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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

Reports on Past  Events

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>

Young Driver’s Day  -  Saturday, 3^rd 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  -  12^th - 14^th 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, 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. £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, 22^nd 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 70^th 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, 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 £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, 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 £245, and from this New Year’s Day drive alone £130. 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 £143. Many thanks to Sue for organising this, to Steve Croll and his staff for the super food, and to everyone for coming.

The Annual Meeting at the Sir Walter Tyrell  -  Sunday, 4^th November
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.

Memorial Spider Drive to Highland Water  - Sunday, 28^th October
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.
 

New Forest Driving Weekend

Click < HERE > for pictures

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.