december 2015 newsletter (autosaved)...counts and we must all take responsibility to get ourselves...

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1www.wolverleydriving.co.uk

Chairman’s Report

Reflecting back over the past 12 months I think the Club has achieved and delivered a lot, benefitting from strong leadership of our previous Chairman Tony Bache. We also have an active committee with experienced members Tony and Carol Gregory, Julie Wedgebury, Linda Sprosen and Sandra Phillips and of course our new committee members Judi Reeve, Tony Edwards and Simon Mitchell.

The Committee have taken the opportunity to review club policies and practices to ensure we are in line with British Carriagedriving with whom we are affiliated. This includes updating our health and safety policy, introducing a safeguarding policy and creating a role for each area.

For the club to be successful it needs supportive, committed and enthusiastic members and also new members (driving and non-driving). I think the Club’s Facebook page has been very successful helping us to promote our club.. At the risk of being branded “stalkers” a number of us have actively encouraged individuals wanting to get started in driving and we held a very successful “Introduction to Driving” workshop in November, from which we have one new member, Sarah Bartlett, and more committing to joining in 2016. We need all club members to actively promote WDDC so please ensure you hand out your club cards – we can get more printed.

We have been in the press too! Tony Cowles submitted an article to Carriage Driving magazine about the Enville event and Nigel Caldicott has just had an article published on the local press about The Poppy Drive.

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Reflecting members’ feedback I think we have delivered a varied calendar of events including:

• The annual dinner with a really interesting talk by vet Maj (retd) Laura Holmes

• Traditional Driving Day at Carolyn and Ivan’s farm

• Indoor long reining at Stourport • Indoor/Outdoor Event at Enville

• Wyre Forest Drive

• Blossom Drive at Wichenford Orchards

• Pub Drive from Charlcotte Farm • Charlcotte Driving Trials

• 2 day Spring Camp at Lincomb

• Poppy Drive in the Wyre Forest

• Charlcotte Drive and millennium cones comp • Introduction to Driving The above would not have been possible without the efforts of a whole range of willing helpers and supporters so a big thank you to all involved and especially for the generosity of landowners. The Club had good entries at the Three Counties and Burwarton shows and as a small club we have done well with members successfully competing at regional/national and other club events. It has been a privilege to be Chairman of this club BUT I have a major frustration! We have a “last minute.com” approach to submitting event entries and on several occasions events were nearly cancelled due to low numbers and/or late entries.. This is really unfair on the organisers, the stewards who give up their free time and on fellow turnouts. It is also VERY time consuming chasing entries - I don’t believe anyone has the time or inclination to do this. For a very small club every entry counts and we must all take responsibility to get ourselves organised, commit to events and send entries in on time. Failure to do this presents potential risks and consequences to the club’s existence. Thank you to those who are clearly very well organised – there are a few of you! Moan over, on behalf of the Club, I want to wish Clare Marley a speedy recovery – it was great to see her at the Poppy Drive and we look forward to seeing her in 2016. It is also great to have Phillip and Barbara back. Here’s to 2016 with more fun, challenges, friendships and great driving and to more new members.

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WHATS ON IN 2015/2016

KEY:WDDCorganizedevent-Otherevents-Eventunderconsideration

Event Where Date

Christmaswalk LincombLoop Dec28

AnnualDinner/PresentationofAwardsTheGranary 29Jan2016

Talk-MyLifeandtimeswiththeKingsTroopWolverleyChurchHall19thFebruary

RoyalArtilleryandtheRoyalMews-ChrisLloyd

*2016SpringCampLincombEquestrian13/14/15May*

If you are the holder of one of last year’s trophies can you please return it to Linda Sprosen suitably engraved BEFORE the annual dinner in January.Pleasecontactamemberofthecommitteeifyouhaveapointtoraiseoracontributiontomake.

Don’t forget – your committee members can be contacted on the following numbers.

Chair – Giselle Lockett - 01299 896280/07977205441 Secretary – Linda Sprosen - 01562 824350/07792778224 Treasurer – Sandra Phillips - 01299 250508/07899650111 Safety Officer - Simon Mitchell - 07855 819597 Safe Guarding Officer - Elaine Newman 07964 815135 Newsletter – Tony Edwards - 01886 832032/07516744734 Without Portfolio – Carol Gregory - 01902 763209 Julie Wedgbury - 01746 789686/07773329653 Tony Gregory - 01902 763209/07751309637 Judi Reeve - 01886 832032 Website – Non-Committee – Tony Cowles - 07831 106366

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Ifyouareunfamiliarwithorrequiremoreclubcards(seebelow)pleasecontactLindaSprosenorGiselleLockett.Weaimtodistributethesecardstopeoplewhomaybeinterestedineitherjoiningourclubortakingupcarriagedriving.

TOVOLUNTEERORNOTTOVOLUNTEER–THATISTHEQUESTION

I am sure that those members who had not submitted their entry for Charlcotte by the closing date didn’t realise that their omission would affect people other than themselves, but it did. At the close of entries the event secretary had only 2 forms with the entry fee. There was no way this would justify all the effort of course building so the event had to be put “on Hold”. Gill and I had been asked to help and had agreed to act as Dressage Judge, Judge’s writer, scorers and TD. We were advised of the situation. It was only on Tuesday morning 5 days before the event that enough people had said they would compete, some committee members amongst the late-comers. Meanwhile we had been pressed to commit to another activity on Sunday. In the end we decided to stick with Charlcotte, but we could reasonably have gone to the other activity and the event would have been left without a judge, scorer or TD. Any of you going to an event organised by another Club would have complied with their rules and submitted your entry form and fee at the appropriate time. If you will do that for strangers why do you cause such stress and anxiety for your own Club Members? On the day there was some muttering about the Judge’s decision to award penalties for a groom standing behind the driver. Why? This a Club rule properly applied. Also any competitors appearing in Marathon Dress were marked down because the schedule specifically said dress was to be as specified by the Club Rules. There was also muttering about the stewards’ decisions when recording drivers missing gates or driving them in the wrong order. There were 4 stewards on each obstacle and they had all been briefed. When I did the briefing I told them anyone making a mistake in an obstacle would think they had done it right, or they would have corrected their course, so they, the stewards, must be absolutely certain, and must agree amongst themselves before recording the error. They did so. If those people who have voluntarily given up their time to come and steward your event so that you can compete are made to feel uncomfortable because their opinion is disputed they may not come again. Then where will you be? No stewards – no event! Yours, Tony Bache

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WDDC would like to welcome new club member Wendy Edwards.

For sale

Fullsetof“ForestHarness”tofita13hh–14hhpony.Generallyinexcellentorder,butwithoneortwobucklesneedingtobereplaced,andwithsparebreechingstrap.Quickreleasebucklesfortraces.“Zilco”drivingsaddletofit13hh–14hhponyWebbingdrivingreins.Leatherdrivingreinswithrolledhandparts.“Zilco”anti-buckingstrap.TwobreechingstrapsLeatherwhipholder.Numberholder.Spareskitholder.Drivingapron.(Unused)Offersto:-LucyNorris01299266039

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ThearticleswithinthisNewsletterreflecttheviewsof

thecontributors,andarenottobetakenasrepresentativeofthe

Wolverley&DistrictDrivingClub.

Screwfixnowcarryarangeofagricultural&equestriangoodsonline

http://www.screwfix.com/c/outdoor-gardening/rural-supplies/cat8420001

If you have any information or article that you would like me to include in the next newsletter, please contact me. Email is the easiest method (for me), but a phone call or just a chat when we meet would be great.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone 01886832032

Tony Edwards, Editor.

ACTIVITIESTHATWEHOPEYOUENJOYEDORYOUMAYHAVEMISSED!.......

Charlcotte One-Day Event TheweatherwaskindtousontheWDDCannualOneDayeventheldatCharlcotteFarm.With9turnoutstheeventwasgiventhegreenlightbutreducedinsizewiththemarathonutilising3obstaclesdriventwice.

Full results of past events can be found on the Club website at

www.wolverleydriving.co.uk

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ThankyoutoTonyandGillBacheforjudgingthedressageWeenjoyed3flowingobstaclesdriventwicedesignedbyJulieallwithineasywalkingdistanceoftheboxpark.ThedayendedwithscrumptiouscakesandprizegivingbyourChairman.Thanktoalltheorganisersandhelponthedaywithoutwhichthiswouldnotofbeenpossible.Itwasagoodendtothecompetitionsof2015.Results:PonyClass:1stJulieWedgbury,(team)2ndJulieWedgbury(Bonnie)HorseClass:1stPhilipWright,2ndTonyGregory

Fullresultsandscoringonthewebsite-WDDCOneDayEventresultsPhotographscourtesyofNATURALEYE.CO.UK

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Poppy Drive

The 1st of November saw the WDDC in the Far Forest for their inaugural Poppy Drive in tribute to the fallen horses and men of the First World War. 14 turnouts were on hand to fill the forest with carriages

of all shapes and sizes all adorned with poppy themed paraphernalia. A contingency from the Hereford and District Driving Club helped to increase the numbers on the day. Nigel Caldicott

organised the day and with this and other activities managed to raise nearly £400 for the British Legion.

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Addington

Giselle Lockett and Julie Wedgbury both took part in the BDS National Finals at Addington in what was to be a most enjoyable day.

BodyProtectors

Body protectors are here. As of the 1st January 2016 the wearing of a suitable body protector will apply to all WDDC members’ drivers and back-steppers, competing and driving marathon stages of an event or events deemed to require one.

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CHANGES TO CLUB RULES FOR THE 2016 SEASON

Your Committee have been considering changes to the Club Rules. These changes will be published well before the 2016 season begins. The reason why we are updating our Rules is because our Governing Body, British Carriagedriving, to whom we are affiliated, has handed down various edicts, all generated by their (and our) insurance cover providers: –

• That a Safety Policy is created and posted prominently at all events. • That a Safety Officer be appointed. • That a Safeguarding Policy is written. • That a Safeguarding Officer be appointed. • That Body Protectors must be worn on the marathon phase of a driving trial, and at all other events

unless the risk assessment determines this is not necessary, (albeit individuals may of course choose to do so), or is considered small enough to waive this rule.

The WDDC Safety Policy has been written and agreed by the Committee and will appears elsewhere in a later Newsletter. Basically it means that it is the responsibility of all of us – competitors, stewards and observers to do what we can to keep each other safe. Simon Mitchell has been appointed as Safety Officer. All new Club members have to undertake a competence/safety assessment prior to being allowed to take part at their first Club event, unless they hold a recognised driving qualification, or are known to be experienced drivers or competitors. The Club reserves the right to refuse entry to any event. Your Committee is considering ways to ensure that only members of WDDC or members of British Carriagedriving would be allowed to take part in competitions. It is the only way for us to ensure that they have adequate insurance. If an incident occurs, and an injured party claims against a driver who is not insured, the responsibility will come back to the Club for allowing a non-insured person to participate, and our insurance does not cover that. Whilst we realise that we want extra participants, we cannot afford to be exposed to claims which are not covered by our Insurance Policy. Safeguarding Awareness is another field that has been highlighted, and a course at the BDS Annual General meeting (delivered by the BC Safeguarding Officer) stressed the need for your Committee to implement a Safeguarding Policy. This has now been created, and again appears in this Newsletter. This document raises our awareness that during the Club’s activities, we may encounter Children or Vulnerable Adults at risk. The risks are more likely to be from home, school, work or another institution rather than people attending one of our events, although that cannot be excluded. In such circumstances, any fears for someone’s safety or well-being should be referred to the Club’s Safeguarding Officer Elaine Newman, who will deal with the matter. You should not try to address the situation yourself. From 1st January 2016, body protectors (BPs) must be worn by the driver and all others on the carriage during the marathon phase of a driving trial. The BP must be fit for purpose, and as yet, no British Standard has been stipulated. In future, it is anticipated that a schedule for a given event with dictate whether BPs are required or not. The foregoing was read out and discussed by those present at the AGM, and no problems were envisaged. AWG

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At the AGM we asked for some feedback on whether members still want a Spring Camp (the dates have been reserved at Lincomb - 13 - 15 May). Several members expressed very positive interest with a focus on training, dressage practice and getting feedback. It would be helpful to have an early indication of those who want a camp this year and what they would like to focus on. We also have the feedback from last year's camp which we will review again too.

In addition we sought views on other activities and feedback is:

another indoor/outdoor event

inclusion of a competition in the Lincomb weekend

Forest Drive at the start of the season

Poppy carriage drive in support of Poppy Appeal

help with cones and obstacle driving and fitness work early season

In addition some of you may have followed Rebecca Taylor's facebook blog about her exciting trip to Paard & Koets in Holland. A number of members are interested going next year (4 - 6 November) see http://www.paardenkoets.nl/index.php/en. to see more. If you are interested please let Linda Sprosen know and we can look into organising a trip.

At the AGM we discussed the amount of work which goes into organising events. As a club it was concluded that we need each member to help organise at least one event. Therefore, when we have the schedule in a draft format we will send it around for you to choose your event to help with. This is common practice at many clubs/societies and for such a small club as ours we feel it is the only way we can put on the activities and share out the work load out - members felt this was fair and appropriate so thank you for your support.

Wanted Old Unwanted Rosettes David Blakeway-Smith would like to send any unwanted rosettes to Burma, to the school for

deaf children founded by Sandy when they were living and working in Mandalay.

A party of audiologists are going there in January and will be able to deliver them.

If you have any unwanted rosettes please bring them to the A.G.M on November 27th or get them to Gill and Tony Bache (01299266412) by any other means.

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#Pleasenote:-

WhenyoupayforaneventbyBACS(banktransfer)canyoupleasefollowitupwithanemailtoLindaSprosenconfirminghowmuch

waspaidandwhenplease.

Wolverley&DistrictDrivingClubAccountno.51276859SortCode40-26-08

Please remember that entry formsubmission dates are not a targettheyareadeadline!!

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WDDC Membership for 2016 Return to:- Secretary Mrs Linda Sprosen 156 Birmingham Road Kidderminster Worcestershire DY10 2SL 01562 824350 Receipt No……………………………Date………………………… (Renewal of membership is due on date of Annual General meeting each year) Cheques made payable to W.D.D.C. Or Pay by Bacs #51276859 Sort Code 40-26-08 Family Membership (includes all adults and children residing in the same house) £35.00 Single Membership £22.00 Non Driving Membership £10.00 Junior membership (under 18 on 1st January) £12.00 Full name(s) ..................................................................................................……………………………………………… ADDRESS........................................................................................................……………………………………………… ……….........................................................................................................……PostCode…………………………………

Telephone..............................................................................MobileNo……………………………………… E Mail Address……………………………………………………………………………………………

Newsletter by e- mail Yes……… No…………… please tick British Carriage Driving Membership No.………………………………………................................................................. Details of vehicles ....................................................................................……………

Horse / Pony Name.......................................................................... Horse / Pony Height................. Children’s names and date of birth (junior members)………………………………………………………… Signature of parent/Guardian................................................................................................... Each member will be expected to take part in the preparation and/or the dismantling of courses for Events. It would be appreciated if they could enlist the help of friends/relatives. We really do need your help. I agree for my details to being retained on club records and supplied to other members of the W.D.D.C. I AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE RULES OF THE WOLVERLEY & DISTRICT DRIVING CLUB. I DECLARE THAT I HAVE THIRD PARTY INSURANCE. SIGNED....................................................................................... DATE................................................

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WOLVERLEY&DISTRICTDRIVINGCLUB

Christmaswalk

Meeting at Bells Farm Shop, Chadwick Bank A4025 (Just before turning to Lincomb) Post Code DY13 9SA

On

Monday 28th December 2015

Meet in the car park at 10.30 for 11 a.m. start. Gates will be locked after this (shop closed for day).

Walk will be on the Public footpaths of the Lincomb area. Approx Two and a half miles. Unfortunately, due to the terrain the walk may not be suitable for wheelchairs/scooters.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Ombersley Golf Club Post Code WR9 0LE.

Approx 1 pm for those not walking.

Two Course Meal for £10.95 per person. (details below).

Walkers If you are Geocachers, it may be of interest that the walk will cover five of the Lincomb loop caches.

Geocaching is a global real life gps hunt, a geocache is a physical container which can be hidden in very public spots and in less populated spots too. They usually contain a logbook and little treasurers depending on the size of the geocache (container). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………. Number for lunch…………………………………………………………………………………………. Number for Walk………………………………… ………………………………………………………. Menu. £10.95 per person. Two courses.

Breaded Place, chips and peas Or Steak and Ale Pie, new potatoes and vegetables Or

Mediterranean Vegetable hotpot Apple crumble and custard Or

Strawberry cheesecake

Children:- Sausage & Chips plus dessert £6.00

Closing date for entries 15th December (Please let us know if you are walking or just coming for lunch.)

Return to: Linda Sprosen 156 Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, DY14 2SL Or e mail lindasprosen @hotmail.com Pay for lunch directly to golf club on the day Contact on day Sandra and Geoff Phillips 01299250508 or 07899650111

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WOLVERLEY&DISTRICTDRIVINGCLUBINVITATIONTOTHEANNUALDINNER

ANDAWARDS

The Granary Hotel heath Lane, Shenstone, Kidderminster DY10 4BS Friday 29th January 2016

7.00 p.m. for 7.45p.m.

Friends and Relatives Welcome Tickets £22.00

Dress Code Smart Jacket & Tie Name…………………………………. Name………………………………………….. Name…………………………………… Name…………………………………………… Total No attending ……………………. Cheque enclosed for …………made payable to WDDC/BACS Please put each person’s initials by menu they require

Starters Homemade Soup

*

Prawns bound in a Marie Rose sauce Served on a bed of leaves with brown bread and butter

*

Smooth Chicken Liver Parfait Served with homemade tomato chutney and Melba toast

Main Course

Baked Fillet of Salmon topped with a herb crust and served with

a light lemon and butter sauce *

Roast Chicken Breast with fresh herbs served with chateau potatoes, sage & onion stuffing, bacon roll and rich roast gravy

*

Braised Steak of Herefordshire Beef with steamed Dumplings and caramelised onion gravy

*

Vegetarian Dish

Sweets

Hot Apple Pie with custard or cream *

Meringue nest topped with blackcurrant and White Chocolate cream with a fresh blackcurrant coulis

*

Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse With a white chocolate sauce

*

Coffee & Chocolate Mints Tea Please return your chosen menu and payment to Linda Sprosen by 18th January 2016 156 Birmingham Road Kidderminster DY10 2SL [email protected] 01562 824350

december 2015 newsletter (autosaved)...counts and we must all take responsibility to get ourselves...

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