Oxfordshire BDS “Start the Season” Dinner. 27.2.09

Twenty five members gathered at Wantage Masonic Hall for our Start the Year Dinner. An enjoyable half an hour was spent pre-dinner in the bar. After an excellent meal we were entertained by Gary Docking. He was very amusing and mixed tremendous humour with instruction and self deprecation. His anecdotes had us all laughing and everyone left with a warm glow of satisfaction from a very pleasant evening. Our thanks go to Gary Docking.

By kind permission of the Lord and Lady Rotherwick the Oxfordshire Area of the BDS was able to hold a sponsored ride in Cornbury Park, in aid of the ROSY Charity.
Sixteen turn-outs, representing Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire assembled in a large parking area on the estate at 1030, and at 1100 we paraded and were judged on our turnouts by Mr George Hedges, Secretary of the ROSY charity, and helped by Hazel Woodbridge, the AC of Wiltshire. The winning turnout was Trudi Lupton’s, second was Jenny Smith’s and third was Anne Tebbs’. Mr Hedges commented on the quality of the turn-outs and admitted that it was a difficult decision, as all were “winners”.Peter Kyle, the AC for Oxford, presented Mr Hedges with gift-aided cheques for £350 pounds for the charity

The weather was ideal for driving- cool, with a slight breeze and the Park was resplendent in its autumn colours.
We departed when ready so that we would not bunch-up. It was a leisurely drive of 8 miles, over tracks, grass and road, all within the Estate. Everyone particularly enjoyed driving along the Great Vista, and through woodlands near the ponds. There were taxing areas of grass track that were wet and muddy, and some short but challenging hills. There was only one mishap when a leaf spring broke on a Bennington carriage. Fortunately the owner was able to limp home by splinting the spring with a piece of wood and string (three cheers for the spares box!)

On completion of the drive we gathered for a picnic lunch. The drive was discussed and dissected at length, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Comments ranged from “best drive of the year”, to “can we do this again?”

Thanks to all who made a great effort with their turn-outs, and to those who travelled some distance to get there, but particularly to Lord and Lady Rotherwick for their generosity in opening the Park for us.

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