The British Driving Society
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire Area

NEWS

Sylvia says - I joined the BDS in the late 1970s after an introductory driving course with Carol Dale (how many of us must owe our interest in driving to her!). The final day’s drive to Chatsworth with the coach and four remains one of my most vivid and exhilarating memories.

I currently own a bright little Morgan gelding and to keep him in hay and shoes work as a freelance writer and editor – see www.ssulledit.co.uk - and I continue to enjoy the friendliness of the Beds, Bucks and Herts BDS group, so I hope to be able to do a little bit to publicise our activities and encourage people to think about taking up driving and joining us.

Sylvia Sullivan Publicity Officer

There are several ways I’d appreciate your help:

1. Achievements – not necessarily or exclusively in the show-ring or competition – don’t be shy! Let us know what you’ve been doing and if possible take a photograph! 

2. Contacts – let me know of any personal contacts you may have with newspapers, television, radio or other local horse groups 

3. Photogoraphs – we have a constant need for good quality photos for which you own the copyright or have permission to use for BDS purposes.

All ideas are welcome – and remember, when supplying information, to answer the questions who, what, where and when!

My horse Troy

Click for this poster which is well worth displaying in your yard!!! Apparently Ware RC have had 2 horses stolen and Karen reports that they have also been seen in Symondshyde.

Please watch out for them. If you hear of any more reports of them being seen - please let Linda know and make sure you also report it to the police.

June 2008

With the invaluable help of Brian Worrell, our area has been awarded £2490 from the National Lottery`s `Awards for All` scheme. This money will help train Young Drivers aged up to 24 years old, so do keep an eye open for events aimed specifically at this age group. There will be free training and items such as high-viz gear and DVD`s available to those attending. All enquiries to Linda.

May 2008

As a result of the press release on the 9th January regarding the rescue of horses, ponies, and donkeys from a farm near Amersham, there has been a huge response from people wishing to help.

At present, these horses need to be under veterinary supervision, but may need foster homes at a later date. Offers of stabling should be directed to the RSPCA and Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

People concerned about the identity of these horses, in case they have been stolen may rest assured that this matter will be dealt with at the earliest opportunity, once the horses are well and settled.

The horse charities who have taken these horses in would welcome any donations to help with the extra burden of costs, and their details may be found on the internet. The charities involved are The Horse Trust, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Blue Cross, International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH and the RSPCA).

January 2008

We`ve been offered a splendid new venue at Cheynies Manor, nr Amersham, Bucks. Just off the M25 junction 18 , AAC Shirley Higgins will be organising a show with classes for all on Monday 26th May 2008. Please ring her on 01923 267919 to offer help, ideas and/or sponsorship money !

20th November 2007

Members may be sad to lose Stockwood Park Driving show after 13 years , but can look forward to a similar schedule on Saturday 24th May at the new Area 10 Spring show on the showground we have already trialled - near Biggleswade, Beds. We have also been asked to return to Shuttleworth Park on 13th July for our Summer show classes as part of the ever expanding Bedfordshire Country Fayre . The splendid Mansion House makes a magnificent backdrop and this was a very popular venue in 2007 with plenty to see and do for all the family and free entry for our competitors. Extra classes have been requested, including an open ride and drive section . The date for `Drivers Dream` is Saturday August 23rd and will include the National finals for the Style and Performance classes that will be offered to affiliated shows in most parts of the country. As before there will be separate Championships for traditional and non- traditional vehicles.

Anyone interested in sponsoring classes at these events should contact Linda Swain before 31st January 2008 please.

For more information contact Linda Swain on 07850 706978

7 October 2007

A farmer in Gambia is looking forward to a better future thanks to the Beds, Bucks and Herts group of the British Driving Society (BDS). Attendance at recent BDS group events has been so good that sufficient funds have been raised to purchase a donkey to help the farmer in his work. The donkey, called Royston after the latest venue for a meeting, will be a valuable asset and represents another stage in the BDS' campaign to help welfare of equines in this part of Africa. BDS Area Commissioner Linda Swain, from Biggleswade, said, "Farmers and other people in Gambia rely heavily on ponies and donkeys for transport - they are an essential part of the economy. For several years members of the BDS have collected harness and run training sessions in Gambia to ensure that ponies and donkeys are well treated. We know that Royston will be going to a caring home and will make a real difference to people's lives."

For further information on the British Driving Society and events in the area contact Linda Swain on 07850 706978 or look at the website,  www.bedsbh.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk 

For more information on this Press Release, please contact Linda Swain on 07850 706978

It is a legal requirement that a record is kept of all journeys made transporting animals, including horses.

The details required are shown via a link on this form which you can download and use a copy for each journey.