Information

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."

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.

Platinum Jubilee Drive - Sunday 12^th June
This was an Interval Drive at the Grange, Northington, Nr Alresford, by kind permission of Lord and Lady Ashburton, with the first turnout setting off at 10:30am. AC Sam Searle reports :
Thank you to everyone who came and supported the Jubilee Drive at the Grange - we had 23 turnouts who all made an effort to look smart, clean and tidy. It was lovely to see so many of you out and about - both older members and new ones.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather - and our thanks must go to Lord and Lady Ashburton for allowing us to use The Grange as our venue.
These days can’t go ahead without our helpers and stewards - big thanks to Sarah Simmons who was continuously running around all day and to Paul Thompson, Marcy Thompson, Mark Shaw and Wendy who came and stewarded for us.
The official photographs are now available to see on Facebook <HERE>
Any profit made from the day will be donated to Broadlands RDA group who also do Driving for the Disabled. Please do support this group and if anyone would like to make an additional donation then please contact me and I will add it on.
Many thanks, Sam

Hartland Carriages Open Day - Saturday, 8^th 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, 27^th 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 Ł100 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. Ł134 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, 18^th 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>