After last year, it was great to see things within the driving world getting back to some form of normality. Events ran and people competed, stewarded, helped, hindered or just came along for the craic.
The “Have a Go” days (bring your own turnout and use all the facilities at Old Hay), the World Cup, the joint event with Bradbourne Carriage Driving Club in July, plus the ODE at Bethersden in August have been very well attended. My thanks to all that made these happen and so successful. Alison Drew and family are to be commended for taking on hosting and running a new event at Chequer Tree Fishery.
Looking ahead, there is training available at Saddlesdane Equestrian Centre with me on 25th October, 22nd November and 13th December. There is a Christmas fun event, also at Saddlesdane on 21st December, plus club members, friends and supporters are all welcome at the Halfway House, Brenchley for a Christmas evening meal on 9th December.
I had hoped to run a few more events at Old Hay in October and or November but found I had little time, the ground became quite soft and COVID struck my household limiting what I could get up to. All good now, but the weather is against us, as I write.
In November, the Club’s governing body, British Carriagedriving is holding its AGM alongside a dinner and dance, celebrating 50 years of the sport. At the AGM, changes in how BC manages itself, the clubs and the members are likely to be updated. This may affect how Weald Harness Club moves forward in 2023. More news on this is awaited and your Committee will keep you informed as the information is disseminated.
Please remember the Club is only as good as its members. Let’s have your thoughts and feedback. Do you have any news you wish to share with other Club members? If so, why not let me or Georgi Ashdown know.
Please remember if you wish club logo clothing, visit www.jsteamwear.co.uk They have colours and sizes to suit all. Nothing is too small. Customer service is exemplary.
On a personal note, my competitive year did not go quite to plan with the tandem. I did attend the Tandem Meet in Scotland, along with Hopetoun Horse Driving Trials. I tried switching the horses about between leading and wheeling and not always successfully. I then took them to Sandringham, where the Club had sponsored an obstacle and where Steve and I had been sponsors personally. Again, not my best outing but so good to be back at this fabulous venue. Roll on 2023!
Keep safe and well and I look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Jane Lamb
WHC Chairman
October 2022