The British Driving Society
Dorset Area

CHRISTMAS LUNCH Sunday 13th December 2009

The Fox Inn at Ansty, near Dorchester, looked after us very well, providing nearly 40 of us with an excellent Christmas lunch.  It was a convivial affair, and thank you  to Ann and Terry James for running the raffle, which, thanks to everyone’s generosity raised £100 for Area funds.

AREA ANNUAL MEETING
Friday 4th December 2009

Twenty-five members attended this important meeting, where there was lively discussion about our events in 2009, and excellent ideas and suggestions put forward for 2010. It was good to hear from Ann James that our Area funds are in good shape, and Rights of Way Officer Dorothy Webb provided an update on her work on our behalf.

Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting and also to
Yvette Cheeseman, Ann James, Hazel Lappin and Dorothy Webb who joined forces to provide the buffet.

Minutes of this meeting will be circulated ahead of the 2010 Annual Meeting

EVENING MEETING WITH DORSET HORSE WATCH
Thursday 12th November 2009

Anyone thinking this evening meeting was going to be a dry old lecture on all the security measures we know we should have in place but perhaps don’t, would have been sorely disappointed! In an interesting talk Moira Connolly and Dave Brown of the Safer Neighbourhood Team at Wareham Police Station gave good practical advice and showed us some innovative products for protecting our property and animals. It was reassuring to hear of the low numbers of actual crimes in the equestrian world in our neck of the woods; it seems there is a lot of rumour and speculation, not least the recently reported plaiting of horses manes, which it was feared was a method used to mark horses as potential targets for theft. Not one of these horses has actually been stolen and it is now thought that the plaiting is connected to some form of pagan ritual.

Of the 25 folk at the meeting, those of us not already registered with Horse Watch took advantage of the opportunity to join, free of charge, and are now receiving regular updates from the Horse Watch ringmaster of problems in the area, together with details of suspicious vehicles calling at yards, offenders suspected of committing crimes, etc.

To find out more, contact Anita Rigler, Horse Watch ringmaster at Anita.Rigler@dorset.pnn.police.uk or Tel: 01202 226214.

ROAD DRIVING ASSESSMENTS
September & October 2009

Preparations for the Road Driving Assessments kicked off with an evening meeting on Thursday 10th September, at which Caroline Douglas explained to 25 or so folk the finer details of the test. Training days followed at Dogdean Farm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, kindly hosted by Ann James, where Caroline gave individual tuition to nine whips with their turnouts, and a further six arranged their own training on different days.

The day of judgement, test day, was Saturday 17th October, when 11 candidates came forward. Having travelled to Dogdean Farm that morning from Norfolk, our examiners, John Parker, Chairman of the BDS, and Susan Townsend, quickly put the candidates at ease as the assessments got underway. After harnessing up and putting to, each turnout went out on a road drive, and on return unhitched and unharnessed, all under the scrutiny of the examiner, and all the while answering their various questions.

Congratulations to the following who successfully passed the Road Driving Assessment test:-

Huge thanks to Ann, who not only hosted the training and test days, but also took on the co-ordination of everything when sudden ill health grounded Alison Trevett. Thanks also to Caroline for all the time and energy she gave so willingly to preparing everyone for the test. And thank you to Pauline Filler, Terry James, Tessa Johnstone, Anne Mouland, John Parker, Nick Poole and Susan Townsend.

If you would like to take the Road Driving Assessment please contact Alison Trevett. Given adequate interest, more training and another test day will be arranged and, thanks to the Salisbury Bursary Fund, if this is done before April 2010, the fee for the test is just £5 and training is also subsidised. There may also be an opportunity to take The Welfare of Animals Transport Order (WATO) Certificate of Competence at the same Test Day again, contact Alison if you are interested.

TREASURE HUNT
Sunday 11th October 2009

Having organized Treasure Hunts since 1989, it was clear that once again Wendy Richards had been wearing her creative thinking cap when she devised the clues for the 2009 Treasure Hunt at Chilbridge Farm. The14 turnouts taking part had plenty to think about, not least an egg to take care of en route! ‘Team Kira’, with Ann and Terry James and Clare Mouland won first prize. The Brooke Hospital for Animals was also a winner as, thanks to the generosity of the good crowd present, some £340 was raised for the charity.

Thank you to Wendy and Jim for their hospitality, and also to all their helpers, including Pauline Filler, Tessa Johnstone and Anne Mouland.

TRAINING DAY, SUPPER & FUN DAY
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August 2009

Word of how good this event is has spread across the South West, and this year Maureen and Hugh Blakemore welcomed competitors from six counties to Hazeldene Farm, near Sturminster Newton.

Saturday morning's individual training was re-engineered to private practice sessions, since, unfortunately, our instructor Barbara Nadin was poorly and unable to join us. A valuable rehearsal for the next day's dressage test was possible in the 30 minutes for which each turnout had the arena all to themselves. A cones course and an obstacle were also available to drive.

Philip Renfrey shared his skill and knowledge of grooming and back-stepping for Barbara with us on Saturday afternoon. At national level competition some of what is involved is highly technical, but Philip gave sound, practical advice, illustrated as we walked the obstacles, which was helpful to everyone tackling our Fun Day courses.

Maureen and Hugh, as always, had thought of everything, and this year, thanks to the generosity of some friends and Hugh persuading the local mobile fish and chip bar to come especially for us, some 50 folk enjoyed a freshly cooked supper in the comfort of a marquee on Saturday evening. If there was any doubt about whether or not the following day's competition was going to be hotly contested, you only needed to see how fiercely the evening's game of 'Killer' skittles was fought!

With 18 entries, Sunday's Dressage class started at 9.30am, with Julie Mounty judging. The most impressive test of the day, and perhaps the most surprised of all our class winners, was Dorothy Webb with her Welsh x Gelderlander Sebastian.

Gill Butler presided over the Cones, which was quite a testing course, but, with careful driving, half of all the competitors in each of the two cones classes achieved a clear round. The timed class saw some fast rounds, and just two seconds separated first and second places.

The highlight for most of the competitors was the afternoon's Obstacles course, where all five obstacles were superbly designed and built by Hugh, Maureen, Philip and Julie Renfrey. Each obstacle had any number of possible routes, allowing the more experienced competitors to take a tighter, challenging route, but at the same time there was the option for a flowing, gentler approach. The whole course drove well, including the new bridge at Obstacle 5.

Thirteen year old Jack Thorne made the journey from Bideford with his family and pony Indy worthwhile, winning both the overall points Show Championship and the Young Whip Championship. Hot on his heels to take Reserve was fellow Devonian David Whitfield, and just one point adrift, Dorset's David Bull, who took the new Dorset Area Championship trophy.

The weather wasn't as kind as it might have been, but that didn't stop Allison Cooper from getting some great photographs of the Fun Day, which can been seen at the website www.markcouttsphotography.co.uk/bdsdorset

We are hugely indebted to Maureen and Hugh for their generous hospitality. Thank you to our judges, also to Philip and Julie, Sarah Best, Paul Cuff, Doreen Butler, Amanda and Pauline Jefferies, Derek and Muff Mitchell, and everyone else who contributed to a fabulous weekend.

BDS TREC
Sunday 2nd August 2009

BDS Trec is becoming ever more popular across the country, and so it proved in Dorset this year, with 12 entries for the event at Dogdean Farm.

After the initial safety inspection, under the watchful eye of Maureen Patrick, turnouts set off at intervals for a drive of nearly 8 miles, much of it on forest tracks, and to be completed as close to the optimum time of 1½ hours as possible. The course for the final skills phase, judged by Keith Damon, needed careful driving, with points easily lost for a cone knocked, an inaccurate manoeuvre, or other error.

When the final scores were collated, Hilary Sandon was the clear winner, to take home the trophy, but little separated the remaining placings

As ever, huge thanks to our host and organizer for the day, Ann James, the judges, and Ann's band of helpers, including Janet Dacombe, Tara Grey, Dawn Harry, Terry James, Jenny Jones, Nick Poole, Sue Pulford, Wendy and Jim Richards, and David Shorter.

Photographers Allison Cooper and Mark Coutts recorded the day's action on camera, and the photographs can be seen on their website www.markcouttsphotography.co.uk/bdsdorset

PICNIC DRIVES

There was a time when picnic drives were extremely popular in Dorset, attracting members from far and wide, and many a great day out was enjoyed. These days it seems 'times they are a-changing', and of the seven drives Carol Cuff master-minded for us in 2009, just one went ahead, with the others abandoned for various reasons, but most commonly due to lack of support.

The sole survivor was on Sunday 28th June at Kingston Lacy, where just two turnouts, with whips Ivan Smith and Tony Wright, enjoyed the drive organised by Wendy and Jim Richards, assisted by Carol, and Ann and Terry James. Thank you to those that made this drive possible, all those that helped Carol plan the other drives and, of course, to Carol for pulling it all together.

If you would like to find out more about picnic drives or, looking towards next year, if you anticipate that you might like to host or take part in a picnic drive, please contact Carol or Alison, so that we are able to gauge the level of interest and plan the drives accordingly.

DORSET AREA SHOW
Sunday 7th June 2009

We held our first ever Area Show on Sunday 7th June.  The excellent facilities at the Turnpike Showground, Motcombe and the hospitality of the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Society provided the perfect venue, with big rings, good going and plenty of room for horseboxes and working in.  There was also the added attraction of the Agricultural Society’s Town and Country Fayre.

Our judge for most classes was BDS panel judge Mrs Jo Halnan-Blackwell, with Dorset based animal portrait painter Colette Fowler-Marson judging the Concours d’Elegance class and Dorset Area member Maureen Blakemore overseeing the Cones classes.

The classes began with an In Hand class for driving horses and ponies, where Lynda Rowland of Bere Regis triumphed with her Shetland Fusilier of Duntish.  The Ride and Drive class followed, and having been pipped to second place in the ride section by Hilary Miles, riding Margaret Cuff’s traditional coloured cob Free Spirit, Ivan Smith’s Freisan, Jelte, driven as a pair with another Friesan, took the drive section and hence was the class winner.  Sue Douglas of West Knoyle enjoyed an excellent day, winning both the Newcomer Whip class and the hotly contested Exercise Vehicles, with her and husband Peter’s Dartmoor pony Treacle.  The morning’s classes concluded with the Novice Horse or Pony, where Sue Courtney’s Welsh Section C pony from Hampshire headed the line.

Melanie Vyse and her family made their stop-over on their return trip home from Royal Cornwall Show worthwhile, when, with her Hackney pony Glenshane Playboy, Melanie won both the Concours d’Elegance class and the Private Driving class for 13.2hh and under ponies.  Colette Fowler-Marson had a hard task separating the contenders in the Concours d’Elegance class, but the honours finally fell to Melanie, just ahead of Dorset Area member Geoff Allen.  Mr Allen’s coloured cob Jethro, driven to a Stratford Cart built over 100 years ago, took the over 13.2hh Private Driving class, and then he went on to secure the Dorset Area members Championship, ahead of Ivan Smith’s pair of Friesan horses.  The overall Show Championship was a four way contest, where Glenshane Playboy won through.

Tackling Hugh Blakemore’s cones course, Debbie Warren’s novice cob, Bob, secured a clear round, while Hazel Lappin and Harry won the Timed Cones class.

Results
Class 1 - In Hand Driving Horse or Pony (J Halnan-Blackwell): 1. L Rowland’s Fusilier of Duntish 2. Y Cheeseman’s Polly 3. D Webb’s Sebastian 
Class 2 - Ride & Drive: 1. I Smith’s Jelte 2. M Cuff’s Free Spirit 3. D Bull’s Smarty
Class 3 - Novice Newcomer Whip: 1. S Douglas’ Treacle 2. Y Cheeseman’s Polly 3. G Rendell’s Desmond & Smartie
Class 4 - Exercise Vehicles: 1. S Douglas’ Treacle 2. S Courtney’s Caebryn Jenson 3. A Rickard’s Holly
Class 5 - Novice Horse or Pony: 1. S Courtney’s Caebryn Jenson 2. S Douglas’ Treacle 3. I Smith’s Jelte & Joris
Class 6 - Concours d’Elegance(C Fowler-Marson): 1. M Vyse’s Glenshane Playboy 2. G Allen’s Jethro
Class 7 - Private Driving 13.2hh & Under (J Halnan-Blackwell): 1. M Vyse’s Glenshane Playboy
Class 8 - Private Driving Over 13.2hh: 1. G Allen’s Jethro 2. I Smith’s Jelte & Joris
Class 9 - Clear Round Cones (M Blakemore): D Warren’s Bob
Class 10 - Timed Cones: 1. H Lappin’s Harry
Dorset BDS Area Championship: Champion. G Allen’s Jethro Reserve. I Smith’s Jelte & Joris  Show Championship: Champion. M Vyse’s Glenshane Playboy Reserve. G Allen’s Jethro

To see a selection of pictures from the show see the Photographs section of this website, and go to www.markcouttsphotography.co.uk/bdsdorset where you will find 300 photographs taken for us by Allison Cooper.

INTERVAL DRIVES
Sunday 3rd May & Sunday 16th August 2009

Both of these interval drives were over routes of about eight miles, with a mix of country lanes and off-road driving. A very pleasant conclusion to each day was a relaxing tea, with scrumptious cakes, and a natter with friends.

Blessed with good weather, nine turnouts took part in the drive from Winterborne Whitechurch in May. Thanks to Yvette Cheeseman, Ann Harfield, Ann James, Hazel Lappin, Doris Mitchell and
Michael Trevett for their help.

The Bison Centre at West Knoyle was the starting point for the drive kindly hosted by Sue and Peter Douglas in August. There was no risk that our horses and the bison would get too close to one another, but in addition to the lovely countryside to enjoy, there was the unusual sight of a baby bison born just that morning.

TRAINING DAY
Sunday 19th April 2009

Once again we enjoyed the luxury of the indoor school at Kingston Maurward College, which is light, airy and roomy, with a super surface to drive on. Eleven turnouts came forward for individual tuition, keeping our instructor, Caroline Douglas, busy from 9am until 6pm. Both the morning and afternoon sessions began with a group talk about the movement of the horse, and how this affects its work thank you to our equine models, Lynda Rowland's Reg and Sue Douglas' Molly. In addition to the help each turnout received, Caroline's clear commentary gave a lot for the good crowd of spectators to enjoy and learn; one spectator said afterwards "In years of carriage driving, that's the best £3 I've ever spent".

Thank you to all those who helped with the day, including Yvette Cheeseman, Arlene Duncanson, Hazel Lappin, Ann James, Linda Rowland, Glenn Thompson and Michael Trevett.

The next Training Day is Sunday 25th April 2010
See 'Forthcoming Events' for further details

EVENING MEETING - Thursday 26th February - with Pam Mooney

Thanks to the generosity of the people present at this meeting, we had quite a big raffle, but at least one prize winner went home empty handed, leaving behind a bottle of wine and a computer kit. If one or both of these prizes are yours, call Alison - Tel: 01258 881295

TREASURE HUNT
Sunday 19th October & New Year's Day Dog Walk

Wendy and Jim Richards kindly hosted both of these great events at Chilbridge Farm, and in addition to providing us with two super days the Treasure Hunt raised £272 for The Srooke Hospital for Animals, while The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust gained £366 from the Dog Walk.

TRAINING DAY, BARBECUE & FUN DAY
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2008

Maureen and Hugh Blakemore kindly hosted Fun Days for us at their home near Sturminster Newton in both 2005 and 2006, but the 2008 event has to be the most ambitious - yet!
Not only did Maureen and Hugh open the doors of Hazeldene Farm to us for a Fun Day on Sunday 24th August, but on the Saturday we held a successful Training Day, followed in the evening by, thanks to heavy rain, a rather soggy Barbecue.
Barbara Nadin was our instructor for Saturday, when the morning was dedicated to individual tuition sessions. Barbara has many years of driving experience under her belt, including a vast amount of success in horse driving trials, and nine turnouts benefited from her kind, but firm, teaching.
Saturday afternoon saw over 20 of us walking the cones and obstacles courses together on foot, with Barbara talking us through the technicalities, and guiding us on how best to drive each element, to stay within the rules, stay safe and yet have an eye to the competition. This was an extremely informative few hours, which whetted everyone's appetite for the following day.             .            ..
Huddled in the marquee on Saturday evening, while the rain tipped down, we enjoyed good food and good company, but it was great to find the rain clouds had moved on by Sunday morning.
.Fifteen turnouts entered the Fun Day,with12 contesting the dressage. Under Barbara's appraising eye.· Everyone had a crack at the cones, driving two rounds each. Most of us had walked the obstacles course on Saturday and thought we knew what was in store, so it was quite a surprise to find on Sunday, that together with their 'right hand team' of Julie and Philip Renfrey, Maureen and Hugh had been dressing things up  -plain barrels became Arab Sheiks in flowing frocks, the arch at obstacle 3 had acquired some low flying ducks, and obstacle 4's farmyard animals had multiplied overnight - a particularly fine litter of piglets! All five superbly built obstacles drove well and were enjoyed by the experienced and newcomer whips alike.
The presentation at the end of the day was a jolly affair, with smiles all round. Overall Show Champion was Gary Fuszard, closely followed by Rachel Ball in Reserve. One of Dorset's newest members, Danielle Grant. driving Sue Mitchell's Cracker, made an impressive debut, taking third place overall and without doubt all of Maureen and Hugh’s months of  planning and hard work, and the help of many friends, resulted in a truly fantastic weekend – very many thanks to everyone involved.

Alison Trevett

BDS TREC Sunday 10th August 2008

This was our second Trec and the first time with my new pony Harry. After a safety inspection, eight turnouts set off at 10 minute intervals. The drive was most enjoyable, along quiet lanes and on tracks in the forest. This time we managed to read the map correctly but we were glad to check in with the stewards along the way to confirm the correct route.
Back at Dogdean Farm we tackled the skills phase. This was great fun – cones, posting letters, 20 metre circle and reversing.

After everyone had completed the Trec we chatted and ate lunch together, with time to discuss the fun we’d had. Then the presentation of rosettes, and to my amazement we came first, what a surprise. We took part because the Trec is such fun – why not have a go next time?  Finally a HUGE thank you to Ann and her large team of helpers and stewards for a brilliant day – we are already looking forward to the next one.

Hazel Lappin

NEW YEAR’S DAY DOG WALK

On New Year’s Day Dorset members of the B.D.S. and their families and friends left their horses at home and set forth on a 4-mile walk around Chilbridge Farm with their dogs.  The 40 dogs taking part were all impeccably behaved (as were their owners!) and all safely returned to the farm where Jim’s famous hot soup was waiting together with crusty bread, drinks and various titbits which were served in the barn.
A raffle followed and thanks to the generosity of everyone the wonderful sum of £330 was raised to support the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust.
It was Christmas 2006 that the Dorset B.D.S. sponsored a donkey named ‘Dorset Holly‘ who is now very much appreciated by the hard working Gambian family to whom she was allocated.  At last year’s Dog Walk a further sum was raise enabling a cart to be added to Holly’s sponsorship this providing the means for the family to make a living.

With grateful thanks from the Trust for everyone’s support.
W.R.

Supper & Skittles at The Greyhound Inn, Winterborne Kingston
7th November 2007

We gathered once again at the Greyhound Inn, where under new management we were greeted with a considerable reduction in food prices! The Chuckers again won the night with Sylvia Pope scoring  14 with three balls on their team, who were presented with “Horse- Go Slow” car stickers.
One of the Throwers

Langton Arms Quiz Night   - Friday 26th October 2007

A Quiz Night was held at the Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton on Friday 26th October with a good attendance enjoying a excellent hot supper followed by a quiz. Janette Dacombe was our question master and had prepared a wide range of questions on equestrian topics, one being which horses are listed as marbled or frosted, unknown by myself although my husband drives an Appaloosa which was the answer. There were quite a few cryptic clues that made everyone ponder. The winning team included two new members from Bridport.

Ann Poole held a raffle and £50.00+ was raised for 'Dorset Holly's' upkeep (our sponsored donkey in the Gambia ).

Thanks were extended to Alison Trevett also to Ann and Janette for organising such a merry event in nice surroundings. All agreed to meet again next year as a good night had been had by all.

Val Bull

Rempstone Forest drive - Sunday 16th September 2007

We had planned to go to Rempstone Forest at the start of the season, but due to the terrible weather it was postponed, and then postponed again.  We finally made it on a pleasant day in September.
This drive was made possible by the kindness of Mr Guy Ryder of the Rempstone Forest Trust who permitted us to park in Burnbake field which is usually used as a camping site, and also the Forestry Commission who manage the forestry area, not forgetting Karen Johnson and Sue Wheeler who arranged the permission from the Rempstone Trust and planned the route.
Karen with Sue as her groom lead the drive with several Hampshire members having come to see the new venue following.  Our latest junior member Katie driving her pony pixie followed Audrey who had another new Dorset member George in front, and Sue took up the rear.
The drive was well planned with the chance to peel off at the half way point for those who felt 6 miles was far enough for their turnout.  Katie taking advantage of this option on this occasion.  The views across Poole Harbour were a sight to behold, and the forest produced some very different terrain to that of Wareham Forest for a nice change.
On our return to base the wind increased and the weather turned quite cold, ponies were attended to, and picnics eaten and as we left the area, the rain gently fell!  We had made it at last. Thanks to all who had made it possible, it was well worth the wait.
A participant.

Egdon Equine Fun Day - Sunday 9th September 2007

The day started fine and clear at a new venue very kindly provided by Gill and Ivan Smith, their first event for us having been cancelled in July due to the unforeseen circumstances of bad weather, uncut grass, etc. Ivan had spent very many hours building a new cross country course for us which included a river crossing and a new bridge. Ivan had also advertised the event in the Equine Life Dorset Magazine and The Advertiser. Already being our Rights of Way Representative, he is doing a marvellous job of Publicity Officer for us as well.
Whilst preparing for the dressage, members of the public poured into the car parking area in anticipation of seeing plenty of carriage driving. The dressage started at 10.00am after which, due to so much public interest, we stopped for a question and answer session together with some driving demonstrations before going onto the cones course.
Due to the lack of sufficient driving turnouts, the cross country obstacle course remained unopened. The removal of fencing and subsequent stabling of numerous horses for a few turnouts to drive the course was not viable. The local mobile caterer not only supplied food and drink, but also a gazebo complete with tables and chairs, from which to watch the event.  
The in-hand classes were well supported, the BDS ones being completed before the commencement of the Weymouth & D.R.C’s classes, and who very kindly offered us a driving class at their show next year.
We must give a very big thank you to Gill, Ivan, their family and friends for all their hard work in putting on this really good event and giving us the opportunity to show the public that carriage driving is a very versatile family friendly sport.  We must also apologise to them for the lack of support given to them on this occasion by BDS members.
Photographs may be seen on Moodz the Photographers website in due course.
Nicky

HAMPSHIRE AREA – BISTERNE MANOR DRIVE - Sunday 22nd July 2007

Nine turnouts met at Lower Bisterne Farm, part of the Bisterne Manor Estate, which is owned by the Mills family. Before setting off, we all gathered in the yard where we were given a brief history of the estate and the family. This was out first drive at Bisterne and we were welcomed by several members of the family who had arrived to see us set off on the drive.  News of the event had been in the village Newsletter and even the vicar had been told to cut his sermon short as the entire village wanted to see the carriage drivers!

Martyn Meaker, who took Hallam Mills’ daughter Isobel in his carriage, led the drive. Setting off down the tracks and through the woodland we could smell the aroma of the wild mint which grows in abundance either side of the tracks. From here we went down country lanes until crossing over into more woodland tracks. We then skirted round the edge of several large fields and from the top we stopped and had a wonderful view of Cranborne Chase and the Purbecks.

Everywhere we went the villagers were standing in their gardens waving to us.

We stopped and had our picnic lunch down by the Water Meadows and enjoyed the sunshine and the restful atmosphere. After the picnic we set off to drive along the main Ringwood to Christchurch road for about a mile and were followed by two motor bikes, who instead of overtaking us acted as outriders and stopped all the traffic from behind overtaking  - a big thank you to them for behaving so well! We turned into the main drive and lined up in front of the Manor House, where photographs were taken and then we had an “inspection of the troops” by Hallam’s father, who delighted everyone by coming and speaking to each turnout individually. We had a few words from Hallam Mills who said he was so pleased our first drive on his estate had been such a success and invited us for a return visit. A big thank you to Norman Light who worked out a really good route for us, drove around it several times repairing padlocks, cutting up fallen trees and who came out with us on the day carrying his bag of tools in case we had further problems. Without Norman’s assistance we would not have been able to hold the drive but I think he really enjoyed this new project! Also grateful thanks to Gail and David Crabb who did a fantastic job as Stewards. We were so pleased to have this new venue and a donation of £100 has been sent to Beaucroft School where Isobel Mills is a pupil.

Our special thanks must go to the Mills family who so generously invited us to spend the day on their beautiful estate and it was much appreciated by everyone. As one driver said “this is going to be a hard act to follow”

Wareham Forest Interval drive - Sunday 8th July

This was the second drive in Wareham Forest and we were once again very lucky to have fair weather, not as hot as last time but still dry!
There still may be a write up of this event coming from a young passenger, but in the meantime thought I would do a short report.
Due to a damaged bridge and wet weather on the far side of Wareham Forest we kept the course to the centre section which several turnouts had not covered before, and I think everyone was happy with the length of drive on offer.
Once again it was very nice to meet new members from other areas, one travelling 2 ½ hours to our drive.  When talking to those travelling far distances to join us, one realizes how very lucky we are living close to Wareham Forest.
We apologize to those whose photos do not appear on the website but will make up for it next time.  I think we were talking too much!
Nicky

Tooth 2 Hoof, An evening with Drew Manley. 20th June 2007

Firstly I would like to thank Debbie Warren and her colleagues for allowing us to use the fabulous Children’s Farm at Abbottsbury as our venue for the evening and to Peter Simpson who provided us all with much welcomed hot drinks.
Drews talk was held in the medieval tithe Barn, which has been impressively renovated recently and I can recommend that if you couldn’t make the talk the Children’s Farm and Tithe Barn are well worth the visit on any occasion.
Around twenty of us ventured out on this rather chilly mid-June evening for an informative talk covering a range of subjects, each of which could have warranted an evening of their own!
Drew began by introducing himself with some of the many things he has done with horses over the years, quite fascinating in itself. The first part of the evening began with equine dentistry including ageing a horse by its teeth, the reasons for rasping or ‘floating’ the teeth and problems that can arise throughout their life stages.
The second part of the evening touched upon muscle therapy using the Bowen Technique, a treatment which uses the same principle points on the body as acupuncture to ‘release’ muscle tension. Drew also gave us a brief insight into forming awareness to an animal’s energy, which could lead us to areas of trauma or damage that could otherwise go unnoticed.
In part three Drew spoke about foot trimming for barefoot horses and ponies; the importance of conditioning the foot over a period of time to be able to withstand a surprising amount of work. All the benefits that accompany this were also discussed as well as covering some of the pitfalls of keeping your horse or pony permanently shod without a break.
Many questions were raised throughout the talk and answers dually provided, accompanied with visual props - a skull, legs and foot parts - to demonstrate the points being discussed.
This all made for a very interesting and informative evening and I would like to thank Drew very much.
Sara Angel

Longwood Farm drive, Woolland, Blandford Sunday 10th June 2007

Sunday 10th June bought a beautifully hot sunny day when we gathered at Longwood Farm by very kind invitation of Sandra and Steve Bailey and arranged by Ivan Smith. The area of Woolland is situated near the base of Bulbarrow hill ( which my dear husband kindly guided me up on the way home trying to find a shorter route!! and poor ‘Maggie’ standing in the trailer backwards, bottoms up, must have wondered what was happening!) and is a beautiful area with farms, quiet roads and lovely views.
The route was 7 miles in total with several hills, none of which caused any problems, the scenery along the way breathtaking, we drove through Belchalwell, and the surrounding areas, only some 5 cars were seen ‘on route’ plus one very large tractor and trailer which was out silageing and couldn’t have been more considerate.
I for one will be back for that drive like a shot, it is so nice to go somewhere different with really great scenery, clean open countryside, traffic virtually non existent, and a lovely clean, clover covered field in which to park. By the way Maggie didn’t touch a leaf of it! Too rich by far for her!
Those of you who didn’t come on the drive really missed a super day out. One of our company travelled from Andover to enjoy the day, no small distance, another who lives in Somerset, and the others from Dorset. Thank you very much, Sandra, Steve and Ivan.
Nicky

Kingston Lacey Golden Jubilee Drive Sunday 20th May 2007

Kingston Lacy saw the Dorset Area of the British Driving Society celebrate its 50th Golden Jubilee 1957 - 2007 with a gathering of members and their turnouts in the grounds of Kingston Lacy with kind permission of the National Trust.
The turnouts ranged from a pair of beautiful, now endangered rare breed of Cleveland Bays, ponies of all shapes and sizes, down to a sweet pair of Shetland ponies, put to a range of vehicles. 
 Members partook of a drive some 9 miles incorporating parts of the estate and local roads returning via Barton Farm for a sample of their now famous ice cream and thence to the lawn in front of Kingston Lacy House, where they were presented with beautiful Golden Jubilee three tiered rosettes in black, yellow and gold, and finally back to the parking field for their own picnics, with wine and soft drinks very kindly provided by Wendy and Jim Richards.
The drive was extremely well organised by Wendy & Jim who opened 29 gates and barriers in order for the carriages to travel around the estate, which has suitable barrier access for people on foot, wheel chairs, and bicycles together with ridden horses, but unfortunately not carriages.  Ann Poole and Terry James had then the in envious task of shutting all the gates after they had been passed.
 We must thank the National Trust for the use of the Kingston Lacy Estate, Wendy, Jim, Ann and Terry for all their hard work and organisation which made this event possible.
The sun shone and everyone had a marvellous time. We must remember how lucky we are to participate in a sport which we can continue for many years, especially as both able-bodied and disabled can enjoy carriage driving.
 We had some very senior members amongst us, one being Roly Robberts a mere 88 years young, who has been a member of the BDS for just under 50 years, and several others in their early 80’s. This is a sport for both young and old so come and join us.
Nicky

Supper & Skittles Night at The Greyhound Inn, Winterborne Kingston
Wednesday 13th May 2007

We gathered promptly at 7.30pm in the Skittle Alley of the Greyhound Inn with partners and friends split into two teams, the ‘Chuckers’ and the ‘Throwers’.

Two rounds were played before stopping for a hot supper ranging from ‘chips with most things in a basket‘, and ‘filled Jacket potatoes‘, all very nice.

The break to eat saw the ‘Chuckers’ behind but having been refuelled they soon rallied and won by a close margin.

The winning team was Sara Angel, Terry James, Wendy Richards, Brian Sims, Hazel Lappin, Dave Shorter, Gill Smith and Peter Simpson. The top score was Gill Smith and top male score Ivan Smith. Was it beginners luck!!!!

One of the Chuckers

Drive and BBQ at Dogdean Farm Sunday 29th April 2007

A big thank you to Ann Poole and Terry James for yet another pleasant and very enjoyable venue.

Weather was kind to us all with a gentle breeze to make sure that none of our equine friends got too hot. The drive took us down country lanes, passed thatched cottages and over little streams. Its amazing how much can be seen in just over 8 miles, we continued down through Whitesheet, passed Redbridge Manor which looked splendid in the sunshine and back through Broomhill and passed the Barley Mow pub and onwards home.

In Ann's lovely garden the BBQ was in place and thanks must go to Terry James and Dave Shorter for making sure that we were all well fed.  The afternoon was rounded off nicely with a piece of birthday cake for Wendy and of course a chance for us to congratulate Wendy and Jim on their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Again another brilliant day.

Gill Shorter

A very big thank you to all who supported this event, I was able to send a cheque for £150.00 to Macmillan Dorset Appeal. Well done everyone.                                        A.P.

Wareham Forest Interval Drive - Sunday 15th  April 2007

What weather, what a turnout. They came from Devon, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire. as well as our own area. All shapes and sizes to enjoy the tranquillity and open gate free areas of Wareham Forest. The forest is actually made up of three sections, divided by roads, but on this occasion, the first drive of the season, the driving was in the central section only. Next time two sections will be covered, giving a longer drive, with two road sections.

Many members also came and joined us with their picnics at lunch time to enjoy the superb weather, watch some of the turnouts returning, and have a good natter. Nicky

Sunday 2nd March 2007

Pre-season Overhaul talk evening was held at the very pleasant venue of the Bere Regis Sports Club where a good gathering listened to Debbie Warren our own fully fledged Harness Maker member on what to look for when checking over ones harness, recognising badly worn stitching, the fitting of cruppers, and how they can be altered in shape using boiling water and a rolling pin, looking at types of leather used for repairs, etc.

Ivan Smith on carriage maintenance including dealing with traditional wooden wheels, how to cover scratches using coloured polish, various types of axles, etc. and finally Sara Angel on feeding various equines, for amounts of work, size of animal, character of animal, and different problems which relate to feeding. Not forgetting the free samples of food in abundance, then sacks of food, equine tape measures, caps, etc . in the raffle which raised a brilliant £33.00

Thank you very much to you all who came out in the worst weather possible, making it a great evening.

Nicky

Sunday 11th February 2007
Photographic Fun Night

Gill and Dave Shorter very kindly offered us the use of the Forest Edge Camp Site Bar once again for our February meeting where I think all who attended enjoyed the evening. The number of photographs brought for the evening was overwhelming, well done all of you. We were very pleased to welcome two new members to our midst, Liz and Kirsty coming over from Blandford to join in the fun. The raffle raised a very healthy £22 which will go towards expenses for this and future events.

Nicky

10th December 2006
Annual Meeting and Christmas lunchat the Crown Hotel, Blandford Forum.

Once again we met at the Crown Hotel and the Annual Meeting was attended by some 20 members, the minutes of which will of course be produced at the one held at the end of 2007. During this meeting as Area Commissioner I decided to give a few awards to members for various reasons.  Wendy Richards received an award for holding the most meetings for members in 2006.  Ann Poole received an award for attending the most events in 2006,  and Sara Angel’s Tonic received an award for being the pony who excelled itself for the benefit of the BDS. This was, with the aid of one other turnout, giving some 120 children  carriage rides in two days of extremely hot weather without putting a foot wrong, during our Pony Club Camp visits.
Some 28 members and friends attended the Christmas Lunch at the Crown Hotel which was up to its usual good standard,  and Clare Wigmore who was in attendance, and being a member of the BDS Council, kindly gave us a short after lunch speech.
Nicky

10th November 2006
Quiz Night at the Langton Arms. Tarrant Monkton.

A quiz night with some 31 participants took place once again in the very pleasant surroundings of the Langton Arms.  Supper with waitress service was enjoyed before the commencement of the quiz took place.
During the coffee break a Birthday Cake was produced for Ann Poole who had reached a special birthday a week or so before.  Everyone enjoyed a piece.
The quiz kindly arranged by Ann Poole and Janet Dacombe who was once again the quiz master, commenced with much scratching of heads and conflicting answers, but was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to both of you.
Nicky