BDS RISK ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL
Organisers of Hampshire Area Events can get helpful advice
and explanations of what to do prior to running an Event in order to comply with
the BDS Organisers Insurance Policy by downloading the following .pdf file from
<HERE>
BDS SAFETY RULES
See
<
HERE >
CHEQUES MADE OUT TO AREA
Please note that cheques paid out to the Hampshire Area BDS
must be made payable to "Driving Society."
DRIVE~500
inharness
Magazine have launched a campaign encouraging drivers and back-steppers to go
the extra mile and enjoy the countryside with their horse or pony team.
Click <HERE
> for poster;
Click <HERE
> for web site
ANYONE
should CLICK this BUTTON for Information re Spider Drives
The Forestry Commission has had to put traffic restrictions over the two reconstructed bridges connecting the dismantled railway embankments adjacent to Longslade. This is due to deteriorating foundations to the supports of the bridge spans. Structural Engineers are to survey and plan remedial work which is intended to be carried out as soon as it has been approved. This should therefore be a temporary restriction and we will advise here when the work has been completed and the restriction lifted. For clarity, one bridge is adjacent to the Longslade Bottom car park, the other is adjacent to Hincheslea Bog and accessed via the track through the Longslade View car park. The Area would be grateful if all BDS Members would respect the restrictions while they are in force.
Hartland Carriages
Open Day - Saturday, 8th January 2022
The Hampshire BDS ran a training/open day at Hartland Carriages, by very kind
invitation of Joanne and Michael Hartland. In absolutely atrocious weather,
nearly 50 people attended with AC Sam Searle showing how to correctly harness
up and put to a single horse. This was followed by Michael giving a talk on
carriage maintenance. Sam then showed how to correctly harness up and put to a
pair of horses. We then stopped for lunch which was provided by the Hampshire
Area. After lunch, Joanne talked us through her traditional carriages and the
history of each. We then went through all of the modern carriages, which would
fit from Shetlands to Shires! The day was finished by discussing everyday
carriage driving essentials from whips to bits, from aprons to hi-viz signs and
tabards. Many thanks to everyone who came. <PHOTOS>
Hampshire AGM - Saturday, 27th
November 2021
Caroline
Douglas receiving the Anne Mouland trophy at our Hampshire AGM. Four years ago
Anne donated a trophy to the Hampshire BDS to hand out annually to a member of
the society who had contributed a vast amount over the years to the Hampshire
area. The first year it was presented to John and Di Siviter, the second year it
went to Margaret Travers and the third year Roger Page received it. Before Anne
sadly passed away earlier this she made it clear that this year she would like
it to be given to Caroline Douglas. Many thanks to Claire (Ann’s daughter) for
coming and presenting it and a big well done to Caroline.
Monday – Thursday Drives culminating in The 2019 New Forest Driving Weekend
Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th September (Click
on photo for larger version)
The return of summer in the middle of September meant that hopes were high for a
good week, but oh dear, did the weather have other ideas? From chilly nights and
bright, sunny days to warm muggy nights and the forecast of rain, rain and more
rain!
Nevertheless,
the first drive of the week to Deerhurst Cottage attracted ten turnouts with
many more people arriving by car. The rain held off until after lunch had been
enjoyed on the lawn, and it only started drizzling as everyone put to for the
return journey. Many thanks to Peter and Georgina Burrows for their hospitality
and organisation.
The forecast for Tuesday was dire, and deterred all but two turnouts, comprising
of the AC, AAC and two former AC’S, who are obviously made of sterner stuff!
However the rain never did arrive, and the sun even came out at lunchtime as the
intrepid four were joined by sixteen car followers. Thanks to Sarah Surplice for
her hospitality, to Peter and Georgina for their organisation, and to Felicity
Singleton for stewarding.
Wednesday morning was very definitely WET!! Given the weather, host Sally Edgar
was pleased to see four turnouts arrive, along with others arriving by car.
Generous contributions to the raffle raised £100 for the DDA. Thank you to
everyone, and to Sally for her hospitality and organisation.
An out-of-the-forest drive was organised for Thursday, one of only two
processional drives this week, the others all being Spider Drives. The venue for
this one was Bramdean Common, and the nine turnouts departed for a ten mile
drive along the lanes to Ropley and West Tistead, with a coffee stop halfway.
The rain stayed away until most of the horses were loaded back onto their
transport. Thanks to Mark Shaw for planning the route and to Sam for organising
this one.
Thursday evening marks the beginning of the Annual New Forest Driving Weekend,
and this year the evening social was supper and skittles at the Mortimer Arms,
Ower. Fifty-four people enthusiastically threw themselves into the skittles
competition, the men’s team being victorious on this occasion. The top scorer of
the evening was Ken Bull.
Beaulieu Road is traditionally now the venue for Friday’s Spider Drive, where
the Wellow Friends of Cancer Research UK ladies await to feed everyone. Ten
turnouts braved the inclement weather, and were joined by others who came by
car. £134 was raised, less than last year, but unsurprising with the weather
meaning people were generally less inclined to venture out. Many thanks to Gill
and Dave Shorter and Felicity for stewarding.
Twenty-six members and friends attended the Friday Dinner at the newly
refurbished Forest Park Hotel in Brockenhurst. By all accounts the meal and the
venue were very good, so a return visit is planned for next year. Grateful
thanks to Sue Craufurd-Kennedy for organising a great evening.
A lovely drive to the far side of the New Forest on Saturday morning culminated
with a lunch stop at John and Di Moore’s home at Highwood, near Ringwood. This
is a lovely spot and to be able to sit on the terrace looking down at the ponies
happily munching hay was an absolute joy! Thank you to John and Di for their
hospitality, and to Sarah Simmons and Jo Wateridge for stewarding.
Saturday evening’s social was Supper and Musical Bingo, organised by Sam, at
Minstead Village Hall. Forty-four people joined in, and the winners of the
rounds were Jo Wateridge, Martin White and John Singleton. Well done to them.
Thank you to Sam, and to The Artisan Hog Roast Company for the catering.
Although there were twenty entered, only thirteen turnouts assembled at
Janesmoor for ‘Sunday Best’, this year judged by John Carter. John was a
big part of driving week in the past, and has many happy memories of driving in
the New Forest. Everyone looked very smart, albeit donned in wet weather gear!
Ten turnouts elected to do the Short Drive through Salisbury Trench and King’s
Garn Gutter Inclosures, a total of just over five miles. This was led by Sam
Searle driving the grey New Forest pony Sundew Mat(aka Perry), who went on to
win the trophy for this section, with Jenny Dyer and Drizzle in reserve.
Two turnouts joined Roger Page on the Longer Drive which went out through
Fritham, down Ragged Boys Hill to Holly Hatch Cottage, returning to Janesmoor
via Cadnam’s Pool. The winner was Roger Page driving Carole Brewster’s Grayswood
Sioux Chief, with Josie Saiers and Rocky in reserve.
The Pretty Polly Plate, kindly donated by the late Barbara Mills, for the best
coloured pony was awarded to Sue Vella with Ardnacoille Lady.
A big thank you to Sue Craufurd-Kennedy, Sarah Jones, Stuart Johnstone and
Felicity for stewarding, and thanks also to Sarah who kindly supplied the
welcome drinks as the turnouts returned from their drive.
Everyone agreed that it had been a fantastic week, and many, many thanks must go
to those who made it happen including Sam Searle AC, Ginny Parker, Sue Craufurd-Kennedy,
Georgina Burrows, and everyone else who helped organise and steward.
BDS Hampshire Area Show -
Sunday, 18th August 2019
Gothic novels typically open with the phrase: “It was a dark and stormy night”.
Despite BBC Weather’s optimistic forecast, the sky remained heavy on drama at
daybreak, during the journey to New Park Farm Showground at Brockenhurst and
right up to the gate where a warm welcome awaited. What came before may have put
off the day entries, but for those who came (and there were many) the rain
obligingly stopped at the scheduled time of the first class.
This year, the Hampshire BDS Area had the use of both the East and West Rings of
the showground. The East Ring held the show classes. The West Ring accommodated
a large cones course for show competitors to use between 10:30 and 1:00,
consisting of either Clear Round Cones (Class 9) or Optimum Time Cones
(Class 10). Rosettes were awarded afterwards, kindly sponsored by Westons
Animal Feeds. These classes were primarily a competition for show competitors,
with simple rules, and usefully served as a warm-up on both reins and as a
winding-down exercise.
In-Hand Potential Driving Horse, Pony or Donkey (class 1), kindly
sponsored by our AC Samantha Searle, launched the show classes. Judged by Mrs.
Valerie Hall of West Sussex (who also judged the ridden section of the Ride and
Drive class), four ponies and a donkey came forward. The 2018 winner, Fielden
Nutella (Section A) kept the honour along with the Trophy for another year, with
Vikki Stanley’s Alfred in second place, while Charlie Adkins showing the donkey
Rikita du Bocage (placed third) was awarded the Uncle Mo Trophy. Class 2A
was the riding section of the new Ride & Drive class (sponsored by Tom Parker
Farms) that attracted two entries and much discussion among spectators. The
final class results, however, would come later after the driving section.
The first driving class of the morning was Novice Horse or Pony (class 3),
sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. S. Jones and judged by Mr. Barrie Luck of Kent. Three
ponies and two horses that had not won first prize in harness before 2019 came
forward to vie for the Longfields Challenge Trophy. The winner was Section D
Grayswood Queen of Hearts driven by Ginny Parker, with Di Siviter in second with
Blue. Four of the Novice Class entries joined another three entries for Class
4 Exercise Vehicles, including the two Ride and Drive entries that followed
immediately after. The class was kindly sponsored by Mrs. Gail Johnson and
potentially there were Osborne Refrigerator and Victoria Food Company Qualifiers
to be awarded. First place went to Carly Smart with Penrheol Goshawk and second
to Sue Vella with Ardnacoille Lady. These two stayed in the ring to contest
Class 2B of Ride and Drive, the driven section judged by Mr. Barrie Luck.
Taking into the account the overall impression of the turnouts ridden and
driven, the winner was Carly Smart with Penrheol Goshawk and second Sue Vella
with Ardnacoille Lady.
In late morning the Class 5 Private Driving (Open), with five turnouts,
began to gather in the collecting ring. This class was kindly sponsored by
Burley Wagon Rides and there were numerous Osborne Refrigerators and Victoria
Food Company Qualifiers available. Due to the number of entries the class was
not split by height, and entries could qualify for the Overall Show Championship
and Hampshire Area and Young Driver’s Championships. The winner was Joe Rowe
with hackney Noddyvyse Temptation, with Judy Ralls and Oakhaze McClintock
second. Class 6 (Concours d’ Elegance) followed immediately afterwards.
This was sponsored by Mr. And Mrs. D. Shorter and judged by Mrs. Lisa Lovell of
Riding for the Disabled. First place was Joe Rowe (Noddyvyse Temptation). Second
was Gill Shorter with Bobby.
There followed the lunch break, during which time there was the draw of a new
Grand Raffle organised by Mrs. Lisa Lovell and Mrs. Stephanie Woodhams. A
percentage of the proceeds raised would be donated to the New Forest Driving for
the Disabled Group. The lunch break gave organisers time to set up the tasks
required by the judge to demonstrate the obedience and flexibility of the
turnouts in the first afternoon class, Pleasure Driving Class 7. This
class was kindly sponsored by Mrs. Susan Craufurd-Kennedy. There was a Victoria
Food Company Qualifier available, and the winner would receive the Barbara Mills
Memorial Trophy. All entries would receive a Carriage Driving Magazine rosette.
Three entries came forward for this class. They were given instructions about
their show, including passage through a “gate” of two cones spanned by a rope,
and reining back into an area indicated by further cones. The winner was Di
Siviter with Blue, with Carly Smart second with Penrheol Goshawk. Alison Tilbury
with Driving for the Disabled pony Jerry (third) was given the proceeds of the
raffle money available to the New Forest Driving for the Disabled group by Mrs.
Stephanie Woodhams, and during the lap of honour, she placed it into the red
collection bucket at the ringside. The final show class before the Championships
was Class 8 Coloured Horse or Pony kindly sponsored by Mr. Stuart
Johnstone with the definition of “coloured” being wide-ranging. Three entries
came forward, with Carly Smart driving Penrheol Goshawk taking first place, and
Chanie Matthews with Banjo second.
The Championships brought the day to a satisfying close. First was the Hampshire BDS Area Championship, kindly sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. R. Page, with The Grayswood Shield to be awarded to the winner. Potential competitors were the
highest-placed Hampshire Area members from driven show classes. The winner was
Joe Rowe and Noddyvyse Temptation, with Gill Shorter reserve.
Secondly there was the Junior Championship, won for a second year by Chanie
Matthews and Banjo. She will keep the Angela Maskell Memorial Trophy, sponsored
by Maskell and Son Farriers, for another year.
At the end was the Overall Show Championship, contested by the first and second
place winners from all driven show classes. Winner was Joe Rowe with Noddyvyse
Temptation, who received the H. L. Woodhams Memorial Trophy kindly sponsored by
Mrs. S. Woodhams. Reserve was Carly Smart with Penrheol Goshawk.
The show is becoming an established and much-anticipated part of the driving
season, and by the end of Sunday, there was talk about next year. Classes are
tweaked, added, moved around the schedule, and the format refreshed from one
year to the next, which adds to its popularity. Credit for the show’s success
goes to many people, first and foremost to Miss Caroline Douglas and her very
able team whose energy has given the show shape and direction. Chief Steward
Mrs. Sarah Jones with her considerable show experience keeps competitors and
judges alike fully briefed during classes. The show is most grateful to Mr.
Barrie Luck, the Private Driving Judge, and to Mrs. Valerie Hall, the In-Hand
and Ridden judge of Ride and Drive. Sophie Adkins very kindly agreed to provide
commentary and announcements throughout the day. A big thank you must also go to
the many others from the Hampshire BDS Area who volunteered their time and
effort to continue to make this show the success it is. Everyone will look
forward to 2020. (Carole Brewster)
<PHOTOS>
<SHOW
RESULTS>
BARBARA MILLS : <CLICK> for a Reflection of a past AAC.
AMY TRIPP : <CLICK> for a Reflection of a long-standing Member.
TONY & PAM TRUDER : <CLICK> for a Reflection of long-standing Family Members.
IAN WICHALL : <CLICK> for a Reflection of a long-standing Member.