

and a sunny day in September made the scenic 

routes most enjoyable. A new route was taken for 

the long 22km route which was a challenge for 

the three drivers who completed that section of 

the drive. 

Unfortunately there was some heavy rain just 

as the drivers were setting out for the drive 

at Pluscarden Abbey in Morayshire on 27 


AAC Margaret Lupton Tel: 01461 201123 

Martinl757@aol.com 

and any penalties picked up for loose shoes or 

incorrect fitting of harness. The event was lost 

or won on the heart rate at the start, half way 

and finish of the horses. Everyone one got a 

placing but they also got gold, silver, or bronze 

standard certificate on their horse’s performance. 

We hoped this would encourage drivers to have 

another go to improve their heart rates etc. The 

whole day was a great success and everyone had a 

great day out. There must be many people who 

have ideal grounds around them for an event 

like this and don’t do it because they think they 

couldn’t do it. It’s not that bad HAVE A GO! 

On 14 November we are having a social Evening 

at Craigshaw. 

AAC Jean Clarkson 

AAC Sue Mattison 

seems to be no exception. So members are asked 

to watch out for further details of venue and date 

in the next newsletter. 

Harness and carriage check by AAC Jean Clarkson at 

start of Venture Drive at Lochinch, Stranraer 

put it on the web site for times and venue). This 

is the weekend before the Dinner and Dance and 

meeting so hopefully we can all discuss, as an area 

what we would like to do next year and get some 

dates down that suit. I have some ideas (cones, 

Trec, drive outs, more Road Driving tests etc) but 

would like as many people to come along and tell 

us what they think we should do and when. 

I look forward to seeing as many people as 

possible from my area on the 14th November 

so we can have lots of things to look forward to 

next year. 

September which prevented the drivers on the 

20km route from seeing the spectacular views 

over the Moray coast and over the Firth to the 

hills of Caithness but everyone enjoyed the drive 

and the Benedictine monks were happy to see us 

back at the Abbey for our fourth annual visit to 

this historic venue. 


Wales 


NORTH OF SCOTLAND - HIGHLAND 

CARMARTHENSHIRE, CARDIGANSHIRE & PEMBROKESHIRE 


Highland Carriage drivers at Buntait Fun Day 

WEST OF SCOTLAND & GLASGOW 

AC Sheila McNeill 

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

In mid summer, BDS West was delighted to have 

3 youngsters (albeit non-members) come forward 

for the Anthea Greenlees junior training day. This 

was held at West Newton, near Arbroath by kind 

permission of Audrey Barron. David Jarvis from 

Ayrshire, who works with a local hunt group, 

was runner up for the award but the trainers all 

felt everyone deserved to be encouraged so other 

awards were made from half-day to one-hour 

lessons with an LHHI of their choice. We hope to 

see more of these young drivers in the future. 

I’m afraid I have been a bit out of touch with 

driving in our area these last few weeks having, 

very selfishly, gone off on holiday in the middle of 

the season! But how could I resist the offer of free 

tickets to the equestrian games in Hong Kong?! 

I had a fabulous trip and thoroughly enjoyed 

spectating at the cross-country and showjumping 

phases of the 3-day eventing – rewarded 

enormously in witnessing Team GB winning the 

Bronze medal. If put on the spot about my most 

favourite bit of the trip......... I have to say it was 

Despite spiralling fuel prices and dismal weather, 

the shows seem to have been very well supported. 

Thank you to everyone who has made an effort 

whether to take a turnout, steward or simply turn 

up to support. 

This year saw the return of the BDS Annual 

Tandem Club Meet to Wales on the 27th July. It 

turned out to be a stunningly beautiful day that 

was very well supported by Welsh BDS members. 

There are a lot of thank yous attached to this 

event; the stewards who met down the pub one 

night to discuss tandem turnouts, harness etc 

AC Gilly Flanagan 

Tel: 01646 661616 

The least said about our summer the better, but 

we have still had some lovely drives. Many thanks 

to our hosts, for all the work they put in, plans, 

maps, tea and generally looking after us all. 

Sadly, Ann Windsor’s fun day was cancelled, 

impossible to go on any fields. We did have 

a good road drive into the hills. However my 

thanks to all those I stood down, Stan Bates for 

the Dressage, Mike Eaton and Modris Kesans for 

the cones and the cross country challenges and to 

Due to slightly damp 

conditions this has not been the 

most successful season, however 

the Epona Cup went extremely 

well with Eleanor Love taking 

first for the day. In August for 

the first time, we held a Grass 

Roots day at Scotsburn, Rossshire, 

which was well attended 

and Carolyn Love was the 

to see all those fantastic steeds thundering across 

a golf course! The XC course was constructed 

on a fairly newly-built golf course in the New 

Territories and there was something quite wickedly 

delicious about seeing “hallowed turf” being carved 

up by galloping hooves! My friend and I were 

completely blown away with the hugely impressive 

organisation surrounding the equestrian events – 

here’s hoping London 2012 can live up to, or even 

exceed, the Beijing/HK 2008 high standards! 

Our darling UK weather has also contrived to 

decimate attempts to hold driving events in the 

latter part of our season. Evening/afternoon drives 

have, latterly, not been terribly well attended 

(understandably!) but nevertheless hearty thanks go 

to hosts who have gone to a lot of trouble to mark 

routes and prepare lovely suppers/afternoon teas 

for those who have braved the elements with their 

turnouts. Hope springs eternal that the rain will 

desist soon, at least so we don’t have to flounder 

around in liquid mud all winter again. Sadly, our 

Trec event had to be cancelled owing to poor 

and what to do in the event of an accident, Gilly 

Flannagan, Alison Kesans and volunteers for 

the High Tea, Dave Morris for standing as First 

Aider (Wendy for lending him), Richard James 

for assessing the turnouts and Stan Bates for 

sponsoring, organising the routes and coming 

up on Friday night to put up the marquee. Four 

BDS members joined the Tandem Club: Sian 

Burrows (Mid & S. Glam AC), Liz Matthews, 

Tom Robinson (all the way from Jersey) and 

Chris West (BDS Wales ROW). Congratulations 

to you all and thanks to their support teams 

all the others who would have helped on the day. 

By the 21st Sept, the weather had changed and 

we had a most lovely day in the Forestry above 

Llandovery. As always, beautifully signed and led 

by Alan Walters, Tea by Helen and lots of chat by 

us all. A wonderful day to end the driving season. 

Our Juniors, Fleur and Jay Snow and Eleanor 

Stevens have been very busy. Well done with your 

eventing and thanks to our adjacent AC, Peter 

Edwards and Rowena Moyse for all the good 

winner on the day. We have had to cancel two 

picnic drives this year due to some very unsettled 

weather conditions. Another member of the Love 

family, Catriona, our youngest driving member 

took overall winner for the year. 

Our season will end with a bang as we have our 

AGM along with a bonfire party at Craigiellachie 

on Nov 8th. 

AAC Robert Robertson Tel: 01292 520477 

ground conditions but we hope to re-schedule for 

earlier in the new year. 

The annual BDS Scottish dinner dance in 

November (book your tickets now!) will be when 

trophies are awarded for this year, and the West 

area is very proud to have members at the top end 

of the Whitehall and Chairman’s Cup league tables. 

Congratulations to all for the excellent support 

they have given in travelling the country with their 

turnouts to participate in the various events. 

Whilst we are all now thinking of putting covers 

on our carriages and roughing off our equines, 

please don’t forget the winter meetings! The first 

of these will be held on Tuesday 28th October at 

7.30pm in the Fairweather Hall, Newton Mearns 

with guest speaker, Mr J. Ferrie (farrier). Tickets 

£4 at the door. 

On Tuesday 25th November we will have our end 

of season evening, again starting at 7.30pm and 

held in the Fairweather Hall, Newton Mearns. 

(Details will be sent to members shortly.) 

who as we all know are absolutely essential. Not 

forgetting Penny Richmond, who having already 

obtained her Tandem Bars came along with her 

coloureds to enjoy the drive. Commiserations go 

to Anna Mann who was not able to attend as her 

leader turned lame. 

A small reminder that next year minutes will be 

emailed to members unless specifically requested 

in writing from the BDS Wales Secretary. Please 

email your email address to the Secretary on 

michellereid128@hotmail.co.uk Thanks to all 

who have already done this. 

AAC Anne Windsor Tel: 01994 240066 

AAC Mark Evans LHHI Tel: 01550 779066 

work they put in with the training. 

Time to plan for next year. I will quizz you all at 

the AGM on the 7th Nov, but if you are missing 

that, do you want indoor fun/tuition in 08/09. 

More tuition days, drivers weekend camps with 

drives or fun days?? Give me a clue and we will 

plan from there. 

Fone for phun.

FLINT/DENBIGHSHIRE AND NORTH POWYS 

AC Janet Williams 

Tel: 01978 750024 

bdsnorthewales@aol.com 

Summer is our quiet time of the year where 

members follow their chosen activities showing, 

horse driving trials or simply doing their own 

thing. This year was wet but we only had 

one show cancelled and we had to move our 

TREC weekend from Erddig to Bwlchgwyn 

the highest village in Wales due to the ground 

at Erddig being waterlogged. Congratulations 

to all members who were successful in the show 

ring and it was very nice to see people who had 

been on our training courses competing for the 

first time in the show ring at County level. Steve 

Griffiths, our treasurer, had a busy July as he was 

responsible for bringing to Wales for the first 

time a very successful Welsh National Driving 

Trials held at Erddig Hall Wrexham. He invited 

our Area to promote the BDS with our stand and 

many members were asked to help on marathon 

day, this was an opportunity to show two 

different disciplines of carriage driving working 

together. 

BDS North East Wales 

Display and Roadshow 

With the support of the 

Awards for All the Area 

attended many local & 

County shows, the Welsh 

National Driving Trials 

Wrexham and local equine 

stores open evenings with Avril Pluck & Spin 

our display / road show 

to promote the BDS and carriage driving in 

North East Wales which went very well and we 

met many visitors who wanted to learn to drive 

and hopefully boosted the BDS membership in 

North East Wales and surrounding counties. 

August 30 & 31st Bwlchgwyn (the highest 

village in Wales) saw many horse drawn turnouts 

enjoying a relaxing weekend on the smallholding 

owned by AC Janet Williams. Saturday saw 

the four in hand team driven by Brian Reed 

(Bryneglwys) joined by Peta & Elfyn Ellis 

(Kinnerton) and Dianne Rimmer (Chester) head 

for the nearby Coed Llandegla, before everyone 

could enjoy the carriage trails everyone had to 

negotiate the Kent Gap which Brian negotiated 

his team with ease. After spending over two 

hours on the traffic free 7.5 mile carriage loop 

everyone returned for driven cones, which saw 

several visitors who had never driven before 

having a go at cone driving under the supervision 

of Training Officer Medina Dicks. Prior to the 

evening buffet arranged by the AC, visitors were 

entertained to a wonderful display of balloons 

flying overhead, from the Llangollen Balloon 

Festival, many of them landing in fields close by. 

Sunday morning was spent in break out sessions, 

with those new to driving taking advantage 

of expert tuition in setting to the correct size 

of vehicle and harness, this was followed by a 

leisurely drive along the Carriage Trails of Coed 

Llandegla. Medina Dicks and Dilwyn Lloyds 

led the drive with their novice tandem of Welsh 

Section A ponies Tynderw Blue Boy & Zebedee 

and were joined by Owen Williams of Pen Y 

Cae, Edith Hocknell Whitchurch and Dianne 

Rimmer Chester. The weather held out allowing 

over two hours in Coed Llandegla whilst Mr & 

Mrs Brown took the opportunity to drive their 

young novice pony along the quite Old Roman 

Rd. After a late lunch, the rest of the afternoon 

was planned for cone driving but unfortunately 

rain stopped play. 

BDS Trec / Fun Weekend September 27 & 28th 

Due to the waterlogged ground at Erddig it was 

decided not to cancel the weekend but bring the 

event to the ACs small holding and incorporate 

Coed Llandegla as part of the TREC. Saturday 

saw members from Shropshire BDS Area joining 

our members for a chill out day driving in 

Coed Llandegla Forest with kind permission 

from UPM Tilhill who are very supportive by 

allowing the BDS drives through the forest that 

has traffic-free trails that rise to over 1800 ft 

with magnificent views of Snowdonia and the 

Pennines, after enjoying the nine mile drive 

everyone returned for the fun of driving a cone 

course. Visitors at Coed Llandegla were surprised 

to see Shropshire BDS member Avril Pluck 

driving through the forest with her Carriage Dog 

Spin the Dalmatian in the traditional 

role as a companion road and 

carriage dog. 

Sunday September 28th saw the 

Area 37 AC Janet Williams hosting 

the Area’s first BDS TREC. The first 

stage was a nine-mile drive which 

included a 7.5 mile drive through 

nearby Coed Llandegla forest, to 

make it different as part of their 

skills turnouts were marked on entering and 

leaving the forest on how they negotiated the 

Kent Gap and moving away from standstill on an 

incline, on return back along the Old Roman Rd 

competitors were marked on how they walked 

without breaking into a trot and once everyone 

had arrived back and settled their ponies down, 

all whips/grooms and assistants enjoyed lunch 

provided by Janet Williams. 

The afternoon was spent driving through a 

series of everyday obstacles that can be found 

on lanes and roads where points are awarded for 

correctness, the pony standing still for a minute 

was included should road junctions or traffic 

lights be encountered. Even Christmas arrived 

early with Santa & Snowman standing guard on 

the joker obstacle. 

RESULTS 

1. Elfyn and Peta Ellis 2, Dianne Rimmer 

3.Corinna Jones Team Angus 4.Owen Williams 

5.Linda Lewis Joint 6th Rachel, Team Angus & 

Elizabeth Brown 

October 11th Saw Flintshire County Council 

Community Chest funding a Carriage Driving 

Information Day event run by our Area. Our 

group were joined by members of the public 

from Staffordshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and 

Gwynedd together with many local people 

who were interested in carriage driving at the 

Maelor Equestrian Centre, Hope, Flintshire for 

an informative fun day. Clare Harrison started 

the day off by explaining and demonstrating 

the Equine Bowen Therapy. This is a gentle and 

non intrusive hands-on therapy, based on the 

principles pioneered by the late Thomas Ambrose 

Bowen of Geelong, Australia, suitable for equines 

and humans. Clare was followed by Caroline 


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 

Dickens Northern Area Manager of Baileys horse 

feeds who gave a presentation ‘On Feeding a 

driving equine’. Caroline explained the various 

feed and supplement diets and offered to write 

up diets. Caroline explained that no two horses 

or ponies are the same and used various breeds 

of ponies present to demonstrate this important 

part of feeding and diets for driven equines. The 

morning sessions concluded with Medina Dicks, 

the area’s training officer, giving a demonstration 

on correct harnessing and ‘Putting To’ a driving 

pony. This practical session included, various 

harness, bits, reins and correct fitting of harness, 

to make it safe and comfortable for the pony and 

why a harness check is so important for carriage 

driving. The afternoon was spent giving those 

interested in driving the chance to ‘Act as Groom’ 

being driven around the cones / Handy Pony 

course by members and Dilwyn Lloyd assistant 

training officer spent time showing how to long 

rein a pony and explaining why long reining 

plays a major part in the education & training of 

a driving pony. Riding hats funded by Awards for 

All were available for the youngsters to have a go. 

16th October Area member Rose Hislop who 

works for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 

Scheme had the daunting task of putting 

together the high profile promotional event on 

October 16th in the grounds of Yale College 

Wrexham. Rose invited our Area to take part 

to showcase the nature of driving, the work of 

the BDS, illustrate the work that we do and 

how young people can get involved through the 

Award. Prince Edward, who is the Trustee of 

the award scheme, spent time discussing how 

carriage driving fits into the award as he chatted 

to AC Janet Williams, BDS training Officer 

Medina Dicks and member Owen Williams. 

The morning and afternoon sessions, were spent 

showing groups from St Christopher’s School 

Wrexham, Yale College, Dinas Bran Llangollen 

& Woodlands School, Wrexham with the star of 

the day, Gorsehill Jenga, a 7 year old Shetland 

gelding who stood for children and adults while 

Medina Dicks demonstrated on Jenga how the 

harness fitted. She also explained carriage driving 

was an excellent outdoor activity, leaving no 

carbon footprint whatsoever and was one of the 

fastest growing recreation activities in the U.K. 

Diary Dates 

16th November Training Day with Mark Evans 

LLHI to be held at Maelor Equitation Centre, 

Hope, Flintshire, anyone interested in attending 

this hands on Event are welcome to come along 

and watch instruction being given, the day 

commences at 10.00a.m and finishing around 

4.30pm there will plenty of opportunity for 

questions & answers and open discussions. 

7th December Annual Christmas Drive and 

Lunch at Coed Llandegla further details on our 

website www.northeastwales.britishdrivingsociety. 

co.uk 

2009 Events dates to be confirmed 

February 09 Area AGM 

April 09 Art of Carriage Driving Event funded 

by Awards of All 

May 9 & 10 Area show at Erddig Hall Wrexham 



GWYNEDD, CONWY & ANGLESEY 

MEIRIONNYDD 


AC Morfydd Greatorex 

Tel: 01248 601012 

Since our last newsletter the shows have come 

upon us in force. 12th July Trefor show was held 

with good entries forward, Champion was given 

to Morfydd Greatorex driving Mongarnedd 

Morgan & Reserve was Keith Bryant driving 

Smokey. 

13th July we held a drive of about 8 miles along 

the country lanes in Anglesey starting from 

Henblas country park, 5 turnouts took part and 

we all had tea & cakes in the café on returning. 

On the 19th & 20th July Colin & Lynn Walmsley 

held their charity fun weekend, with a mixed bag 

of weather everyone had a great time and good 

food on the Saturday night, raising over £1,000 

well done. 

The following week was the Royal Welsh Show, 

with locals Helen & John Williams winning 

their class with their homebred Welsh section ‘C’ 

mare Seiont Glesni, a great 

achievement for their family. 

2nd & 3rd August was the 

BDS area 55 North Wales 

show please see the separate 

show report. 

9th August was the local 

show at Eglwysbach with 

only two entries forward 

for Judge Dewi Evans who 

gave Champion to Anthony 

Spencer with Fron Bertie and Reserve to Val 

Jones’s pony Llanidan Islwyn. 

13th August was Anglesey Show with very wet 

weather on the Tuesday that may have put some 

competitors off coming on Wednesday, with 

not all the entries forward. Well done to all the 

locals that did so well, Tilda Manson winning the 

Pleasure Driving Class, Helen Williams winning 

the Cob to a Show Wagon and Bob Parry from 

Mold winning the Private Driving and then going 

on to win the Championship. 

Anglesey Show Champion Bob Parry 

AC Angela Drinkwater-Lunn 

Tel: 01654 782 382 / 07990 761916 aed@aber.ac.uk 

Sue Rimmer has decided to spend her retirement 

with husband Roger in a new lifestyle direction. 

She will therefore be releasing her AAC post at 

the end of the year. Sue has been a driving force 

in area 50 and we all thank her for everything she 

has done to further carriage driving in the area. 

It has been a very good season for our members 

with commendable achievements made, gaining 

tandem bars, show ring successes, including 

our juniors and completing the Dragon Drive. 

Everybody enjoyed the two day NW Wales show 

and many successes were had. The location was 

so beautiful and the weather perfect. The rain 

held off for The County Show and Georgina Holt 

and Nadine England with Buzz and Rocket and 

elegantly attired Chris West with groom Mara 

Gado-West driving Solveig took places in the 

pleasure driving class. Angela Drinkwater-Lunn 

with Elys Hughes grooming, driving Trotsky, 

achieved first place in the style and performance 

and were awarded the reserve show champion 

rosette. 

On the 16th August it was 

Llanrwst show with good 

entries in the open classes. 

Well done to junior member 

Rachel Thomas winning the 

Junior Whip Class driving 

Tony & Pat Tharme’s 

Wallace. The champion was 

G. Evans with his section 

‘A’ stallion and Reserve was 

Morfydd Greatorex with Newborough Forest 

Mongarnedd Morgan. 

The bank holiday weekend was a very busy time 

for local members, on the Saturday we held a 

driving display at the country fayre at Bodafon 

farm, Llandudno. Showing different turnouts and 

then a display of cone driving, thanks to all who 

took part and helped. On Sunday we held a fun 

day at our new house in Llanllechid, with a drive 

& cones followed by a BBQ. With 

nice weather over 30 members 

came along and had a great day. 

Monday was Babell charity show, 

with only 3 turnouts forward 

Champion was Morfydd Greatorex 

with Mongarnedd Morgan and 

Reserve went to Anthony Spencer 

with Fron Bertie. 

Now most of the shows have 

finished we can relax a bit and 

have some drives and fun days, on 14th Sept we 

had a drive in Newborough forest with 7 turnouts 

enjoying the drive along the forest tracks. 

On 20th Sept Wright & Manley held another 

carriage and harness sale with a variety of items 

forward and many local members buying and 

selling goods. 

Due to work commitments and moving house 

we have been unable to go ahead with the road 

driving assessments, so we will organise them in 

Area 55 members after the drive in 

Our first attempt at a mini Le Trec went well. We 

were blessed with the most superb weather again 

and a clear backdrop of Cadair Idris. I would 

firstly like to thank Mr. William Williams-Wynne 

for the use of his wonderful estate grounds 

for the event and for the army of helpers, who 

trimmed overgrown trees, filled holes, marshalled 

check points etc. Also to Mr.Neil Buffery who 

gave up his time to judge phase one and three 

and the adjacent area commissioners for help 

with translation, signs and cones.Without the 

help from Bennington carriages the motivation 

to hold such an event would have been less, so 

thank you Bennington Carriages for making the 

event worthwhile. A good day was had by all with 

competitors coming quite long distances. We have 

gathered confidence and so hope to go bigger and 

better next time. I myself completed the exacting 

Dragon Drive in the Crychan Forest driving my 

38 inch high Falabella stallion Treacle. There 

were 16 turnouts in all. The first day covered 17 

miles through the forest tracks. The forest has 

been adapted specifically for carriage drivers and I 

particularly appreciated the purpose built corrals. 

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

the New Year, thanks to all the 

members for their support and 

help throughout the year. Merry 

Christmas and a happy new year 

to you all. 

Forthcoming events 

29th Nov. Christmas indoor 

cones day at Bryn Derw nr. 

Llanberis. Tel: 01248 601012 

entries close 24th Nov. 

6th Dec. Christmas quiz and presentation night 

with buffet at the golf club Llanfairfechan to start 

at 7.30pm. Buffet £4 per person payment by 1st 

Dec. 

13th Dec. Indoor driving trials Tel: Colin 

Walmsley 01352 710057 

28th Dec. Christmas/new year drive in 

Newborough forest to start at 11.30am Soup and 

mince pies on return please let me know if you 

are coming. 

17th Jan. Area 55 AGM at the golf club 

Llanfairfechan to start at 7.30pm 

31st Jan. Indoor driving trials Tel: Colin 

Walmsley 01352 710057 

7th Feb. Ten pin bowling in Llandudno to 

start at 7.30pm one game followed by a meal in 

Llandudno. Let me know if you would like to 

come by 26th Jan. 

21st Feb. Indoor driving trials Tel: Colin 

Walmsley 01352 710057 

15th March BDS drive venue TBA. 

21st March Indoor driving trials Tel: Colin 

Walmsley 01352 710057 

12th April BDS drive venue TBA 

19th April Indoor cones event at Bryn Derw, nr. 

Llanberis. Entries close 13th April 

AAC Sue Rimmer Tel: 01407 720573 

We made good friends and good conversation as 

we went along. The second day was a mere 14 

miles. 

Steep in places, the forest opened out onto a 

plateau with magnificent views with very steep 

views downwards. The organisation was most 

professional and I thank Emma and her devoted 

family for all their efforts to give us all such a 

good time. I do hope more members from area 50 

will have a go next year as it is tremendous fun. 

Treacle particularly enjoyed it and surprisingly 

still had energy to spare at the end of the day. 

We are planning drives in the Dyfnant 

Forest,Lake Vernwy,Tal y Llyn Lake, Drovers 

Road Llanegryn to Dolgellau in the near future. 

If you are interested in one of these drives please 

give me a ring when a convenient date will be 

arranged. I will also be issuing a dressage test to 

active members to work on during the winter 

months as I have big intentions for next season. 

Details of the annual Christmas party will arrive 

by email and we hope you will be able to attend.

MONMOUTHSHIRE 

AC Byron Jones 

Tel: 01495 227913 pam@ashleighcarriages.com 

We are organising a Rally on Sunday 9th of November. The Rally will be 

a local one for us. This is for the members who live close to us and have no 

transport. Please will anyone who would like to join us give us a ring so we 

MID & SOUTH GLAMORGAN 

WEST GLAMORGAN 

SOUTH POWYS 

AC Sian Burrows 

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

I hope everyone has had a good summer driving, 

we have had a great showing season, with many 

of our members doing really well in the show 

ring. Well done to you all! 

The Pontypridd Vintage Transport Day in 

August went exceptionally well, with the 

procession through the town being lead by Marc 

Evans with his Park Drag to a Unicorn. Although 

the rain pelted down all day everyone was in 

good spirits, and enjoyed a lovely buffet spread 

at the end of the day. Many thanks to all who 

supported the event. 

The drive in Merthyr through the Brecon 

Beacons, was, as usual a great success, with 

14 turnouts including 1 ridden enjoying the 

AC Peter Edwards 

Mobile: 07929 072612 

On the 21/09/08 a BDS driven trec took place 

at the South Wales Carriage Driving Centre 

where a number of local drivers took part and 

found that going slow and careful is not always 

as simple as it seems! They started with a safety 

check before going out on a road drive of about 

8kms with a set time, as it was a beautiful sunny 

day the views over the estuary and surrounding 

marshes were fantastic. Most of the competitors 

arrived slower than the set time though a few of 

the juniors actually came in a 

whole minute early. They then 

drove a cones course where they 

were advised to walk only as it 

was a particularly tight course 

to discourage the competitors 

from trotting to gain points. 

After the cones they were asked 

Trec 

to complete a series of tasks 

including getting their horse or pony to stand 

on a carpet for a minute; getting their groom to 

transfer mugs of water from one line of barrels 

AC Emma Stevens 

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

WET, WET, WET (no, not the Band)! CANCEL, 

CANCEL, What a summer? What more can we 

say. Everyone else has been in the same boat all 

over the U.K. Now we have the autumn and winter 

to look forward to! Enough doom and gloom. Let’s 

look forward to the time ahead, soon be Christmas! 

At least the weather was kind for the two day 

Dragon Drive. Just to keep us inline, there are a 

few dates for the calendar. Please write them in 

your diaries now, before the newsletter gets lost in 

that pile of papers. 

picturesque views or the 

reservoir and the Brecon 

mountain railway, in 

beautiful sunshine. 

We will be holding our 

AGM on 12th January 

at 7.30 in the Mountain 

Hare, Brynnu. Please 

come along and express 

your views on the area 

events, and let us know 

what you would like to do in the coming year. 

We have been experiencing some problems with 

the Web site recently and have been unable 

to update as efficiently as we would like and 

to another; reversing the length of a jump rail 

on the ground; driving one side wheels then the 

other over planks of wood set into the ground 

and the final ‘arch of triumph’ being driving 

through an arch with streamers hanging down. 

Most of the drivers managed very well in all 

the tasks and the scoring was quite close at the 

end. BDS area 38 West Glamorgan has arranged 

a talk and slide show to given by Mr Colin 

Pawson on History of Coaching and coach horn 

blowing. He will be giving a 

demonstration of the art of horn 

blowing. BDS members will have 

free admission non-members are 

asked to contribute £5. Anyone 

wishing to attend please contact 

Peter Edwards on 0792 9072612. 

The location is the Glamorgan 

Arms garden room on the 7th 

February 2009, 7.30pm so make a note and keep 

the date free all you coaching fans. 

Should anyone be interested in taking their Road 

Safety Test, please let me know a.s.a.p. and we will 

arrange a test with some Carmarthen members. 

Diary Dates 

23rd November - Rally Drive, aprx. 8 miles. 

Crychan Forest North, nr.Llandovery from 

11.30am 

20th December Christmas Lunch, Builth Wells. 

(pre-booking essential, by 10th December)Tel: 

01591-610515 


AAC Pam Jones Tel: 01495 227913 

pam@ashleighcarriages.com 

have an idea of numbers. We might consider a Christmas Rally if we have 

enough response. 

AAC Martyn Tapp Tel: 01443 400183 

AAC Terry Stockdale Tel: 02920214477/07805901574 

apologies are sent for any inconvenience. We are 

doing our best to rectify this problem, so please 

be patient. 

I would like to thank everyone for their support 

throughout the year and wish you all a very 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

Date for Diary. 

Dec 13th Christmas dinner & dance, The Ship 

Inn, Efail Isaf 7.30.contact Kat. 07886 219211 

Dec 21st - Christmas drive. Angel Hotel, 

Mawdlam. 12.00pm cont. Sian. 

Jan 12th - AGM Mountain Hare, Brynnu 

7.30pm. 

Feb 21st - Quiz Night, Mountain Hare, 

Brynnu. 7.00pm 

www.westglam.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

Trec 

BDS test day is being organised at South Wales 

Carriage Driving Centre on the 23rd November 

for anyone wishing to take prelim and/or road 

driving assessments, or have any questions please 

contact Peter Edwards on 07929 072612 or 

01792 874299. 

Area 38 has been invited to join the Cimla Ride 

and Drive Club for their Christmas dinner. 

Would anyone hoping to attend the Christmas 

dinner please let Jon Green know as soon as 

possible on 01639 637104 so as not to be 

disappointed. He needs to know the numbers. It 

is the 21st December at ‘T-bones’. 

AAC Kathy Gower Tel: 01686 440675 

January 

Indoor Drive in January (ring for date). This 

will be an afternoon of Driving Exercises & Fun. 

Other Area member welcome. Bring your own 

turnout or drive one there. Book in early 

01591-610515 

Any other ideas please contact 01591-610515 (we 

will hire the Indoor School on a w/end for some 

Fun Driving) 

27th February - Area A.G.M. - Brecon 

page 29 | BDS News 

pictures by Tania Roberts


Northern Ireland 

NORTHERN IRELAND 


AC Liz Kelly 

Tel: 02840 671318 Mobile 07771 798281 www.ni-bds.co.uk 

I hope you all have enjoyed your 

driving season. With many more 

to come. I would like to thank all 

the office bearers and committee 

on yet another year’s success with 

the work load increasing with 

new shows/ events. The hard 

work that is carried out behind 

the senses with our Chairman 

Eugene Larkin campaigning and fighting for our 

branch with all those long flights, endless phone 

calls and grumbling members and has demonstrated 

a true passion for the Branch. Again the members 

owe a debt of thanks to Hon. Secretary Margaret 

Carlisle for her tireless effort she has maintained on 

all of our behalf. Thank you. “To be a committee 

member you need: positive attitude, forward 

thinking and broad shoulders” 

28 June BDS Mountstewart picnic drive (the 

longest running drive) 

Many thanks to Dolly McRoberts, on another 

successful drive through the grounds of the fantastic 

Mountstewart Estate. Enjoyed 

by all. 

5th July - BDS NI Branch 

Annual Show Newtownards 

The Annual Show of Northern 

Ireland Branch-British Driving 

Society took place on Saturday 5 

July 2008 in Londonderry Park, 

Newtownards (kindly granted by Ards Borough 

Council).The weather was rather somewhat wet, 

and this was an understatement! If anything, it 

demonstrates the camaraderie the branch spirit has. 

The Show entries were good (hardy bunch) Judges 

were Mrs Jo Halnan-Blackwell (England who kept 

our spirits up all day) and Mrs Sophie Adkins 

(England) selected from the panel of British Driving 

Society Judges. Winner of The Ferguson Perpetual 

Challenge Trophy was Gareth Bailie driving 

‘Chesney’ to a Lefty Gig”. 

Show Director was Mr John Powell (Lambeg, 

Lisburn). Mr Stephen Wilson, 

(Maze) Vice Chairman and 

Chief Steward was assisted by Mr 

Stanley Stewart (Dromore), Mr. 

Jim Crumlin. (Newtownards), 

Mr Paul King (Ballynahinch), 

Mr. R.J McConnell (Annalong). 

Mrs Leslie Ann Horner doing a 

wonderful job fulfilling the duties Newtonards 

of hospitality hostess. A huge 

thank you to all of the competitors and spectators 

who came and supported. The biggest class on 

the day was the young driver’s class, winner Clare 

Newell driving Brynithon Bay Prince. This is so 

encouraging to see. Keep up the good work! 

14th - 18th July Junior Training (England) 

Fantastic success for Northern Ireland branch 

British Driving Society junior members, who went 

to Swingletree, as it is one of the largest carriage 

driving centres in Europe and home to dual World 

Record Holder, John Parker and the famous 

Norwich- London Royal Mail Coach. The actionpacked 

week gave the young drivers the opportunity 

to experience a wide variety of driving activities. 

These included lungeing, long-reining in the indoor 

or outdoor arena, driving on the quiet country 

lanes, dressage, & cone driving in 

the international size arena. Each 

young Driver was ‘given’ one or more 

horses or ponies to look after during 

their stay, and had the opportunity to 

drive different horses or ponies and 

carriages. Mr John Parker and Susan 

Townsend were impressed with the 

standard of knowledge and driving 

skills attained by Adam Black (15) Ballyward, 

Claire Newell (15) Comber, William Eccles (13) 

Ballywalter, and Kathryn Kelly (11) 

Ballyward. All four talented young 

drivers achieved their Road Driving 

Assessment (Salisbury Bursary fund) 

and their Preliminary level. Susan 

said “They also had good knowledge 

and enjoyed getting up and working 

hard to achieve their goal and your NI 

Branch should be very proud of them, 

we certainly are! Presentations were 

made and rosettes given to all. John said “it was a 

real pleasure to have the entire group 

staying for training/ testing and it’s a 

credit to Northern Ireland, especially 

Eugene Larkin the Chairman for 

his forward thinking and pushing 

Northern Ireland into being a front 

runner”. Robert Smyth, Uel Orr, 

Liz Kelly, Mervyn Ward and David 

Wilson achieving Intermediate, some 

also achieved units from the advanced 

level. Jenifer Newell passed her Preliminary level 

and road driving assessment and one Intermediate 

level unit. Two of our members Robert Smyth and 

Samuel Orr felt privileged driving two 

different teams daily. (Hard work but 

fun, the NI group all completed an 

intense Community first aid course 

given by Justin Cowles (many thanks) 

I must thank everyone who helped 

raise the money for the Young drivers 

through holding drives and car boot 

sales and generous donations. It’s Swingletree 

the good community 

spirit within the Branch that makes 

it move forward and this week has 

demonstrated real team work. I would 

like to thank David Newell for all his 

hard word. For a special treat and only 

ever done once before, the famous 

Norwich - London Royal Mail Coach 

was put to John Parker’s team and we 

were all given a once in a life time drive watching 

the master at work. Thank you to all the staff at 

Swingletree for making us welcome. 

26th July Kilkeel The only day that was warm…. 

sunny…… and great fun with a good turn out and 

well supported by members. 

2nd Aug Mourne Drive Club Annalong Show: 

thanks to all who organized and run the show 

everyone had a great time well done. 

12th August The Scholarship took place on 

Tuesday 12th August at Swingletree, home of 

BDS Chairman John Parker. Judges were: Susan 

Townsend, Barrie Luck, Linda Tate, Richard Lanni 

(Group Managing Director, Kelvin KBB Ltd. 

& Vice Chairman, BDS) and Sarah Hallsworth 

(Redwings Horse Sanctuary) The Kelvin BDS 

Chairman: Eugene Larkin 

Junior Scholarship Award Certificates were 

presented to the winners at Towerlands on Saturday 

evening, 4th October. Two Northern Ireland juniors 

attended and both won Well Done to Kathryn 

Kelly aged 11 winner of 10-14 AGE GROUP and 

Adam Black aged 15 DRIVER NOT TRAINED 

AT A PROFESSIONAL YARD, graduations to 

all the young drivers who took part in the learning 

experience. When Adam was asked how he felt 

about winning he said “I really studied hard and 

just gave it my best and I was told to enjoy the day 

and it worked” 

23rd August New BDS 

Banbridge show 

The First BDS BANBRIDGE 

SHOW took place on Saturday 

23rd August 2008 in The 

Old Rifle Park, Newry Road, 

Banbridge (by kind permission of 

Mr Cowan). The sun shone early 

in the day but the weather turned somewhat wet in 

the afternoon. We followed the successful format of 

Newtonards show with two rings and communities 

participation. The Judges selected from the 

British Driving Society Panel of Judges were 

Mrs. J. Boucher and Mr Clive Scott, (England) 

who have never Judged in Northern Ireland said 

they truly enjoyed their first visit. The Concours 

D’Elegance and Show Drive through Banbridge was 

efficiently policed by PSNI Banbridge and Judged 

by Councillor N Beare (Chairman of Banbridge 

District Council). The Show Director was Mr John 

Powell, (Lambeg), Mr Stephen Wilson – Chief 

Steward was assisted by Mr R.J. Mc Connell, 

Mr D Horner, Mr. P. King, 

Mr J Crumlin, Mr M Ward, 

Mrs Lesley Horner acted as 

Hospitality Hostess another 

really good job. The Catering 

Van was in the safe hands of 

Mr Joe Moore, (Banbridge) and 

his Staff. The most appreciated 

vehicle was the John Deer 

driven expertly by Mervyn 

Ward due to the awful weather in the afternoon 

no-one was left stuck with PSNI Banbridge given a 

tremendous help (thank you) 

15 Sept Country comes to Town Portadown 

Country Comes To Town has now assumed 

established itself as a flagship event in Craigavon 

and is a family orientated event in the Northern 

Ireland. This prestigious festival in which carriage 

driving is enjoyed by all and with good numbers 

turning up and the sun out - what more could 

anyone ask for! 

Monday 10th November AGM please try to 

support your branch 

14th November Annual Dinner Dance at Temple 

Golf & Country Club. Tel Margaret Carlisle 

02892665893 

15th & 16th November Road Driving Assessment 

and their preliminary level will be carried out ‘venue 

to be arranged’, anyone interested please contact: 

E. Larkin 02892621184 or Margaret Carlisle 

02892665893 

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and Drive 

safe 2009

Classified Ads 

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5 years, Ride and Drive, phone for 

details 07714156084 £500 

13.2hh ColouReD CoB, 

Ride and Drive, Excellent in 

every way, for photo contact 

johnsmith560@sky.com £3000. 

01792 812573 or 07837 774393 

ReG. SeCTIon D 14.2hh, (8 

years). Hacks alone or in company, 

driven in club events for last 4 

years. For sale at £3250 for no fault 

of his own. 

Contact Kay Walton 01981 

540209 

PROBLEMS WITH 

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Have you tried 

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Want to know more? 

General 

looKInG foR SoMeThInG 

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Turn the clock back and enjoy a 

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Treat for all the family. 

Group booking or Individual 

Tickets. GIFT VOUCHERS 

AVAILABLE. 

Red House Stables, Darley Dale, 

Derbyshire. DE4 2ER 

Tel: 01629 733583. (Caroline 

Dale-Leech BDS 4; L.H.H.I.) 

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email: redhousestables@hotmail. 

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TRAInInG YARD 

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The BDS is unable to accept any 

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Then give me a call 

01730 895327 07919 030597 


SuPPoRT YouR SoCIeTY 

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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 

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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 

michellereid128@hotmail.co.uk 



Congratulations – 

Silver Wedding 

George and Vera 

Fawcett, Craigy Road, 

Saintfield celebrated their 

25th Wedding Anniversary 

on 17 September 2008. On 

Saturday 13 September 

approximately 80 invited 

family and friends attended 

a dinner party at their 

home. The Fawcett family 

are well known in business 

George and Vera’s Sillver Wedding Anniversary 

and especially in equestrian 

circles. They breed and show Friesian horses and support many of the 

Private Driving Shows and Drives in the North and South of Ireland. 

George is a committee member of the Northern Ireland Branch of 

the British Driving Society. Their guests had a very enjoyable time - 

scrumptious food and good music. George and Vera, we all wish you 

much happiness in the days that lie ahead. 

Vintage Transport Day at Pontypridd 

Pontypridd Vintage Transport Day is 

held annually in August at Ynysangharad 

Park in the town of Pontypridd, Mid 

Glamorgan. A procession through the 

town presents an array of vehicles, 

including, horse drawn 

transport, tractors, steam 

engines and classic cars. 

This year’s procession was 

led by Marc Evans LHHL 

of Llangadog, with his Park 

Drag put to a unicorn of 

two of his own Friesian 

stallions and John Williams’ 

“Squire”, a fantastic sight in the small 

town of Pontypridd. Many thanks are 

sent to John for the use of Squire on the 


Vintage Transport Day at 

Pontypridd 

For a more personal 

approach to insurance 

Ewan MacInnes 

on 01467 625424 

email: inverurie@nfumutual.co.uk 

Agent of The National Farmers Union 

Mutual Insurance Society Limited 

day. All vehicles are displayed in the park 

for the rest of the day, with the horse 

drawn section proving very popular 

with the public. A rein machine is set 

up for anyone to try their hand, while a 

colouring competition and 

a Shetland’s corner (kindly 

exhibited by area member 

Elizabeth Matthews) 

proves very popular with 

children and adults alike. 

Organiser of the Horse 

Drawn Section, Martyn 

Tapp, AAC Mid and 

South Glamorgan would like to thank all 

exhibitors and stewards for their hard 

work and support in the event. 

It’s an NFU Mutual understanding 

A New Equestrian Classified Web Site 

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Potential show/competition Horses & Ponies, Mountain & Moorland and Youngstock. 

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Advice for keeping personal 

possessions safe and secure 

at Christmas 

According to Home Office statistics, 

burglaries increase between 

October and January. An unwanted 

visit from a burglar on Christmas Eve, 

or a rogue spark from a log fire could 

leave you high and dry. Taking sensible 

precautions could save a great deal of 

heartache at Christmas time. 

Reduce the risk of burglary at 

Christmas: 

• Alarms act as a deterrent to 

burglars. We recommend 

alarms made by approved UKAS 

accredited companies 

• Always set the alarm when leaving 

the house unoccupied 

• Lock all windows and doors 

securely and remove the key 

completely 

• Keep Christmas presents out of 

sight of potential thieves 

• Close curtains in the evenings 

• Dispose of boxes and wrappings 

carefully; they are an advert to 

burglars for attractive items inside 

the house 

• If you are going away, cancel the 

milk and newspapers and ask a 

neighbour to remove your post 

and keep an eye on your property. 

Inform your insurer if you are going 

to be away for a long period of time 

over Christmas 

• Leave main lights and a radio on if 

you are out for the evening. Invest 

in a timer switch if you are going 

away for longer 

• Mark all your property of value and 

take note of serial numbers. This 

can help recover stolen goods. 

• Keep all garages and sheds 

securely locked up with a suitable 

padlock 

Top 10 Christmas safety tips: 

1. Don’t be caught out and find out 

too late that you are under-insured 

for the contents in your home. 

Some home insurers, like NFU 

Mutual, will automatically increase 

your home contents cover over the 

holiday period at no extra charge to 

allow for the extra presents, food 

and drink in the house. 

2. Update your contents insurance 

to include any new, high-value 

gifts (eg. major electrical item or 

jewellery). You may need to list 

items separately. 

3. Don’t leave candles burning 

unattended. 

4. Avoid leaving TV and stereos on 

standby. A small electrical fault can 

start a fire. 

5. Check they conform to British 

Safety Standards (BS kitemark). 

6. Inspect cables and bulbs for 

damage. Dispose of faulty ones. 

7. Don’t allow flexes to trail and don’t 

hide them under a carpet. 

8. If you are going away over 

Christmas, leave the trap door 

into the roof open. This will help 

prevent pipes from freezing and 

bursting! 

9. Make sure your policy covers 

damage to food in the freezer. 

10. Check that your insurer has a 24hour 

emergency helpline. 

For more information on NFU 

Mutual’s home insurance contact one 

of our local agents. Find your local 

agent at nfumutual.co.uk or call 0800 

197 1283 

NFU Mutual is The National Farmers 

Union Mutual Insurance Society 

Limited (No.111982). Registered 

in England. Registered Office: 

Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon- 

Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. 

Authorised and regulated by the 

Financial Services Authority. For 

security and training purposes, 

telephone calls may be recorded and 

monitored. 

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

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