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>
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."
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
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.
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>
Young Driver’s Day - Saturday,
3rd August 2019
Twelve children aged between five and fifteen attended the Young Driver’s Day
held at Lowhill Farm . They were all eager to learn and very attentive, so were
an absolute joy to teach.
We were delighted that sponsor Charlie Reeves came to present the awards. The
best young driver was 8 year old Samuel Older, while the most improved on the
day was judged to be 11 year old Ellie Page.
Many thanks to organiser Sam Searle, to Sue and Roger Page for the use of their
facilities, and to Josie Saiers, Teresa White, Sarah Simmons and Claire Holland
for the use of their patient ponies. A big thank you also to everyone else who
helped to ensure the smooth running of the day.
Summer Driving Camp -
12th - 14th July 2019
In perfect weather, the second BDS Hampshire Summer Driving Camp made a return
to Lowhill Farm. This camp is proving very popular, with familiar faces from
last year amongst many of the nineteen campers.
Arriving on the Friday afternoon gave everyone the chance to settle in before
walking the dressage and cones course in readiness for competition the next day.
Nearly sixty people came on Friday evening to tap along to Country and Western
singer Mickey Page, and enjoy the lovely Hog Roast that had been emitting a
tantalising smell all day.
The Treasure Hunt on Saturday morning, deviously designed by Sue Page, was great
fun and certainly caused some head-scratching! Getting twenty-three people
driving round the whole farm searching for little plastic ducks, before
eventually working out that they were in a water tub back at the start/finish
was very clever .A new track through the woods added extra interest, complete
with the Teddy Bear’s Picnic scene all laid out. Who knew there were so many
different fictional bears? The winner by a small margin was Sue Vella, who was
also the only one to find the hiding place of the mysterious eggs!
After lunch and a rest for the ponies, it was time for the serious bit. The
dressage, judged by former AC Sarah Jones, produced some very good tests with
the worthy winner being Jeanette Parker and Geronimo.
A lovely flowing cones course, by courtesy of Chris and Karen Laing, was a joy
to drive with several close to the optimum time. The victor here was Elaine
Brown with her diminutive pair of mini - Shetlands.
Ponies fed and watered, it was time for everyone to relax and unwind and, with
the entertainment Sam had planned, it was fun and games all the way! Along with
a fish and chip supper, came an eighty-five foot inflatable assault course,
coconut shy and other funfair games, and Tug of War, which was actually won by
the ladies this year!
Up bright and early Sunday morning – well early anyway – it was time to walk the
Trec skills, accompanied by Sam who explained what was required in each. Five of
the skills had to be long-reined, then the whole course of sixteen was driven.
This took some concentration as the skills were very varied, including going
over a wooden bridge, apple bobbing, road works (complete with diversion) and
the ubiquitous trampoline padding that always causes much consternation! There
was even a ‘policeman’ at the roundabout asking questions related to The Highway
Code.
The winner of the long-reining was also the winner of the driven skills, and
that was Emily Wain with her lovely traditional cob.
Sue Page had again prepared a quiz, always guaranteed to generate lots of
discussion between team members! This was followed by tea and cake, which were
enjoyed while the scores were being added up for the accumulator.
There were rosettes and prizes for all the separate disciplines, as well as sets
of hand-made egg cups for the winners, and a commemorative vase presented to the
Champion both sponsored by Grayswood Carriage Driving Centre. The overall
Champions were Jeanette and Jim Parker, with Emily and Steve Wain in Reserve.
Both Jeanette and Emily were presented with beautiful sashes which, along with
the rosettes, were kindly sponsored by Hartland Carriages.
Huge thanks to hosts Sue and Roger Page, to everyone, and there were many, who
helped set up, judged, stewarded, scored, catered and helped in so many ways. Of
course the biggest thank you must go to AC Sam Searle who worked tirelessly to
organise and run such a successful camp. Thank you everyone. The planning has
already begun for next year! <PHOTOS>
<Plans
for 2020>
Four-in Hand Drive from Kent to Brockenhurst
-
June 2019
Congratulations to BDS member Dave Padgett who last month took a week off
work to drive his team of Friesians to a roof seat brake from his home in
Sevenoaks, over 100 miles to Pam and Tony Truder’s old home in Brockenhurst.
Dave was very close to Pam and Tony and organised this trip in their memory and
to raise money for Cancer Research UK. He collected a staggering £5,174.12 in
total from ‘Just Giving’ and from donations en-route.
Well done to Dave, his companions on the trip (Gerard and Ian) and to the
wonderful Herc, Guido, Bones and Sheriff.
What a fantastic achievement!
The Interval Drive at
Bisterne Manor - Sunday, 2nd 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. £250 was collected from
those that attended. These funds will be donated to Bisterne Church.
(Alison Tilbury) <PHOTOS>
"Oh to be 70!" -
Pam Baker’s 70th Birthday Spider Drive -
Wednesday, 22nd May
I never thought I would ever say that!
A while ago, I mentioned to Sam Searle, our AC and Roger Page that I would love
to drive my wonderful horse Diesel across Hampton Ridge in the New Forest to the
High Corner Inn on my 70th birthday. Well, that was it! Sam took up
the reins in her exciting “anything is possible” mode and before I knew it, my
birthday had become a BDS. event.
We set off from Janesmoor Pond, New Forest, and drove across to Hampton Ridge
via Fritham. The day was glorious and the views to the Isle of Purbeck and
Salisbury were spectacular.
Roger led our little group with his pair of cobs, Philanderer and Mildred, put
to a wagonette. Our four wheel exercise vehicle was next with Diesel, followed
by Blue with owners Jon and Di Siviter in a similar vehicle. It was lovely to be
accompanied by friends from Grayswood Farm: Ginny Parker, Carole Brewster with
her camera, Sam Searle, Jane Ellis, Roger and Maurice Page, and my partner
Stuart Jarvis.
When we arrived at the High Corner Inn, ten other turnouts had arrived. We had a
wonderful welcome from approximately forty-five fellow carriage drivers, family
and friends. After a welcome lunch and birthday cake outside in the sunshine
with everyone, we set off back to Janesmoor Pond, a round trip of just over
twelve and a half miles.
Thank you to all
those who came to the High Corner Inn to celebrate with me. A special thanks
goes to Jim Mason who was our steward on the day.
(Pam Baker) <PHOTOS>
Bluebell Drive -
Good Friday, 19th 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 £136 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, 14th 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, 27th 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, 20th
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, 7th 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.
BARBARA MILLS : <CLICK> for a Reflection of a past AAC.
TONY & PAM TRUDER : <CLICK> for a Reflection of long-standing Family Members.
IAN WICHALL : <CLICK> for a Reflection of a long-standing Member.