The British Driving Society
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire Area

Events in 2008

Young Drivers Fun Day June 2008

Concentration was needed at the YD funday recently.

Spring Show 2008

Clive Gregory     and     Kevin Tennant with judge Mrs Jo Halnan-Blackwell

 Liz Day              and             Lorna Gordon

 Rita Webb              and              Sue Vella

These are just a few of many excellent images taken at our Spring show by experienced photographer, Frances Kay. All of them are held digitally by Linda & can be viewed by arrangement, prior to ordering prints from Frances.

Chenies Manor Show 2008

Katy Parker                                 Stewards and judge

Gloria Parker                          Ashley - rather cold & wet !

A Bright Start for the Y.D.P

Starting the `Awards For All` project off, our Young Drivers were privileged recently to see a private carriage collection in Hertfordshire.

The first organized event for the Y.D.P (Young Drivers Project) got off to a bright start thanks to the fantastic weather and the hospitality of Ron and Shirley Higgins. 9 young drivers attended their farm near Kings Langley Hertfordshire and were privileged to see a broad collection of carriages awaiting them in the yard. The young drivers learned about carriages ranging from the modern exercise vehicle, to a stick back gig and a dogcart. Also on display were several trades' vehicles including 2 butcher's carts, a milk float, a London Trolley and a London Luggage carrier. Ron was kind enough to explain all the special features relating to the vehicles and show everyone the accessories, which are to be worn or used when showing the trades' vehicles. After a packed lunch spent in the sunshine the young drivers were put to the test in a small quiz where they worked in pairs to identify each carriage on display. Our thanks goes to Ron and Shirley Higgins for a pleasant, fun, informative day, which is an encouraging start to the Y.D.P. There are several other upcoming events: the next is scheduled for 07.06.08, driving lessons with David Baker. Also scheduled: a fun day, junior trec and a show. If you would like to get involved in the Y.D.P as a young driver or as an adult providing much needed help or turnouts, please contact Liz Cockrane on 07971454104 or email boodle2244@btinternet.com .

A keen audience were at Oaklands College, St Albans recently to see Gary Docking LHHI work some novice horses prior to the start of the show season.

On a very wintery day, Jeanette Standen and Georgie Bilborough dominated our first 2008 BDS Trec and won the Rising Sun trophy yet again, slightly ahead of Sally Walrond and her smart Connemara pony with Dave and Jean Titmuss taking third place.

Events in 2007

Two brave turnouts at the pre-Christmas drive

End of Season Dinner 2007

The Beds, Bucks and Herts Jubilee 'Bell'

Members receiving their 'end of year' awards from John Parker

and 'The Dinner'

Ashwell Show 2007

Angus Howe driving Murthwaite Perky at Ashwell show

Drivers Dream 2007

 Royal Sunshine was really the order of the day when Lucy Smith from Redbourn took home the Show Championship with her aptly named pony on what must have been the hottest day of the year. 

Turnouts came from many parts of the country, and we were delighted that Mr Jeffrey Osborne travelled from Sussex to qualify for his own Championships at Towerlands in September. Mrs Sally Osborne kindly judged the Concours d`elegance and awarded the first prize to local light trade driver Clive Gregory with the splendid Knockholt Express.

Ley Farm Dressage, Cones and Mini Marathon Fun Day Sunday 12th August

13 competitors took part and the results were as follows:

Pre-novice class: 1st Kevin Tennant with Glynceirch Jay Redwing. 2nd Emily McPheat with Minty. 3rd Fleur Manyweathers with Minty.

Novice class: 1st Barbara Martin with TJ. 2nd Irene Tennant with Oldmere Lancelot. 3rd Jackie Stone with Masie May. 4th Anne Yemm with Admergill Alexander.

Novice plus class: 1st Steve Manyweathers with Jordan. 2nd Rosemary Neale with Tycwm Sabastian.

Multiples Class: 1st Amanda Wells with Sunset and Jazz (Tandem). 2nd Joy Jones with Peebles and Pingu (Pair). 3rd Martin Yemm with Rhummi and Alex (Tandem).

For individual results click here

Beds, Bucks & Herts Jubilee picnic drive 2007

 The weather was kind and everyone had a great time. Many thanks to our hosts Lynne & Ron.

Shuttleworth Park Show 2007

Stephen Brown from Radlett, Herts with Drumbo Great Expectations took the light trade class then the overall show championship.

BDS-Trec April 2007

Members and visitors enjoyed the facilities at Shttleworth College Equestrian Centre

10th March 2007

Events in 2006

Beds, Bucks & Herts Annual Dinner November 2006

Beds, Bucks & Herts members & friends enjoyed their usual excellent meal & awards presentation at the Novotel,Stevenage on 18th November when Kerry Bowness, Driving editor of Horse & Hound was our guest & kindly presented the end of year awards to all those who attended at least 10 events during the year. Entertained throughout the evening by `Gentle Jazz` , everyone seemed to think the evening was a success and gave freely to the raffle which raised £123 in aid of the Sanders Watney Driving for the Disabled Trust.

South Cambs EC, Barrington October 2006

Beds Bucks and Herts and Cambs BDS held a joint drive at South Cambs Equestrian Center, Barrington.  Members enjoyed an off-road drive around grass fields, tracks, rivers and ponds.

Thanks to Barbara Martin for the photographs

Members drive from Arrington, October 2006

Many Beds Bucks and Herts members enjoyed a morning drive in the Royston area organised by Jeanette Standen.  Some of those taking part are pictured below.

Thanks to Barbara Martin for the photographs

Drivers' Dream 2006

Pictured below are some of the competitors at this year's Drivers' Dream at Keysoe.

BDS-Trec August 2006

had been popular in BB&H as in other areas this year, aided by finances from central funds and seen by entrants as a pleasant way to spend a sunny afternoon. The second event for area members was held on 27th August and was won by Jeanette Standen, with Veronica Zwetsloot second. Both qualify for the finals at Drivers Dream on 16th September.

Ashwell show 2006

 went off without a hitch with Keith Rudge`s lovely Fell stallion Murthwaite Michael taking top honours in private driving and finishing as show champion. Lynne Anderson from Wrestlingworth, Beds was pleased to head a strong non-traditional turnout class with her part bred hackney, Whitethorns Tradesman and subsequently went reserve champion ahead of Lucy Smith, top Young Driver, and Clive Gregory the Light Trade winner with his smart cob put to a London Trolley.

Dressage, Cones and Mini Marathon Fun Day at Ley Farm

After a dismal weather forecast 12 brave competitors presented themselves for the competition and as the weather improved throughout the morning all had an enjoyable day.  

A special thank you to our dressage judges, Rachel Gallyon and Denise Aylmer-Aylmore, Derek and Sharon Wootton for the course design and our stewards and time keepers Julia, Chris, David, James, Andrew, Ruth, Katherine, Eve and Mark.

Click here for RESULTS

The new Area 10 Summer show near Biggleswade

The show was well attended on 29th July and with such easy access from the A1 it seems to be a good venue for future shows.

First red rosette of the day went to Sharon Wootton from Colesden with Ellarslea Hallmark in the best local turnout class , followed by a second place in the private driving class which was won by Keith Rudge and his country vehicle turnout.

Rosemary Neale then took the large exercise vehicle class with Ruckham Chester from Joy Jones and her smart skewbald horse . As usual this was a difficult class for the judge, John Dobson from Yorkshire to split, with many excellent turnouts showing their paces in the large ring area.

The Young Drivers class was won by Aimee Banks from Langford with her Fell pony, Murthwaite Perky, from Jessie Godliman with Linda Horton`s Dartmoor Bittleford Lou Lou and whilst there were only two trade turnouts the worthy winner was Stephen Brown with the London Trolley and Drumbo Great Expectations. This must be a good contender for the Light Trade championship at Burghley in September.

With Verdrefawr Starlight driven by Liz Green taking the M & M prize and Ruckham Chester sparkling in the Style & Performance qualifier, the Championship was awaited with some excitement.

Mr Dobson though, had little hesitation in bringing forward Mr Paddy, Keith Rudge`s Hackney horse in the four wheel country vehicle. Another which will be hard to beat at the Osborne Championships.

Many thanks to all who helped on the day - we could not manage without you !

A few pictures from our Aldenham Park Country Show 2006, judged by Colin Benford.

                  Charlie Sherfield with Lakeside Arkan                            Michaela Clarke with Murthwaite Perky

    Elizabeth McGrath with Merrydown Little Devil     David Brown with Drumbo Great Expectations ( Champion)

      Reg Newman with Duke    Lynne Anderson with Whitethorns Tradesman   Bernard Parkins with Langley Lady

Some of the competitors at Stockwood Show 2006.

         Angus Howe & Aimee with Murthwaite Perky                                   Colin Green

   Rita Webb with Ray Howitt`s Thorndon Park Telynor            Kymberly & Cyndy Moreau with Rayner

                            Ben & Chris Price                                                  Sarah Lane with `Charlie`

Solo might be small but ably driven by owner Juliet Motteram, he won the BDS Trec at Twintrees EC in April and qualified for the finals at Drivers Dream on 16th September as did David & Jean Titmuss from Ampthill . Twelve entries enjoyed a pleasant drive and the subsequent arena skills, which varied from reversing between cones, to standing in a `scary` corner whilst the groom munched their way through a rather sickly Easter egg !

There will be another chance for two more turnouts to qualify when BBH holds another Trec later in the year.

Beds., Bucks & Herts members Chris Van Reen, Melanie Vyse and Lucy Smith braved the temperature on 12th March and took part in a colourful display of varied turnouts at the South of England Carriage Driving Fair in Sussex. 

Organised by Gary Docking, there were many types of vehicle forward from light trade to exercise, and animals from donkey to hackney demonstrating what is available to BDS members at all levels. 

It was a full day of arena displays , trade stands and `people-meeting` and although extremely cold indoor and out , the conditions were at least dry which helped when trying to get everything ready – mostly of course for the first time this season !

Events in 2005

Pictured below are two of the 'reindeers' at the local Christmas meet

Some of the competitors at Ashwell Show 2005.

      Lynne Anderson with Whitethorns Tradesman                                  Martin Hills with Calerux Saturn

              Jackie Martlew Stone with Maisie May                                   Reg Newman with Aspens Newsboy

       Stephen Brown with Drumbo Great Expectation                     Clive Gregory with Norman Stanley Fletcher

The pictures below show some of our young drivers enjoying a training day.

Local members shared the spoils at our annual area show in Stockwood Park, Luton recently when Liz Edmonds put her palomino cob, Parkton Unique, to the wonderful Express Dairy milk float for the first time and won the light trade championship, thereby qualifying for the Osborne championships at Burghley in September then went on to impress the judge Mr Everton again in the supreme show championship to take the Woburn trophy from Jan Manning with the private driving champion, Lady Tara, produced for her by Gary Docking. 

Other local prize winners were Rita Webb with Ray Howitt`s Welsh sec D, Thorndon Park Telynor, Rosemary Neal with Ruckhams Chester, Angus Howe with Murthwaite Perky, and of course the Smith family from Redbourn. 

Despite a change of venue within the Park, everything went off well and even a short-lived thunderstorm didn`t dampen the competitors enthusiasm for this show now in it`s eleventh year. Thanks must go to all those who gave their time on the day to make sure all went according to plan, things such as taking entries, putting up ropes and stakes, sorting out rosettes and prizes, public announcements, none of these do themselves. 

Kath and Brian Worrell kindly spent the morning selling raffle tickets and as a result £121 was sent to the Gambian Horse & Donkey Trust. 

If you would like to help next year, or sponsor a class - ring Linda now !

A number of Beds, Bucks and Herts members can be seen below enjoying the BDS dinner dance following the AGM on the 16 April.

The weather was again kind to members for the annual Good Friday drive from Hatch in Beds.  14 turnouts attended and some of them are pictured below.

Winners of the Crowland Cup at Hatfield House on 12th March were Anna & Robin Mann from Norfolk with their shetland pair.

David Baker from Sealmaster Morgans again found time on 5th March to come along to Shuttleworth Equine Centre at Old Warden, Beds. to help some of our members with their turnouts.

Events in 2004

WELL DONE TO ALL OUR AREA MEMBERS WHO QUALIFIED AND TOOK PART IN THE OSBORNE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT BURGHLEY - PARTICULARLY TO THE SMITH FAMILY FROM REDBOURN WHO WON THE LIGHT TRADE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH GARSTON LORD GEORGE, THEN PUT HIS `OTHER HAT` ON TO COMPETE AT THE HARNESS HORSE OF THE YEAR CLASS AT HOYS !

YOU WILL HAVE NOTICED THAT SYLVIA SULLIVAN HAS `VOLUNTEERED` TO DEAL WITH ANY PUBLICITY ISSUES FOR OUR EVENTS.  DO CONTACT HER WITH ANY SNIPPETS THAT ARE OF INTEREST TO THE MEDIA & LETS BRING CARRIAGE-DRIVING TO EVERYONE`S ATTENTION !

Over 70 members & friends enjoyed the annual area dinner at Knebworth Park on 20th November when Heather Armstrong from the Gambian Horse and Donkey Trust attended and gave an interesting overview of this very young but active charity.  End of year awards for ten attendances were given to Jeanette Standen, Lynne Anderson, Aimee Banks, Angus Howe, Anne Yemm, Kath Worrell and Linda Horton Special mention was made of all who hosted drives in 2004, and gifts were presented to Anne Yemm for organising the popular dressage day and also to Martin Yemm for his work on the area website.  AC Linda Swain was thanked for her work in Beds, Bucks & Herts by Chiltern Harness Driving club member Kath Worrell and also by Angus Howe who, together with a number of others presented Linda with a super wicker spares basket full of useful `goodies` which will double-up as a sizeable refreshment hamper (see picture below)!

Beds Bucks and Herts BDS hold regular events for the area's Young Drivers.  The photographs below show some of the Young Drivers who attended a recent training and competition day at Bayford, Herts.

The Beds Bucks and Herts BDS Dressage and cones day at Ley Farm was attended by 18 drivers on a lovely summer day.  The judge for the dressage competitions was Ivor Harper who also gave guidance to all entrants for future events.  An exciting cones course was designed by Derek Wootton creating much enjoyment for competitors and spectators.  Class 5 gave drivers the opportunity to demonstrate their driving skills and their ponies versatility through a number of fun tests.  In the dressage classes the Judge’s Special Award for the most impressive Novice Driver was given to Lynne Anderson and Spud.

Class 1 Dressage Novice 7:

1st Sharon Wootton with Parky, 2nd Kath Worrell with Henry, 3rd George Tite with Magpie.

Class 2 BHDTA Novice Dressage 1:

1st Martyn Graham with Ayston Citcat, 2nd Anne Yemm with Westonian Sunset, 3rd Sarah Prosser with Flame.

Class 3 Multiples Novice 7:

1st Sharon Wootton with Ernie and Drummer, 2nd Anne Yemm with Westonian Sunset and Admergill Alexander, equal 3rd Caroline Kerr and John Kerr with Cecil and Tigga.

Class 4 Cones:

1st Anne Yemm with Westonian Sunset, 2nd Anne Yemm with Admergill Alexander, 3rd  Sharon wootton with Parky.

Class 5 Versatility:

1st Jackie Martlew-Stone with Miss Maisey-May, 2nd Brian Worrell with Henry, 3rd Anne Yemm with Westonian Sunset.

      Martyn Graham with Ayston Citcat              Anne Yemm with Westonian Sunset

         John Kerr with Cecil and Tigga                    Lydia Graham with Ayston Citcat

            Caroline Kerr with Tigga                     Linda Horton with Bittlesford Lou-Lou