British Driving Society Area 15 – Derbyshire and Staffordshire Spring Report
10th April 2016 Training Day
Our season started with two Training events , the first was held at Barleyfields Equitation Centre on the outskirts of Derby. We were lucky enough to get Nicola Salter to take the Training Session and after consulting Members with regards to what they would like Training in , Nicola kindly did two sessions , the first on Paces and Precision within a Driven Dressage Test , and the second session was on Show Ring Craft. Six Turnouts attended with lots of onlookers both BDS Members and non Members. A really enjoyable day with everyone having learnt something. We are very grateful to Nicola for making the day so informative and fun.
1st May 2016 Training Event
The second Training event was a Safety Day for Derbyshire/Staffordshire area BDS members on Sunday 1st May 2016 and was tinged with a mood of celebration! It was Red House
Stables 70th Anniversary and 30 members (including 5 juniors) gathered
together at the home of Caroline Dale-Leech MBE for their annual Health & Safety day,.
Several new members were welcomed by our Area Commissioners, Sally and Margaret, and after a comprehensive discussion on Risk Assessment, three turnouts came under the eagle eye of Caroline, whilst onlookers observed correct methods of harnessing, putting to and taking out, with discussions on the fitting of various types of harness, vehicles and ‘quick release’ features.
Long reining in harness was also demonstrated, thanks to Sharon Waterfall and David, who brought along their handsome coloured cob, ‘Dancer’.
There were several people in attendance who were relatively new to driving who will, most certainly, have benefitted from the very informative demonstrations, as did we all.
Afterwards, our Area Commissioners, Sally and Margaret, kicked off the
celebrations by presenting Caroline with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and then everyone tucked into the Celebration Cake and Punch, courtesy of hosts Caroline and Peter who had made a tremendous effort to make the day special, decorating the lecture room with balloons and garlands and providing a Celebration Quiz which was won by Samantha Jones and Christine Bassett.
Special thanks to our hosts and the people who brought their ponies, Sally and Terry Lugg with ‘Jack’, Tilly, Vicky and Chris Gottschald with ‘Sam’, and Sharon Waterfall and David with ‘Dancer’. Thank you all, and thanks to all those who braved the bitterly cold weather to be there on this momentous occasion.
It is a well known fact that anyone who visits Red House Stables, for
whatever reason, comes away having learnt something new, and this day was no exception!
8th May 2016 Anslow Cross Country
Twelve turnouts took the opportunity to enjoy the Cross Country course at Poplars Farm in Anslow , as ever this course never disappoints.
5TH June 2016 Chatsworth Challenge
A great day enjoyed by all . Eleven Turnouts including four new Members. Special thanks to Margaret Norris for hosting the event . Competitors could do all or some of the five disciplines on offer.
A Turnout Inspection by Mary Glossop and Gwen Floyd. An Obstacle course to test Pony , Whip and Groom set by Pete and Margaret Minshull and judged by Carolyn Bryers and Martin Parder.
A Cone course set and judged by David and Marie Tivey. A Treasure Hunt set and judged by Margaret Norris , and Drivers Dream judged by Chris Bassett and Alison.
Points were awarded for each discipline and totalled with Rosettes to 6th place for both Whip and Groom.
Results over 5 disciplines
1st Sharon Allsop / Andrew
2nd Julie Barker/Jane
3rd Katie Wileman / Reece
4th Tilly Gottschald / Chris
5th Philip Wright/ Barbara
6th Rita Stevens/Martin
Congratulations to all who competed and a huge thank you to all involved in helping and judging.
19th June 2016 Anslow Drive
Six Turnouts enjoyed a beautiful drive of 14 miles around the Anslow/Hoar Cross area , the route planned by Reg Muggleton was on quiet lanes , with excellent Marshalling on all main road crossings thanks to Reg’s Family. Bob did a great job in the front car and David also helped keep us all together by bringing up the rear in the back car.
Special thanks to Ann and Bernard Greer who kindly hosted the event and provided a fine tea on our return
Future Events
July
17th Chatsworth Drive. By invitation of Margaret Norris and Andrew Doyle. Limited number of turnouts
30th Leek Show
August
3rd + 4th Bakewell Show
6TH + 7TH Northen Hackney Show / BDS Classes
10th Ashover Show
13th Manifold Show
21st Brick Kiln Drive by invitation of Rob and Jan Hutchinson
September
2-4th Chatsworth County Fair The Second Official Meet of the British Driving Society is to be included at Chatsworth Country Fair Horse Driving Show on Sunday Sept 4th 2016. The highest placed BDS member in the Concours D'Elegance class will receive the Phyllis Candler Trophy to hold for 12 months.
11th Hartington Show
18th Catton Park
25th Equine Boot Sale Redhouse Stables
October
2nd Freehay Trophy Drive by invitation of Graham and Helen Lovatt.
November
12th Area Meeting Bentley Brook Inn. Please note date change
27th Christmas Rally Drive Redhouse stables.
2017
February
25th Annual Dinner. Bentley Brook
Please note Booking Essential for all events , please contact Margaret Norris or Sally Cowan to reserve your place at events and to get timings and full addresses.
At all events there will be a safety briefing 30 mins prior to the start time , please ensure each Whip is available for this.
Remember that your BDS membership card should be with you at all driving events as proof of insurance and may be checked before each event. Those aged under 14 years must wear hard hats at all times whilst in a carriage and the wearing of high- viz gear for driver, groom, horse and carriage is highly recommended on any road drives.