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Integration - report by Keith Farley

INTEGRATION, INTEGRATION, INTEGRATION

Over the past twelve months or so it has been good to see members from a couple of local RDA driving groups out competing or just having fun away from the RDA umbrella - although still under the watchful eyes of a few of our volunteer force. Our thanks to them, the Oaks Driving Club and the BDS (it does help when the area commissioner is one of our volunteers and a pony owner to boot!) for allowing, no encouraging us to participate in events on a level playing field.

One member from Heron’s Ghyll Driving Group-RDA, Percy Cox from Hailsham, started 2008 in fine fashion by attending the New Years Day drive organised by BDS Assistant Commissioner for East Sussex, Helen Bridges. Percy, who has impaired vision, loved the freedom of driving under his own steam but, a competent backstepper for him and the watchful eye of the ever-vigilant joint BDS Area Commissioner, Sue Page from the following turnout, were there to ensure all was well at all times. This of course included ensuring that Percy made it back to the Golden Cross Equestrian Centre and not the Golden Cross pub which had to be passed en route!

Prior to the festivities and probably referred to in another article, a ‘fun day’ was organised by local charioteer, Katie Eyres at the same venue, Golden Cross and it was good to see Kipling Country RDA Driving Group member, Nina Yarnton mixing it with the best. Not just content with having some fun herself, she even took her husband Robin on board as backstepper! Very Brave Robin! There would have been other disabled entries at this event from my own Heron’s Ghyll group but one was hospitalised and the other (me) chickened out because it was too cold. Never mind, plenty more opportunities in 2008, I’m sure. I think this kind of integration is fantastic and I hope to see even more people ‘out there’ during this coming season.

Have a Happy, Healthy and Successful year everybody and may your only problems be other competitors - and steamrollers!

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The Off Season - by Keith Farley

The last driving day of ’07 came and went and left us all eager to see the back of the oncoming winter months. I, for one was dreading the next few months having had a bad time of it health-wise. If only winter would pass as quickly as the summer it wouldn’t seem quite so bad but it never does, does it? Thank goodness we have people on board who help to make it just that much better for us to weather the winter blues.

One event that is organized every two years for us by Val Richardson - A/B whip, fundraiser and keeper of Jack our Irish piebald cob, – and that’s a coach trip to Olympia. Everyone so looked forward to this latest excursion, after all it was the Centenary Show and expectations were high.

On arrival we actually went in the main entrance for once, (previously we had been herded in via the back door) this was very refreshing. Once in several of us found the nearest wheelchair friendly refreshment establishment and got stuck into a coffee and a four pound chicken salad sandwich. (Err, that’s £4.00 in money not 4lb in weight!) We then went off to find our parking places before doing a quick circuit of the shopping mall to see where the ‘bargains’ were. We hastily returned to the viewing platform when the proceedings got under way slightly disappointed at what we had seen.

As far as performances are concerned, the show jumping is always a spectacle and it was great to see all the up and coming ‘youngsters’, which, I hasten to add appear to be all named Whittaker! But, it is just as well that I go to the mid week matinee performances with an open mind because the classes put on at that time of the day and week are pretty frugal when it comes to prize money and everyone knows the best horses are being saved for the big money at the end of week. Nothing changes, I remember my pre polio days 50 odd years ago being taken to all the big shows and mixing it with all the top names, they were doing just the same then only for a heck of a lot less. Mind you, petrol was about two bob (10p) a gallon so a purse of 50 quid went a long way. Sorry I digress.

Although we weren’t there for the individual classes I was glad of the opportunity to see the Ridden Mountain and Moorland Championship and cheer on my favourite Welsh Section ‘A’s. It was a good turnout but an absolute shambles to watch. Ponies everywhere, facing in all directions, especially at the point of prize giving. Very unprofessional and a considerable drop in the standards usually set by this prestigious show.

Speaking of a lowering of show standards, what was going on with the closing ceremony? This, as said previously was the Centenary Show and I thought the display was grossly inferior to previous ‘non-special’ years. They have always been spectacular, star-studded events with a great theme ending with a laughing, waving Santa. The Centenary one would have thought should have knocked previous year’s performances into a cocked hat. Alas I thought it was sadly lacking in everything including passion and enthusiasm. Even the bearded fat man’s mode of transport was a mere shadow of its previous incarnations. Maybe I expect too much, maybe the show is facing a financial shortfall. Whatever, I was disappointed but, am I the only one of the thousands that handed over their twenty plus pounds to think that way?

Moving on to the next get together, the first of two monthly meets for lunch for those that wanted a chance to escape the chains of home for a couple of hours. For the first time committee member, Karen, our Disability Liaison Officer, (that’s the title I gave her, others may differ) found a delightful venue in the shape of The Star at Waldron. She did well to get the number she did, 24 plus I think, a far cry from previous years. The food was good, similarly the company, conversation and the Harvey’s. The service was a bit slow at first but once the kitchen got into gear it all ran smoothly. I took a few photos which sum up the initial wait. These can be viewed on the Photos page.

With January already in the past we can only look forward to approaching Spring even though as I write we are forecast high winds, freezing conditions for the start of February. Our next off season get together will be held at The Halland Forge on February 28th. The nosebag has been great here in the past so it’s worth looking forward to. As to is Summer and that can’t come soon enough for me.

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Fun in East Sussex Sun (Well, it was sunny and fairly warm - outside!) - report by Keith Farley

It really brings it home to one when the last bit of driving before the holiday has whips and carriages getting all glittered and tinselled up, and ponies growing antlers - Christmas is almost upon us. Although, by the time these few words get out it will be all over and we can all get back in the shops to buy our Easter Eggs!

Putting that thought to one side, the ‘funday’ organised by Katie Eyres was a great way to either unwind, bring on new equine friends or an opportunity for the novice whip and members from local disabled driving groups to mix it with the more advanced drivers. In fact it was a combination of all three and much enjoyed by all. Katie, who was taking time out from convalescence, competition and moving house, found time to organise the Pony Club-type event which took place at Golden Cross Equestrian Centre, East Sussex on Dec 11th.

The competitors were put into three groups, Santas, Snowmen and Reindeers then asked to do a cones course that was interrupted by parallel rails, the occasional part obstacle, halt and stand and moving the apple. A surprisingly simple concept - one would have thought! What really occurred was a whole lot of fun for all those present. The ones that got it right were: For the Santas 1st Anthea Shipley (the only double clear), 2nd Christine Buckland and 3rd Frances Collinge. For the Reindeers, 1st Denise Green, 2nd Margaret Grimes, 3rd Sandra Pochin driving a pair. Finally for the Snowmen, 1st Sandra Pochin, 2nd Robin Yarnton and 3rd Liz.

Lunch was then taken, and what a spread it was. Thanks go to Liz Allen and Diane Perret for the mountain of sandwiches, sausage rolls, mince pies, you name it; it was there including a large bucket of most welcome hot soup. (It was much colder indoors than out. I sat covered in a racehorse travelling rug wearing a pair of the finest fingerless gloves with a camera frozen to my hands!) Diane with husband Chris also found time to give their new driving pony, Diesel his first experience of competition. Although the combination didn’t get to rattle the cages or bloody the noses of the more experienced, the results were very promising for the 2008 campaign.

During the break everything was removed from the arena, bar the cones which were left in ready for the afternoon’s antics. The team spirit was still prevalent when proceedings got underway after lunch. The idea this time was a cones course that had to be completed twice in a ‘match your own time’ scenario. Once again a surprisingly simple concept much used in proper competition. It really was just as well this was a fun day. I’m sure that a couple of competitors must have hailed from the Medway Towns in Kent and were former employees of the Syd Bishop Demolition Company. (Their trucks used to be so highly visible in the region with ’WATCH IT COME DOWN’ emblazoned on the side.).

Results from the ‘Match Your Own Time’ cones are as follows: Santas; 1st Frances Collinge, 2nd Carol Lamble and 3rd Christine Buckland. For the Reindeers, 1st Denise Green, 2nd Margaret Grimes, 3rd Bella Freeman. Last but not least for the Snowmen, 1st Robin Yarnton, 2nd Sandra Pochin (driving her new pony) and 3rd Bella Freeman.

Roll on the New Year when, hopefully a similar day will be organised as a precursor to the serious stuff to follow. The day for me summed up what carriage driving is all about – FUN.

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Mini ODE 2007

HERON’S GHYLL DRIVING GROUP-RDA’S ANNUAL MINI ODE FUND RAISING EVENT

I can’t believe how quickly the last year has passed. The 20^th September saw yet another renewal of the Mini ODE held by Heron’s Ghyll Driving Group-RDA at their base, Burchetts Farm, Whitesmith, East Sussex. This event, held for the last three years, is open to entries from both disabled and able-bodied whips and allows competition against each other on a level playing field. Now that this event has it’s niche in our annual calendar, it has been recognised as not only an opportunity to raise much needed funds and a fantastic opportunity for disabled whips but a chance for existing A/B whips to brush up on their driving skills and, for those thinking of joining the ranks, to try out the sport first.

This year, although there were a nice number of entries, they were down on last year. A number of reasons have been bandied about as to why and all are probably valid. This event, followed by the RDA SE Indoor Competition at Sands Farm the following Thursday and the BDS Jubilee Show at Towerlands, Essex three days later is the most probable. I’m afraid it just goes to highlight the age old problem of financing everything. But the dreaded FMD in Surrey certainly didn’t help.

The day went well, blusteringly well in fact with conditions slightly on the squally side – with the only real shower waiting until I had entered the dressage ring! After dressage, we Heronsghyllians were holding our own against the ‘outsiders’ with Christine Bassingthwaighte driving Jake through a super test and a score of 29 in the Beginners class. Brenda Longley drove Buck in the Novice and stood first above two of Heron’s Ghyll’s A/Bs. Billy Dempsey headed up the Novice-Over 13.2hh with Jack. Sarah Baverstock drove the super pony Rupert to the fore in the Open-under 13.2hh and I found myself in a similar position driving Jake in the Open-Over 13.2hh. HG volunteer, Bella Freeman led from the front in the Beginners-Under 13.2hh class with her own Shetland pony, Gwain.

By the end of the cones the score sheet, like the weather, had quite a different look to it! Whilst Bella, Christine, Sarah and myself held on to our leads, Billy and Brenda had a pretty torrid time and dropped to fifth and third in their respective classes. Then there were the obstacles!

O dear, if only I hadn’t tried to take a 15.2 on the 12.2 route we may have held on. But, Janet Bettell-Higgins, (259) founder of Kipling Country Group-RDA took the lead driving Prince, Kipling’s latest equine member. Bella (268) and Christine (310) maintained control over their classes but Sarah dropped to fourth with Karen Baker (HG) 3 penalties to the better in third. I must at this point stress that it wasn’t so much Sarah and Karen losing ground as it was local girl, Kerry Whiteman (187) steering the pocket rocket Tori, owned by Brenda Longley’s daughter Jeni, to the best score of the day. Cheryl Hurle (247) from Walstead, having moved into the lead of Class four with Snowy after the cones, hung on to win the Novice-Over 13.2hh. Rozanne Bennett (280) from Hastings drove Hamish, improved from her second place after dressage to steal the cones and hold on to win her class.

It must be said that the event could not have taken place without the help of a lot of people to whom I would like to offer my sincere thanks. What would any event do without the trusty regular volunteers who make up judges, stewards, scorers, ball pickeruppers, the bacon butty brigade, many of whom once again were members of the local Oaks Driving Club. Of course, we must not forget all those from the participating RDA groups who were not only competing in their own right but were there helping the disabled in their quest to compete.

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ODE 2007

After all the bad weather and the possibility of cancellation due to a flooded pitch, the forecasters had a change of heart and promised us sunshine and temperatures of 24 degrees plus for Thursday August 2, the day of the Heron’s Ghyll annual One Day Event at Whitesmith, East Sussex. True to form and for once quite welcome, they got it wrong. It was a fairly overcast but pleasantly warm day that suited both human and equine competitors. It was indeed a pleasure to have entries from the Kipling County and Goodwood groups forward on the day.

There were the usual two classes for Novice and Open and competitors in both classes brought forth positive comments from the dressage judge, Carol Porter who was pleasantly surprised at the overall standard. The Novice dressage was won by a newcomer to the sport, Jamie Williams, who was driving Prince for the Kipling group with Val Eyres as Companion Whip. With a dressage score of 23 and one down in the cones meant he was in the vanguard with a fine 26 for the obstacles after lunch. At the end of the challenging cones course set up by Heron’s Ghyll Instructor Hilary Hill, Christine Bassingthwaighte (HG) was chasing Jamie down with a score of 29 with Percy Cox (HG) in a very close third on 30.

The Open Class proved to be just as close a race as the Novice. Paul Mouland (HG) put up a fine display to take the lead with a score of 24 after the dressage with Beth Allsopp (Kipling) one point behind on 25 and Karen Baker (HG) 3rd on 29. Unfortunately Paul had two of the cones over and slipped to second spot (30) behind Karen (29) with Beth also dropping a spot to third (31) after having two down. So, it was a pretty close contest all round which bode well for the afternoon activities.

The obstacles set yet another challenge to everyone with HG’s Sarah Baverstock proving that fifth after dressage and fourth after cones is no reason to give up on the day by putting up a fine show to go joint first on a score of 146 along with Beth Allsopp. Karen was next in line with a final count of 148. It was a shame for Paul Mouland, after the fine start his day didn’t go well and he finished down the line. However, knowing him, next time he will come out and give his all once again.

The Novice event had just as exciting a finish as the Open which had Christine Bassingthwaighte holding on to her fine second spot on a score of 154 and Brenda Longley (HG) on 178 just pipping Percy Cox to third by one point. Top spot went to Kipling’s Jamie Williams who steered the nimble Prince through the obstacles like an old hand. He finished his day by keeping his lead and ended on a final score of 132 which was good enough to see him take the overall championship for 2007. Who’d a thought that he only started to drive back in March and that this was his very first event! One to watch for the future I’m certain of that.

It was a great day enjoyed by all and thanks must go to all those people that made it possible. Special thanks to Sue Vine for her tireless work on the score board all day.

OPEN

NOVICE 

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RDA National Lottery

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Medi Armbands

Medi-armbands are now available from the club £3-50 each. These wrap around your arm and contain valuable personal details in case of an accident. Included:
Name
Medical Details (Allergies, Blood Group)
Name of GP
Religion
Phone No.

Call Carol Lamble on 01424 814512

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