On September 10^th BDS Shropshire celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of the British Driving Society with a 12 mile drive from Rodington. The day was grey and windy but fortunately dry as 7 turnouts, some of them decorated with the Diamond Jubilee theme, set off from Rodington House Farm by kind permission of Ian Griffiths. Our route took us through some lovely countryside and villages such as Upton Magna, Berwick Wharf and Withington. Judging of turnouts took place at the Haughmond public house in Upton Magna, with Jennifer Marren and Helen James being awarded the Elizabeth Austin Memorial Trophy for the best decorated turnout.

Other participants were Chris and Becky Taylor driving a pair of Irish mares to a wagonette (not forgetting Basil!), Tony and Carol Gregory with a Hackney pair to a four-wheeled dogcart, Russell and Pat Hand with a mixed team of four to an exercise carriage, Felicity Stubbs and Avril Pluck driving Section B pony Valentines Amber to a gig, Pauline Trail driving her cob to a Bennington exercise vehicle and last (in every sense) but not least Sue and Ian Cole with Sam the Man to a Bennington. Thanks to Mike and Bryony Cowie for kindly stewarding the drive.

After horses were dealt with we all warmed up in the Bull’s Head pub where we were made very welcome with an excellent selection of sandwiches and hot drinks, after which the British Driving Society cake was served along with the presentation of beautiful commemorative rosettes.

Many thanks to everyone involved in this very enjoyable occasion.