Information

Changes within AREA COMMITTEE

Gill Shorter has recently made a return to the Hampshire committee as AAC, and will now take over from Caroline Douglas as Treasurer.

Teresa White has also joined the committee and will cover Rights of Way in the north of Hampshire. Teresa lives in Basingstoke so is well placed for this, and she is passionate about keeping Rights of Way open for everyone to enjoy.

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>

CHEQUES MADE OUT TO AREA
Please note that cheques paid out to the Hampshire Area BDS must be made payable to "Driving Society."

PHOTOGRAPHS
We constantly need photos for the website and the magazines, so if anyone has any good photos (MUST be taken with a camera, as pictures taken on mobile phones are not of sufficient quality to publish) please could you send them to Ginny at < tomparkerfarms@btconnect.com >. They must be your own, so as not to infringe any copyright.
ALSO we cannot use photos unless the driver is wearing hat & gloves, carrying their whip in their hand and holding the reins correctly. Many contributors are asking why their submitted photos are not being included but the prime reason is because they don't conform with the above so we are not allowed to publish.

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

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.

The Interval Drive at Bisterne Manor - Sunday, 2^nd June
Bisterne Manor is a private estate situated in the New Forest National Park with exceptional views and surroundings. Seventeen turnouts, by kind invitation of Hallam and Lal Mills, took part on this drive of just over 9 miles long. Everyone enjoyed their picnics at the venue before setting out at intervals with a map. We were helped immensely by signs along the route pointing us in the right direction, part of which took us along the banks of the river Avon and the water meadows, through woodland, farmland and country roads. The weather was perfect, even though we had a short shower, the sun soon came out again. We would all like to thank Hallam, Lal and Sue Kennedy for arranging this superb day. Also to the stewards that gave their time to help. Ł250 was collected from those that attended. These funds will be donated to Bisterne Church. (Alison Tilbury) <PHOTOS>

Pam Baker’s 70th Birthday Spider Drive - Wednesday, 22^nd May
A very large turnout of thirteen carriages and forty-five people came to help Pam Baker celebrate her Birthday with a Spider Drive to the High Corner Inn. In perfect weather, with many routes to choose from, easily the most spectacular is from the top of Hampton Ridge – Pam’s favourite drive. The High Corner, as usual, did us proud with lunch, and there was chocolate Birthday cake to follow. Many thanks to Jim Mason who stewarded for us. <PHOTOS>

Bluebell Drive - Good Friday, 19^th April
The annual Bluebell Drive was held, as usual, at Manor Farm, West Stratton on the most beautiful warm sunny day. Organised by Terry Newman, who is brilliant at producing interesting circular routes, the drive headed the other side of the M3 on headlands, tracks and quiet lanes towards Woodmancote and then on to Popham Wood for lunch. Ten turnouts enjoyed the sight of the vibrant bluebells along the fourteen mile route.
An added bonus on the way back to Manor Farm, was tea and scones on the lawn at the front of Stratton House, by kind invitation of Belinda and David Stride. Overlooking the lawn stands the very impressive grade II listed portico, the only remaining part of the former Manor House demolished in 1961. A very grand setting for tea, and thanks to Belinda and David for their hospitality.
Terry made his usual collection and Ł136 was raised in donations for Naomi House Children’s Hospice. Many thanks to Terry and his family for a wonderful day.

BDS Easter Egg Treasure Hunt - Sunday, 14^th April
Under bright sunlight and a chilly April wind, 15 turnouts gathered at Lower Soldridge Farm, Medstead in pursuit of Easter Eggs.
As an early season drive with horses and ponies not all up to their peak of fitness, it was an ideal outing. Turnouts were sent off at intervals down the road, able to set their own speed within the context of traffic rules and terrain. If instructions for the seven mile circular route were followed, then there was no danger of getting lost. Ten coloured tokens (to be exchanged for eggs) were hung at intervals described in the instructions, although everyone was warned that some locations could be tricky. As we approached the first “egg” deposit, there was a discussion about what constituted “overhanging branches” as there seemed to be a lot of them on the rough track, and how challenging the location of the tokens would be. Anything colourful and slightly out of the ordinary such as discarded drinks cans were examined from a distance and dismissed. Another occasion for discussion was ‘For Sale’ signs put up by a rather prolific estate agent associated with the location of another egg, and the temptation to delve into bushes near the first such sign. The trail took us past the Watercress Line and into interesting landscapes, and there were sufficient intervals between the “eggs” to enjoy the change of scenery.
Once back at the Farm, the egg tokens were handed in to be exchanged for chocolate eggs and the, now very collectable, china egg cups made and painted by Sam with a little help from her friends and family! We then enjoyed the ultimate equestrian gourmet feast at The Pottery Pantry tearoom adjacent to the horse boxes. There was a choice of bacon and sausage, just bacon, or vegetarian cheese butties, apple pie and cream, and a special Easter birds nest sweet. The perfect end to an enjoyable day.
Many thanks to Sam Searle and all the helpers doing vehicle and harness checks, stewarding and serving food.
(Carole Brewster)

Lunch and talk - Wednesday, 27^th March
A home cooked lunch, followed by a speaker was organised by Sue Kennedy and Jo Parrett, to take place at Jo's home in Hambledon. This was a first time venue for BDS Hampshire and we were all impressed with the location and function room. There was a lovely menu of chicken casserole, jacket potato, and fresh bread, followed by mixed berry crumble pie with custard or cream, and a fresh fruit salad. Plenty of tea, coffee and soft drinks were also available.
Our after lunch speaker was Jim Green, who helped to set up the Hampshire Fire and Rescue's Animal Rescue, and is now director and co-founder of BARTA (The British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association). His knowledge and expertise takes him all over the world, helping with training and giving talks. Jim gave us a good insight into how things have moved forward since the days his father was a firefighter.
The technology and methods are always improving, as they are called to many different rescues and situations. Not always horses; he works with zoos and all animal rescues alike and each will have its individual requirements. The slide show enabled us to see some of the difficulties they encounter when called to an emergency. It was a fascinating talk and a very big thank you to Jim for his time and enthusiasm.
A raffle was held, with some superb prizes, Jo was given a big thank you for a first class lunch and Sue Kennedy was also thanked for taking Jo up on her offer of the room and for organising it.
All in all a lovely lunch, plenty of chatter, an educational talk and prizes to take home. (Gill Shorter)

Spring Spider Drive to High Corner - Wednesday, 20^th March
The fifth annual 'First Day of Spring' drive to the High Corner Inn had a brilliant turn out of fifteen carriages and forty two people. We were blessed, yet again, with good weather and many people ate lunch out of doors. The Inn staff were quick, efficient and welcoming, as they always are, and everyone enjoyed their food. Apart from a temporarily lost phone, the drive was incident free and we all look forward to doing it again next year. (Georgina Burrows) <PHOTOS>

Spider Drive to Burley Rails Cottage - Thursday, 7^th March
An impressive total of seventeen turnouts and thirty-eight people took advantage of the Spider Drive to the home of Ian and Tracey Thew, this really is a ‘cottage in the woods’, and is the perfect venue given all the trees surrounding the cottage – no shortage of hitching posts here!
A couple of short, sharp rain showers on the journeys to and from Burley Rails deterred no-one, and the sun shone as lunch of homemade soup and rolls was enjoyed in the cottage garden.
A big thank you to Tracey and Ian for their hospitality and Tracey’s delicious food, to Sue Kennedy for organising the day and to everyone for coming especially so early in the year.

New Year’s Day Drive - Tuesday, 1^st January 2019
On a very different day to last year, it was bright blue sky and warm sunshine for most of the ten mile drive with Terry Newman at West Stratton. Eight turnouts enjoyed the lovely drive on leafy lanes and grassy tracks, with a stop at The Wonston Arms, for coffee and/or mulled wine. Thanks to Terry for putting on the drive, to his wife Pam for the lovely home cooking, and also to the landlord at the pub for such a warm welcome.
Each year Terry organises two or three drives, and asks for donations to Naomi House Children’s Hospice. From three drives in 2018, Terry collected Ł245, and from this New Year’s Day drive alone Ł130. Thank you everyone for your generosity - it is a charity very close to many people’s hearts.

Christmas Drive - Sunday, 16^th December 2018
The Christmas Drive was a very festive occasion. Everyone had embraced the idea of the fancy dress, and there were some wonderful costumes, including more than one Father Christmas, Rudolph and lots and lots of elves! The carriages were festooned with tinsel and lights, and in the case of Sam Searle, the eventual winner of the fancy dress, complete with sleigh sides for an authentic look!
Mulled wine, mince pies and carol singing to a brass trio in the pub rounded off a great morning. Thanks to Sue Kennedy for her organisation and to Steve Croll for his hospitality.

Christmas Lunch - Thursday, 6^th December
A very jolly Christmas Lunch was held at the Rising Sun, Wootton with forty members and friends enjoying the occasion. Sue Craufurd-Kennedy made up two fantastic hampers for the raffle, which raised Ł143. Many thanks to Sue for organising this, to Steve Croll and his staff for the super food, and to everyone for coming.

Many of the forty-four attendees chose to eat in the pub first, where they were very impressed with the food and the friendly, efficient service.
In the absence of AC Sarah Jones, who had been very unwell, the meeting was chaired by AAC Sam Searle, who welcomed everyone, introduced the members of the committee and talked about past and present events. Hampshire BDS is a very active Area, and by the end of the year will have put on thirty-six events, including a variety of twenty spider, processional and interval drives. This seemed to be much appreciated by the members present.
There was a new award this year, The Anne Mouland Bowl, sponsored by Pam and Tony Truder in recognition of all that Anne has done for the Area over many years. An annual award for whoever has given the most to the Area during the year, it was decided by Anne, Pam and Tony that it should be presented to John and Di Siviter. John and Di are stalwart supporters of Hampshire BDS, and can always be relied on to steward at the show and other events. An award richly deserved.
The meeting was rounded off with speaker Richard James with his amusing ‘Anecdotes’ from his travels around the world with the F.E.I. and carriage horses. Richard clearly appreciated that ‘horses take you many places that you would not otherwise get to go to’.
Many thanks to Richard, and to all the members who came – it was wonderful to see so many and the committee really appreciate your support.

Over forty-five people and seventeen turnouts attended the Barbara Mill’s Memorial Drive on the anniversary of her death. The venue at Highland Water was a favourite coffee stop of Barbara’s when out driving her beloved ponies Polly, and later Bill. She loved a tot of Tia Maria as a warmer with her coffee, and lashings of this, along with lots of cake, was provided to everyone to enjoy in her memory.

Caroline Douglas gave a short, but very moving tribute, and made everyone chuckle when she said she could imagine Barbara sitting up there looking down and saying, "I sincerely hope you didn’t buy any flowers!" Anyone who knew Barbara well would know that she thought sending flowers was a complete waste of money, and reprimanded anyone foolish enough to do so! Respecting this, Caroline brought roses from her garden, and the petals from these were scattered, by anyone who wished to, off the bridge into Highland Water itself.

This was an occasion much appreciated by Barbara’s many friends who commented afterwards

"A great tribute to Barbara and it really felt as if she was back amongst us."
and
"A very special occasion in Barbara’s memory, thank you’."

Many thanks to Caroline, Sue Kennedy and Helen Lamb for organising such a wonderful memorial - a great reflection of the regard and fondness in which Barbara was held.