GWHC Committee Members  2012

	President	Tom Pettifer		New Member Support	David Whitfield
	Chairman	Gail Palmer		Training	Rachael Moast
	Vice Chairman	Trisha Luxton			Angela Shailer
	Secretary	Jennifer Collie		Stewards	Kate Fincham Powel
	Treasurer & Membership Secretary	Marita Wakeham		New Member Support	Lisa Phillips
	Publicity Health & Safety	Liz McQueen

Click here to contact a committee member

 Next committee meeting date  : 23 Feb 12

  Committee News

MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 15^TH DECEMBER 2011 AT GISSONS IN EXETER

Unfortunately Johnny Mathys event in July has been cancelled. It was suggested that maybe a camp could be held instead for the adult drivers with fun competitions as well as training, and maybe talks from farriers and other people. This to take place at the end of June beginning of July.

 AGM questionnaire results

 1) The web site needs to be more up to date.

2) Members would like to have more information on other members.

3) All competition results, both Club and National, to be in the news letter.

4) At prize giving to name both the driver and groom.

5) More fun days.

6) Ride and drive competitions.

7) Back Stepper training.

8) Le Trec

9) More tips and advice in the news letter.

 Easter Hall Park for their events this year are keeping their entry fees the same as last year, but Members of GWHC will be £5 cheaper.

 The GWHC does have a Facbook page where members can communicate with other members and post the dates for any events they may hear about.

  Hope everyone had a good Christmas. Wishing you all good driving in 2012

Notes from the AGM held on 20^th November 2011 at Hatherleigh Community Centre 

Present;   The chairman, Gail Palmer, and twenty four members.

Apologies;    Margi Hawkins, Glen& Della Bealey, Denise & David Brown, Pat & Ivor Holliday and Liza Philips.

Minutes of last AGM;   These had been sent to all paid up members prior to the AGM and the floor agreed they were an accurate account of proceedings and could be signed off.

Proposed by Anne Briggs and seconded by Carol Whitfield.

Chairman’s Report;   Gail started by welcoming Barbara Nadine, who was going to give a talk on The Back steppers Course. Martyn Willis, who is the area rep for the BHDTA, and Brian Colebrook-Clark who is the area chairman for the BDS.

I was unable to attend this year’s BHDTA Annual Conference, but the Club was well represented by James & Mary Jane Campbell.

Two years ago when I became chairman of the GWHC, one of my goals was to increase membership, which I am pleased to say has been achieved. One of the reasons I wanted more membership was to gain more entries at our shows and events. Unfortunately this has not been the case. We are getting around 16-18 entries per event on average. This is especially disappointing for the organizers. The committee discussed this at the end of the season and it was felt there were a number of reasons for this. Firstly, the new membership coming up through the ranks is not yet ready for fully fledged driving trials, so time will tell, I hope to see them progress to trials driving.

Secondly, are the costs involved. I think the recession has made a lot of people more careful with their money. Therefore the GWHC has decided to offer reduced fees this coming season to see if we can get more “bums on seats” to its members. This will once again offer a 2 tiered entry system, which I know was proposed by Roger Godfrey two years ago only to be abolished in order to reduce the need to belong to so many clubs and thus save money this way. However although the GWHC amongst some other clubs (probably those who were present at that particular AGM) all voted to adopt this system, this did not get adopted by all clubs. This particularly affected the GWHC badly because neighbouring clubs to us did not commit to this policy leaving the GWHC at a disadvantage; therefore we have had difficulty in getting new membership in this way.

Thirdly, the West Country has a small nucleus of competition trial drivers, and when some of these commit to the nationals, we unfortunately sometimes lose their support.

We have run a number of successful events this year with only one being cancelled due to insufficient entries. The committee’s policy is now such that we do not cancel events unless we absolutely have to as we do not wish to get a reputation for having cancellations. However until we can see an increase in entries, we will not be hosting new events, but will try to maximize

the use and time of existing events. For example a 2 day trial at Easter Hall Park can also offer a 1 day trial and a pleasure drive, in this way we hope we can please more people and offer more flexibility without spreading ourselves too thinly.

Another goal we have been able to achieve is to improve relations with the BDS. This has worked well in the West Country, we now run two joint fun days and a couple of social events. The GWHC still aims to increase membership not only to gain a greater pool of people that will enter trials, but also join in social events and training events, starting at grass roots levels and upwards from there.

The BHDTA are putting up Club affiliation fees, but the Club’s committee has agreed to absorb these costs so there will be no increase in membership fees for this year.

The events for 2011 started on January 12^th with a twelfth night supper, organized by Trisha Luxton. This was well supported and a great evening was had by all who went.

In March we went along to Duchy Collage for a talk by Andrew Council on “How to drive a dressage test from a judge’s point of view”. This was very enlightening as no two judges see the same thing as they are at different points around the arena.

April contained a Taster Day at Easter Hall Park along with a clinic.

June was Newnham Park which again was a regional event, entries were up on last year. Also there were two training weekends at Easter Hall Park.

July was Sunnybank’s event which was joint with BDS. Great day had by all. Next year will be in September.

August was 2 day event at Easter Hall Park, not fully subscribed but entries came from as far as Yorkshire.

September was a joint event with the BDS at Moorhaven.

I would like to thank all of our hosts Mike & Di Stamp, Johnny Mathys, David & Carol Whitefield and Nick Palmer. Also a big thank you to all the people that stewarded at events as without their help there would be no events.

I would also like to thank all the committee for their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment during the last year. Anne Walter Symons has stepped down, due to ill health; Angela Shailer has agreed to take her place. This was proposed by Gail Palmer and seconded by Marita Wakeham.

Once again our members have been successful in competitions. At the national Championships Roger Campbell won the Open Pony class, with Rosanna Walter-Symonds coming 2^nd. Claire Campbell came 2^nd in Intermediate Pony.

It now gives me great pleasure in giving the John Etherington Trophy to Rachel Moast, and the Points Shield to Gary Fuszard.

Treasurer’s report; Marita stated that the profit was up by £300 on last year, mainly due to cancelling the insurance on the trailer and the radios.  As many as possible of the news letter’s will be emailed as postage is costing so much. The Club’s affiliation fees for next year to the BHDTA will be £669.

Appointment of Auditor; Edward Kerwin was quite happy to continue to audit the accounts.

Proposed by Liz McQueen and seconded by Jennifer Collie.

BDS;    Mr. Colebrook-Clark came along to give the dates for the BDS events. This was much appreciated so hopefully events will not clash in the future. Liz McQueen asked if BDS members would be able to steward at GWHC events, Mr. Colebrook-Clark said he would ask.

Please check BDS website for full details.

Back Steppers Award Scheme; Barbara Nadine said when she had attended some of the driving events she was appalled at the lack of knowledge of some of the back-steppers and horrified to witness vehicles turning over. She felt she needed to put something back into the sport she had enjoyed for so long, so came up with the idea of the Back Steppers Award Scheme. The badges were designed by Nick Palmer and Gary Fuszard. Some back steppers will get grandfather rights to the level one and two badges, everyone else will undergo a competency test after attending a day of instruction. At present these levels are not compulsory but it would be nice if the driving clubs backed the scheme to improve safety to both humans and horses. Barbara would like to see the BHDTA take over this scheme and thus take it nationally.

LEVEL ONE; Yellow badge, this is for recreational driving, indoor events and BDS events.

LEVEL TWO; Blue badge, to do all of the above along with being capable of travelling over rough ground, negotiating solid obstacles and timing.

LEVEL THREE; Red badge, to do all of the above, and for people who compete nationally and internationally.

INSTRUCTOR LEVEL; At present Nick Palmer & Gary Fuszurd are the only instructors.

Next year at Stretcholt if a back stepper does not have the appropriate badge they will not be allowed to compete.

Carriage Driving are supporting this scheme and will be giving awards during the year for the best back steppers.

Dick Carrey, who started the indoor driving, is backing this training scheme and arranging the insurance cover.

There is a back steppers page on Face Book.

AOB;   Gary suggested that in order to get more people interested in carriage driving we should get more photos of obstacle training on the website.

Members would still like training from Di Hayes. But it was felt that new members would benefit from a short biography about her and so realize she was a very approachable lady.

There are a number of people in the south west with UK Coaching Certificates.

Bicton Arena is opening a larger and much improved indoor arena in January 2012.

It was agreed unanimously that at the presentation of awards at any event that the grooms should receive recognition along with the driver as it is a team effort.

Notes from the Committee Meeting held on 21^st September 2011

Present; Gail, Marita, Liz, Kate, David, Rachel, Liza, Jennifer

 Absent; Anne, Trisha

 Apologizes;  Trisha later by email

 Chairman’s Report;  The Committee agreed on a list of improvements needed to make fun events safer and more enjoyable.

1) The obstacles need better stewarding.

2) Do not time the cones course, and then it comes under BDS rules and insurance.

3) A much more detailed schedule is required, so people understand where they are going and    when.

4) The entries need to thoroughly checked to make sure people have paid.

5) The entry form must have space to show evidence of Club Membership ( any recognized driving association ) or BHDTA membership, and a copy of their Drivers Competency Test.

6) A Technical Delegate should be appointed and their word is final.

7) A drivers briefing is essential to ensure everyone is aware of any changes of route and any hazards encountered along the way.

8) There should be stewards along the route to guide people in the right direction, and to help anyone who gets into any difficulty.

Easter Hall Park event was enjoyed by those who took part. There were 21 entries, but only 14 took part the other seven pulling out at the last minute. There was one entry from Kent, one from Yorkshire and one from White Horse Club. The committee were wondering if more people might take part if this event was downgraded to a one day event; or maybe keep it as a two day event and offer a one day event on the Sunday as well, or even for people to do just the drive and cones if they do not like dressage. If you have an opinion on this maybe you could get on touch with a committee member or bring it up at the AGM in November.

Easter Hall event made a profit of £200, Newnham Park event made £500.

 Mike Stamp is offering for his event next year a Le Trec competition as well as the one day event.

 Secretaries Report;  News from the BHDTA. The annual meeting for Event Organizers takes place on Friday 14^th October at White House Hotel, Kegworth at 2.30pm. All National and Regional event organizers are invited to send a representative.

Horse & Hound along with Dodson & Horrell are awarding a bursary to a young rider, driver or vaulter. Charlotte Snow has made it to the final six. She is 19 and lives in Essex. She won the Novice Pony title at last year’s National Championships, the National junior Championships at the Indoor finals and a bronze medal at the Junior World Trophy in Hungary.

We all wish her well in the next stages.

 A new Club has been affiliated to the BHDTA. They are the Eppynt Carriage Club from the Brecon Beacons and borders of Mid Wales.

 All dope tests have been clear.

Christina Woollacott has been promoted to the Judges List2. Goeff Atkins, David Hitchock & Valerie Thomas have all qualified as specialist cone judges.

The BHDTA have said Judges will only be required to attend training clinics every 2 years and the venue will move around the country.

 Competitors please note that a win at Open Level will be discounted for promotion to Advanced Level if there is only one competitor in the class.

 Presentation guidelines for National Novice Classes have been revised and they have been published on the BHDTA website.

 BHDTA have launched a new” Market Place”, this is to help bring together buyers & sellers. To find out more phone: 07769 253916 or email marketing@horsedrivingtrials.co.uk

The BHDTA AGM is on 15^th October at 2.15pm in the Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth.

 Treasures Report;  The Club has 53 members, of which 35 are drivers and 5 are supporters.

There is £2,991 in the current account and £3,513 in the deposit account. There will be no increase in membership fees this year.

 NOTES FROM THE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 14^th JULY 2011

 Chairman’s report: Gail said Ann was not at the meeting as she was not very well, everyone agreed that a card and some flowers should be sent to her wishing her a speedy recovery.

No new news letter has been done as there are no articles to put in it. Gail said she would ask someone to do a write up about Newnham event. She also said she had three articles to go in a newsletter and David said he had one.

Trisha had told Gail that her event for the autumn was progressing well.

The people at Chard would like to put on a carriage driving event, maybe for next year. This should be a joint event with the White Horse Club as it needs to be done right otherwise we would not be invited back again. It should have its own separate committee with people drawn from both Clubs.

There have been several complaints made to Club members that certain grooms do not know what they are doing when on the back step of a carriage. In one incidence the groom by not balancing a carriage properly caused the carriage to turn over. It has been suggested that grooms, like drivers, should undergo a proficiency test. After testing a badge would be given to indicate at what level the groom was proficient enough to compete, i.e. one color for indoor events, another color for outdoor events, and another color for trainers. It was felt that the driver’s competence test should also include an understanding of how the groom should balance the carriage. All events have a drivers briefing, it was felt that the grooms should also attend this meeting as very often the meetings cover hazards that maybe encountered along the way.

Newnham Park event was a big success with 31 entries this year, with everyone saying how much they had enjoyed it. As it cost £75 to enter Newnham it was felt that even if you got eliminated you should get a rosette of some kind to show you had taken part.

 Treasurer’s report:   The Club now has 57 members. The current account has £3317.28 and the deposit account has £3513.97. Newnham entries brought in £2149, with hopefully a profit of £500. Entry forms need to ask people which Club they belong to.

 Sunny Bank Event:   David Whitefield and his wife Carol kindly put this event on again, and were well rewarded with 27 turnouts. Everyone who took part expressed their thanks for a lovely day and please do it again next year. It is a very free and easy day with no time limits; you do what you want to do when you feel ready to do it. The Drivers Club Challenge course was designed by Carol. The event made a profit of £100. David received some very good feedback from the BDS who would also like to see the event put on again next year.

 Moorhaven Event:   This takes place over the weekend of 3^rd & 4^th September. There will be a harness check carried out by a BDS member. Please see the website for full details. It looks to be a very exciting weekend for all abilities.

 Any Other Business:  The Di Hayes training had to be cancelled due to lack of entries.

There will be a training day with Andrew Council at Easter Hall Park on August 31^st. Anyone interested in taking part please get in touch with Gail.

The Club is hoping to put on a quiz night sometime in the winter months.

There is a skittles match on October 21^st at Halwill Junction starting at 7.30pm against the BDS.

The Club will put Nick Palmer forward for the next course builders training.

We really need some new committee members, are there any volunteers out there?

Please support your Club’s events as your committee work very hard to put on events that everyone enjoys.

Happy Driving.

Notes from the Committee Meeting held at the Blue Ball on 12^th May 2011

Chairman’s report:  Gail reported that Hayes Barton had been cancelled as at the closing date there were only 9 entries, which was insufficient entries for the event to continue. It was felt that in future the closing date, for any event, should only be one week before the event to give people the chance to enter. A closing date is needed in order to give the event organizer a chance to get every ones times sorted for each section of the event.

The Taster Day at Easter Hall Park was once again a success, and hopefully some of the people will feel they would like to continue and thus join the club. The day was widely advertised in the papers and horse stores.

Eight people enjoyed the training weekend at Easter Hall Park. All the people who took part enjoyed themselves. There is to be another one in June, check the website, hopefully to include training for back steppers. It was suggested that maybe it could be run as a fun day with clear round cones and win a rosette, and the dressage and obstacles could be a mix and match in other words do what you feel like doing.

Only 6 people took part in the Andrew Council clinic. The training certainly paid off as some members who were competing the following day were winning their classes.

 News letter:  Marita kindly offered to do the news letter as long as she did not have to write the articles. The news letter editor is just that an editor not a writer. The last news letter was sent to 140 people, which included past members, and stewards. We are hoping to produce three newsletters a year, spring, midyear and October. The next news letter will be in July, so please send in any articles or adverts in good time to Marita .

 Treasure’s report:   The finances are in good shape. Membership is now up to 50.

 Secretary’s report:  (Information received after the meeting)

The Affiliated Clubs page on the BHDTA web-site has been expanded, so there is now room for notices to be posted and events advertised.

There is concern that some pleasure driving carriages are not up to the strain that driving marathon obstacles can put on them, so clubs are asked to make their members aware of this.

The BHDTA Council have suspended start fees for 2011; this is possible due to a generous donation from Karen and Hugh Scott-Barret.

 Dodson and Horrell and “Horse & Hound” have combined to run the Young Rider/ Driver Bursary for a second year. Applicants, aged between 15-21, must submit a 4 minute video with a clear set of competitive goals for the year ahead. Full details of the prizes are available from www.horseandhound.co.uk/youngriderbursary2011.

 A.O.B: Rosanna Walter-Symonds attended the junior driver’s camp, and hopefully she will do a write up for the newsletter.

David reported that Newnham was nearly ready for the event in June; just a few minor repairs still to be done.

Bicton Arena has lost the south west show jumping series and is looking into other horse related events like driving.

Trisha’s event will now be in November at Stretcholt. There will be Vets, Farriers and a Physio in attendance; she is looking for people to take their horses along to be assessed by the professionals and to see the horse change before the owner’s eyes. Blye Tate will ride the horses. This event is open to all horsey people whatever their discipline.

Don’t forget the Di Hayes training clinic on 16^th July at Easter Hall Park, 9.30 – 16.30. Contact Rachel if you wish to take part.

 NOTES  FROM THE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT THE BLUE BALLON 24^th MARCH 2011

 PRESENT;  Gail, Kate, Liza, David, Rachel, Liz, Marita, Trish, Jennifer.    APPOLOGISES;  Anne.

 CHAIRMANS REPORT;    Gail felt we needed to encourage new members to join and asked members to promote our Club as much as possible. We need to have more and varied activities, not necessarily with the horses, so if anyone has any ideas please get in touch with Gail.

The BHDTA at their AGM suggested that all Clubs charged the same fees.

The GWHC has several members going to the Indoor Driving Finals, we wish them good luck.

The Twelfth Night supper was a great success, a big thank you to Trisha for organizing it. Everyone thought the speaker was very good. We are hoping to organize another supper for 2012, hopefully on 7/1/2012.

There is to be a two day clinic at Easter hall Park on 16^th and 17^th April. On the Saturday afternoon there will be a stewards training on obstacles.

30^th April Andrew Council Training Clinic.

1^st May an event at Mark Broadbents.

1^st May Taster Day at Easter Hall Park for beginners, cost is £10 for the day 10am – 3pm. Gail asked Liz to advertise this event to hopefully get some new people interested in carriage driving.

22^nd May  Hayes Barton two day event

18^th/19^th  June  Newnham Park this is a regional qualifier.

6^th/7^th August   Easter Hall Park.

Liz McQueen is the Health and Safety Officer for all events.

Gail is asking for bumper entries for this year’s events, please get them in early, cheques are not cashed until after the event.

Loraine is standing down from editing and printing the news letter. If anyone else would like to do it please get in touch with Gail.

Stockton Lovell has suggested they may like to put on an event there next year.

Several years ago Exeter Racecourse wanted the GWHC to do an event there, nothing came of it at the time, but once again they are putting feelers out, Gail has to ring back in a few weeks time to find out more information.

 TREASURES REPORT;   Marita said funds were down on this time last year as so many people have not renewed their subscriptions yet and the Affiliation Fees have gone up.

As of the 18^th March there were 40 members.

 ANY OTHER BUSINESS;    Marita said she has several trophies that need assigning to events.

Gail felt that the newsletter should go to old members, in the hope they may rejoin, the stewards, and anyone else the committee felt would benefit from it. A copy would be sent to the BDS to go on their website.

NOTES FROM THE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 27^th JANUARY 2011 

 Chairman’s Report;

Gail said she thought the AGM went well, but it would have been nice to see more people. It was better for being early, as any increase in subs could be implemented straight away. As the BHDTA had not increased their fees there was no need for the Club to increase theirs.

The newsletter needed to go out early enough to advertise the AGM so people could put the date in their diaries. Some members have said they are quite happy to have their newsletter sent via email, members email addresses need updating.

Gail had read through all the filled in questioners from the AGM, and people seemed to be fairly happy with what the committee were putting on for them. A number of people said they liked the social events, as you could meet people for a chat without the worry of the horse needing to be fed or got ready for the next phase of an event.

The juniors and new drivers would receive continuing support from other members for as long as they needed.

Everyone said they liked the website, but would like to see more pictures and write ups about the Clubs activities.

52 people attended the 12^th Night Dinner, which was thoroughly enjoyed along with the after dinner talk.

It is nice that the Juniors results are getting in the press, but it would be even better if they mentioned they belonged to the GWHC.

Chris Hillman of the BHDTA would like to promote driving to all social classes.

The Club shop needs to get to events so that members can see what is for sale, and also what can be ordered.

The Club needs more trophies for events, and a book for winners to sign so they can be traced.

Secretaries Report;   

I have a list of the BHDTA 2011 clinics if anyone wants to see them.

The BHDTA membership categories for 2011 are;

Club (restricted); costs £40 and gives members 3^rd party legal liability cover at all events whether or not they are members of the organizing club.

Associate; costs £54 and offers 3^rd party legal liability cover 24/7 for 365 days of the year. This cover extends to all animals owned by the member and to anyone handling the animals with the member’s permission.

First time full BHDTA members can join for £70 in their first year (even if they have previously joined as a groom or associate). Full details of each category can be seen on the website,

www.horsedrivingtrials.co.uk under “membership” in the index.

 Any Other Business; 

David suggested that the whole committee should take part in organizing an event, without participating themselves, so that members could get to know their committee.

It was suggested to do a treasure hunt to appeal to the whole family.

To have a drive at Mike Stamps along with the BDS.

Mary Jane Campbell is organizing a Quiz Night and Supper on the 26^th February at Holbeton Village Hall. Contact Mary Jane direct for tickets. Tel: 01752 830221

The Juniors are going to Stowe 18^th- 22^nd April for a training day.

Anne says she cannot do the Dastardly Drive this year as the tide times are all wrong. But she will try and organize a cliff walk and pup lunch, then perhaps at a later date try and organize an informal drive over some of the route.

A Mr. Michael Van de Lar would like to do some training days with club members, his specialty is dressage.

Gail was worried that Health and Safety was not being covered properly at events, Liz and her husband will sort it out.

 Johnny Mathys event in September, on the 3^rd will be the BBQ, in the evening, and on the 4^th will be the event. This way people can go home, on the 4^th, as soon as they have finished.

 NOTES FROM THE AGM HELD ON 14^th NOVEMBER 2010 AT HATHERLEIGH COMMUNITY CENTRE

Present;  The chairman, Gail Palmer, and 20 members.

Apologies; Liz McQueen, Anne Sheldrake, Della Beasley, Elsa Herriman, Margi Hawkins, Margaret Dean, Maggy Barber, Kate Fincham-Powel, Ginney Hanbury and Roseanna Walter-Symons.

 Minuets of last AGM; These had been sent to all paid up members and the floor agreed they were a true representation and could be signed off. Proposed by Mike Stamp and seconded by Anne Briggs.

 Chairman’s Report; Gail was very pleased to report that membership now stands at 47. She was very pleased with how enthusiastic and supportive members were and thanked them for their continued support. Some event organisers felt that entries were low, but on reflection 22 entries out of a membership of 47 was a very respectable turnout. We need to keep promoting the Club to attract even more members.

Easter Hall ran a taster day with 35 participants, and it was hoped some would join GWHC. Then followed two training weekends, with 3 instructors Barbara Nadin, Nick Palmer and Gail Palmer. There was also a back steppers afternoon.

Johnny Mathys had taken his horses to Pony Club camp and to Pontispool camp trying to encourage young drivers.

Competitions started in May with Hayes Barton’s Inside out event. June saw the welcome return of Newnham Parks Regional 2 day event which included a Novice National qualifier. July was David and Carol Whitfield’s event which included an unofficial driver’s club challenge. August was the turn of Easter Hall Park’s 2 day event which saw several first time competitors doing the cones and dressage phase only. September was another first time event at Moorhaven, hosted and organized by Johnny Mathies, this was in conjunction with the BDS.

There was a plea from event organizers, please get your entries in early, cheques are not cashed until after the event.

The Club was well represented at the National Championships. Margi Hawkins, Roseanna Walter-Symons, Val Maunder and Alice Stables all achieving prizes.

The Junior World Championships had 2 club members taking part, Jack Thorn, and Roseanna who came a very creditable 3^rd.

2010 saw the reintroduction of the Buddy System run by Liza and David.

During the course of the winter there are a number of social activities planned. Trisha is organizing a 12^th night supper with guest speaker Jonathan Waterer. The cost of the dinner is £23; please book your place with Trisha ASAP to avoid being disappointed.

Mary Jane, James, Gail and Nick attended the BHDTA conference. There is to be no increase in affiliation fees for this year, so no increase in our club fees. There will be changes as to how novice drivers qualify for the National Championships. Martyn Willis, our southern area rep, would like to see the reinstatement of the Southern Area Club Championships. Chris Hillman has been appointed as publicity officer.

 Treasurers Report; Marita reported that the club had made a profit of £897; she gave out copies of the accounts. If subscriptions are paid now the cheques will not be cashed until January. There will not be any increase in subs for this year.

Trisha Luxton proposed the accounts be adopted and this was seconded by Nick Palmer, also that Ed kirwen would be the auditor for the accounts.

 Rule Changes; It is proposed to increase the age for Juniors from 18 to 21. This was proposed by Ed Kirwen and seconded by Anne Briggs, and carried unanimously.

 Novice Drivers;  If novice drivers start the season as novices but win enough competitions to move up a level they can elect to stay as novices for the rest of that season, but if they elect to move up  into open classes they cannot go back down again. You can of course do any competition HC.

It was suggested that you ought to be able to do novice classes with an inexperienced horse even though you might be an open driver. This needs discussing with White Horse Club and Martyn Willis.

 AOB;  James asked if the club were going to do more Club Challenges. Gail replied that Martyn Willis needs to clarify some points.

Members would like the Dastardly Drive to go ahead this year but tide times need to be checked.

The Twelve Night Dinner on January 8^th costs £23/head; Trisha needs a £5 deposit per person to secure a place as places are limited.

 Trophies;  John Ethering Trophy was won by Johnny Mathies. Nellie MacAlpin, grooms trophy, was won by Liz McQueen. Helen Clements trophy was won by Ed Kirwin. The Points trophy was won by Colin Cornwall.

 Gail closed the meeting by thanking all the committee members, stewards, and event organizers for all their hard work during the year.

Anne Briggs thanked Gail for taking on the chairmanship.

Notes from the Committee Meeting held on 7^th October 2010

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT;

                In order to save money the Club would like to email the newsletter to as many people as possible, anyone requiring a hard copy will have to ask for it.

 The AGM had to be re-scheduled for 14^th November 2010.

                The two day event at Easter Hall went well with everyone having a good time, as usual the BBQ on the Saturday evening was a great deal of fun.

Johnny Mathies event was in conjunction with the BDS. There was a good turnout , the weather was brilliant, and the food very plentiful. At the National Horse Driving Championship at Windsor Roseanna Walter-Symonds came 3^rd in the Intermediate Horse class, and Margi Hawkins came 4^th in the Advanced Horse Pairs class.

The Junior World Driving Championship in Hungary, Roseanna came 3^rd in her class, but unfortunately Jack Thorn had to retire on the marathon. Roseanna sent a letter thanking the club for the money she was given to help with her expenses in Hungary.

                At the AGM we are asking people to make themselves known to committee members if they wish to serve on the committee as we are one member short.

Gail reported that Margaret Wyatt had had a triple heart bypass and she was not too well and had sent her a card.

                It was decided that Novices have to win two  x 2Day Events before moving into Open Classes, but if they start the season as a Novice they will stay as a Novice until the next year.

                Gail is going to be running a First Aid course at Easter Hall at £50/head, anyone interested should contact Gail direct. It will be on November 10^th.

TREASURERS REPORT;

                Marita reported that we have 44 paid up members. The Clubs total assets amount to £5,157.11. She suggested that in future we do not insure the trailer, cost at present£300 per year, as any plastic that gets broken is not insured and the radio’s which are the most expensive items are kept in a members house and therefore covered by their house insurance. The £300 could then be kept in club funds and used for replacements when necessary.

 SECRETARYS REPORT;

                The BHDTA report there has been a fabulous response to the re-introduction of Holker Hall Driving Trials.

                Brighton and Farleigh have both been lost for 2011, but Arena UK is being considered for a National Venue for next year.

                The random dope testing has all shown negative results.

                The BHDTA AGM is on sat 30/10/10.

                The Novice Qualifiers at Club level are to be discontinued as it is not encouraging anymore drivers to make the transition to National Events. Therefore National entry level will be the current Intermediate Class. Competitors entering their first season at National Level will be able to do so as an Associate Member and in their second year take advantage of the introductory full membership rate. Progression from Open to Advanced classes will also be revised and no longer compulsory. There will be more details on these changes at the conference.

                Members are being reminded that the use of Quad Bikes is at the event organiser’s discretion. If you have a permanent or tempory disability which means you cannot walk the obstacles you should obtain the necessary pass from the BHDTA office. You will need to submit a copy of your local authority blue badge and evidence of your entitlement to a disability payment. Tempory passes need a letter from your Doctor, and will be issued on an event by event basis. Passes should be displayed on Quad Bikes at all times to confirm you are entitled to use your machine in this way.

 ANY OTHER BUSINESS;

Trish has organised a club dinner for a maximum of 50 people at the Blue Ball on the 8^th January 2011. The cost will be £23 per head for a three course meal. The guest speaker will be Jonathon Walter. Anyone interested in going should let Trish know by 1^st January 2011.

Trish is also hoping to organise a quiz for March and invite the Pony Club and other equine organisations to take part.

BDS would like to do a skittles evening with the GWHC.

The junior members of the Club are trying to recruit other juniors to join. They are also being invited to do demonstrations at shows so hopefully this will generate some interest.

Rachael has been in touch with a Horse Physiotherapist to do a demo/talk. She would charge £20 per hour plus travelling costs. This would most likely be in March 2011 at Easter Hall. Rachael is still trying to get hold of Andrew Council for a training weekend at Duchy about Easter time.

Di Hayes training will take place when she is available.

Marita suggested a treasure hunt drive, and a drive at Stoke Climsland on the Land Rover driving course if it proves suitable.

NOTES FROM THE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 21^ST JULY 2010 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT; Lisa said she did not get any hard copies of the newsletter to give to her customers, this was to be reminded. The next newsletter will go out end of September early October, with the AGM being held in November at Hatherleigh Community Centre.

The Training Weekend held at Easter Hall was a great success, with everyone enjoying themselves.

Barbara Nadine suggested that more weekends could be organized to give people continuity of training. Gail pointed out that at the next Training Weekend there were not many people from the first training weekend, the weekend was to include a Back Steppers training. Gail would also be assessing people for their compancy in driving.

Hayes Barton event had 35 people taking part in the Inside out Event and Le Trec.

David Whitfields event in conjunction with the Somerset BDS went very well. 25 turnouts did the drive with 15 turnouts doing the Club Challenge. A great day was had by all.

It was thought that if competition days do not work there should be more fun days and pleasure drives with the BDS and GWHC.

SECRETARY’S REPORT; I have been given a leaflet by Equine Commercial-Legal, being litigation and planning consultancy firm, dealing with planning permission for equine workers dwellings. They also help with appeals for turned down planning applications.

The BHDTA have not increased their fees for 2010, they have now remained the same for 4years. They have also included, free of charge, a Club Directors and Officers Liability Policy to ensure peace of mind for those volunteering to run Clubs.

The Club Liaison Committee are currently working on the production of a set of guidelines for Clubs which will give information on variations to the National Rules which may be of benefit to Club Events. The need for club events to have one official who has attended a BHDTA training course is also being considered.

NEWNHAM PARK EVENT; 31 turnouts took part in this event which was also a National Qualifier. A number of people have expressed an interest in doing the event next year. Mary Jane Campbell did all technical side of things. Nick and Marita are going to go through the club trailer, throw out all the brocken stuff and renew where necessary. An inventory will then be kept on the inside of the trailer door, so users will know what is missing/broken straight away.

NEWSLETTER; People are not very forth coming with reports, so will have to ask an individual at each event to do a write up.  We need to get individuals/business’s to advertise for just £15 for 5 issues. James wants the newsletter emailed to him so he can get it on the web.

EVENTS;  The upcoming event at Easter Hall, there will be a licensed bar and everything else is in hand. Johnny Mathys event will have a cones and obstacle course after the drive and before the BBQ. Jonathan Walterer is involved with the casting of the new Titanic anchor and recreating its epic journey. They need 20 horses to pull it and it is being filmed on 15^th August near Birmingham, and will be screened on channel 4. The club will ask him to give a talk about it on 8^th January 2011.Ask Andrew Council to do a talk on judging Dressage events, and then get people to judge videos of dressage tests.

AOB; Lisa to follow up on grants available from the BHDTA for advertising events. Health and Safety is now being done Liz and Stewart McQueen. Marita emails new member’s names to Liza and David for the buddy system.

Carriage Driving magazine are going to run an article on GWHC and what we get up to.

 AGM will be on November 7^th at Hatherleigh Community Centre.

 NOTES FROM THE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 13-5-10

Drivers need to get their BHDTA competence forms signed before entering competitions.

            At the Easter Hall training days Di Hayes can no longer do the Dressage training but Barbara Nadine has very kindly agreed to do it. There will be a clear round cones course at a cost of £2.50 per go and clear rounds will get a rosette.

            The feedback on the newsletter has been very positive, with people saying they were very pleased with it. But please remember if you do not send in articles or reports on events you have attended there is nothing of interest to go in the newsletter.

            Lisa said she thought it might be a nice idea to put a newsletter in with any harness she sells from her business, as she sends to lots of places around the southwest. Thus maybe it would encourage people to join the club.

            Gail said she would also like to have some spare copies of the newsletter to give out to people going to Easter Hall either for events or lessons.

            The newsletter could go out by email if people wanted it that way, an option will be given in the next newsletter. The newsletter will be published in January, April, July, and September/October, so please send in articles in plenty of time.

            The Club shop is presently at Easter Hall, and Gail has sold two items. The shop will be at events with a list of things that can be bought so people can add their names to a list for the items they would like to buy.

Liz has been on to papers etc for advertising.

            Club membership forms need to be at events so people can join on the day.

Any Other Business;

Mike Stamp would like more entries for his event. He would also like some help on the Saturday.

There will be a working day at Newnham Park on 23^rd May to finish painting and repairing the obstacles. If anyone has any black, brown or yellow paint they can spare it would be greatly appreciated.

            Every competitor’s lorry for the Newnham event must have a fire extinguisher, this will be checked, and there will also be a Fire Station in the lorry park with water.

            Kate said Hayes Barton event is short of stewards, but Newnham event seems to be reasonably well off for stewards.

 David Whitfield’s event on July 4^th seems to have plenty of interest and he says he has plenty of helpers. There will be plenty of parking space for people to stay overnight if they so wish.

31 paying people took part in Easter Hall’s Taster Day with everyone saying how much they had enjoyed themselves. Hopefully it will result in some people joining the club. Judy Green very kindly showed everyone how to harness and unharness a pony. Next meeting will be on Wednesday 21^st July.

NOTES FROM THE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 25 MARCH 2010

Each event organizer will decide if people can go round a course more than once. It will say on the entry forms.

The newsletter is to be reinstated, hopefully going out sometime in April. Each member will receive the first copy through the post, after that you can elect to have it by email. Lorraine Stanton is the editor and anyone wishing to place an advert or a write up from an event can email her at lorrainestanton33@yahoo.co.uk

At the training weekend on 22-23 May the BDS will be giving a demonstration on showing. People can do either one or two days, even stay overnight. Sessions will be 40 mins long and you pay for what you want to do. Gail Palmer will be the trainer for the cones, Nick Palmer the trainer for the obstacles, and Di Hayes the trainer for dressage.

There is a new challenge for drivers called The Drivers Club Challenge, it consists of cones and obstacles in the arena at the same time. It is run over two rounds and the fasted time wins.

David Whitefield’s wife Carol has very kindly made badges and car/lorry placards for each committee member for them to wear/display at events so members can more easily recognise their committee members.

James Campbell, who is in charge of the website , would like members to proof read the website and report back to him if they find anything wrong.

A get well card was sent to Christina Woolacott, wishing her a speedy recovery from her accident.

A card was also sent to Gina Gordon ( Albright), on the sudden death of her husband, expressing our sympathy.

The BHDTA and FEI have decided not to make back protectors compulsory for driving at the present moment, it needs more research. Air-O-Wear  make back protectors for carriage drivers with prices starting at around £130.

There is a new National event at Holker Hall 6-8^th August 2010. Their website is www.holker.co.uk

Competitors that use side stabling at National Events are being asked to lay rubber matting under the  bedding so that the grass recovers quicker.

The BHS, Horse and Hound and the Road Haulage Association are arranging courses to cover all aspects of transport rules, including rest periods, taco graphs, the Certificate of Professional Competence and whether or not your box is deemed a business rather than a hobby. To book a place phone 01733 261456.

BHDTA members can get ticket discounts for Royal Windsor Horse Show 12-16 May, by phoning the box office on 0844 4124631 and quote BHDTA or book on line at www.rwhs.co.uk, using BHDTA code.

Ministers have received 10,000 signatures against the Horse Tax so it seems it has gone on hold for the time being.

If you wish to have a driving competence assessment please get in touch with Gail Palmer.

Juniors can do training days but not competitions until they are 10.

The stewards training day was a great success, with all those that took part having great fun.

Please support as many events as possible as your organizers work very hard to put things on for you and do not like having to cancel at the last minute due to lack of entries.

Happy driving to all.

Letter from new Chairman Gail Palmer

Dear members & friends

As your new chairman I welcome you to our newssheet.  This is to proceed the reinstatement of a newsletter.

Firstly I would like to say that I am honoured that I have been voted onto the committee and chosen to be your chairman.  I look forward with enthusiasm to the challenges that lay ahead.  I will do my best to be a good chairman.  However, I do have some reservations, my main concern being I do not have a lot of spare time.

I feel the committee that is in place will be a good one, and will be a good support to me.  In turn I hope that the membership will also lend their support to the committee so together we can take the club forward in 2010. 

A special thank you of course to the retiring members of the committee, so thank you Edmund, Martin Ann and James.  We’re very lucky that James has agreed to continue to be web master.  I urge you all to check out the revamped website that martin initiated and James is now updating, as it looks really good and has lots of really useful information.

We welcome on board the committee Rachel Moast, who will be looking after training aspects.  Welcome also to Anne Walter-Symons, who will be encouraging junior drivers.  Also a welcome back to Kate Fincham-Powell, who will be heading the care of stewards and Trish Luxton who will be Vice Chairman, who of course was a previous chairman.  We are still pleased to have in place experienced committee members such as Marita Wakeham (treasure and membership secretary), Elizabeth McQueen (publicity) and Jennifer Collie (secretary).

I visualise positive developments for the club, I would like to gain a larger and more active membership, this should help bring in more revenue and make the running of events worthwhile and less reliant on the same members.  To encourage and support this idea we plan to have an active “buddy” set up for the new and especially novice drivers, this will be overseen by Liza Phillips and David Whitfield.

Greater communications between us all would be good so if anyone has any good ideas maybe things you would like to see put on or if you are available to help at events or even host an event please get in touch with me or one of the committee.

We have a stewards Training day to be held on 21^st March at Newnham Park.  Please be aware this is run free of charge plus soup and a roll, and is not only good for stewards training but for drivers training as well.   This year we are running a taster day on 4^th April (Easter Sunday) at Easter Hall Park, this is for beginners, novices or would be a good as a refresher. 

David Whitfield will be running a cones day with “drive out” and BBQ.  This will be a good fun and social day on 4^th July near Cullompton.

You may notice that these and other events are being run with opportunities for BDS members to participate.  We hope to forge closer links with the BDS as we have so much in common.

Please find enclosed schedules for our main competitions. Hayes Barton (30^th May) will as usual be fun and super course, Newnham (19/20^th June) is a regional qualifier this year, and Easter Hall (14/15^th August) will have an extended Sec. A, (weather permitting).   Please come and support these events, if you can’t compete maybe you could help!!!  Competitors please enter early, not the closing date is 2 week before.  It is a great help to us organisers if you send a post-dated cheque in a month or 6 weeks before the event.  Remember it will not be cashed till after the event.  We’ve put in an order for good weather for all our events!

Happy and safe driving, and looking forward to a good season.

Gail

COMMITTEE  NOTES FROM 11/2/10

To put on different activities, not just competitions.

To reinstate the newsletter, to be published in February, April, July, and October. To nominate a set persons at each event to write an article for the newsletter and to email it to Lorraine Stanton at lorrainestanton33@yahoo.co.uk . Members to try and get adverts for the newsletter.

To carry on forging links with the BDS to combine events, which should encourage more people to enter events, and to make events cheaper for both societies? The combined Taster Day is to cost £7.50. Gail would also like to have a map of where everyone lives with the committee members in red, and everyone else in blue.

David Whitfield’s  cones day to be a fun day and to be a joint event with the BDS.

Gail felt that committee members should be more recognizable at events with possibly badges or armbands or a card in their Lorries. This hopefully would encourage people to approach the committee members to air their views or to ask advice.

Any member of a recognized club can do events at the same price as our club members.

Stewards Training Day at Newnham Park on 21^st March.

NOTES FROM THE AGM HELD ON 24^th JANUARY 2010

1. 30 People attended and there were apologies from 4 people.

2. Gail Palmer proposed that the minuets of the last AGM were approved and Di Stamp seconded her.

3. The Chairman, Liz McQueen, reported that 2009 had been a successful year for the Club. The 2008/2009 Indoor Trials season culminated with the National Finals at Keysoe. There were club members in 9 of the 16 classes. Frank Campbell won the “ Senior Juniors”, Roseanna Walter-Symonds came 6^th, and Roger Campbell won the Intermediate Horse, congratulation to all who took part.

 A big Thank You went to the organizers of the three events that the Club enjoyed, these being The Dastardly Drive, Hayes Barton One Day Event, and Easter Hall’s Two Day Event.

At Windsor National Championships Roseanna Walter-Symonds was 1^st in Novice Pony with Claire Campbell 5^th. Roger Campbell was 1^st in Intermediate Horse with Jenny Burrow 6^th. Frank Campbell 1^st in Intermediate Pony. Congratulations to all .

In August both Frank and Roseanna were in the English Team that won the Channel Cup, and at the National Young Drivers Championship where Roseanna came 2^nd , Frank 3^rd , and Roger 8^th .

Roseanna was also awarded the Young Driver of the Year at the BHDTA end of season party.

October saw a very full day’s training with Andrew Council.

4. Awards. James and Mary Jane Campbell were awarded the John Etherington Memoral Trophy. The Helen Clements Trophy was awarded to David Whitefield. The Netty McAlpin Grooms Award was given to Roy Sheldrake. The Points Championship Trophy was won by David Whitfield.

5. Margie Hawkins said she would like to see a higher profile for the Club shop.

6. It was proposed to change the accounting year so that it now ends September 30^th, have the AGM in November, but the membership year stays as January to December. This was proposed by Mike Stamp and seconded by Mary Jane Campbell.

7. The accounts auditor to be Edmund Kirwan, this was proposed by Ginny Handbury and seconded by Anne Sheldrake.

8. Four new people joined the committee, these being Kate Fincham-Powell, Rachel Moast, Trish Luxton, and Anne Walters-Symons.

9.Dates.  June 19/20^th Newnham Park Regional and Club event. February 20^th Young Drivers Supper proceeds to go towards the Junior and Single Horse World Championships. Taster Day for Novices 4^th April at Easter Hall.

10. Gail Palmer is now the new Chairman.

11. Next committee meeting on February 11^th .

12. AGM closed at 12.30pm.

COMMITTEE  NEWS FROM MEETING HELD ON 12^th DECEMBER 2009

 On the website it was suggested that the events dates should be in a list rather than a diary format.

New Dates;

Stewards training day in March

30^th May 1 day event at Hayes Barton

4^th July cones course and BBQ at David Whitefield

Events at Mark Broadbents 11^th April, 22^nd August, 26^th September

 GWHC is doing everything it can to encourage joint events with the BDS.

A card was sent to Roseanna Walter-Symonds on behalf of the Club, for her achievement of becoming Young Driver of the Year, also for being nominated for South Hams Sports Personality of the Year.

Marita to send a letter to all old members to try and encourage them to rejoin, also to let them know that wheel width rules have been discarded and that any safe vehicle is now permitted.

Next meeting would be after the AGM , which is on January24th 2010 at Hatherleigh Community Centre at 11.0am.