Helmingham Hall’s first Attelage de Tradition

Drivers from around the south and east were drawn to the Tollemache family’s Helmingham Hall in Suffolk with the promise of the first Attelage de Tradition organised for BDS members primarily by Gordon Marks and Eunice Binder. Over a dozen top class traditional-style turnouts took part, from small to large, including Welsh B Barham Sweet Charity driven by Esme Millen and accompanied by Helen Seymour in a comfortable-looking basket-weave gig up to Tim Wood’s wagonette omnibus and pair with a full complement of prettily-dressed passengers. The most unusual turnout was the bright yellow post chaise driven by postillion Liz Jarman accompanied by husband Steve.

All competitors had standing presentation in front of Caroline Dale-Leech on the sloping lawns of the deer park in front of the Hall and then mustered in groups and were shepherded into the main arena, under the eye of a very interested Lady Tollemache. Here the crowds were entertained by a chatty informative commentary by Angela Sixsmith. After everyone had circled the ring, all moved off to the road drive, about seven miles on quiet country lanes to the Dobermann pub. The idea was that each turnout would not see another on the road, however, naturally, some caught up especially on the short downhill section just before the pub. Everyone arrived in a short space of time and “parked” in a convenient field while refreshments were speedily organised by Eunice Binder, who had led the way with husband Wally driving Welsh cob Winston to an original varnished wood Ralli car. Alan, the ringguard, having arrived at the pub, had his coaching horn borrowed for a spot of impressive impromptu practice by Caroline Dale-Leech just before we moved off.

Chris van Reen’s 1998 replica Mills Dog Cart, built by Mark Broadbent of Fenix Carriages, was one modern vehicle among an impressively historic selection. John and Eileen Snowdon drove a smaller-scale Fenix Dog Cart to one of their Shetlands, Rex of Larkrise. Stephanie Mallone, 16, eye-catching in orange, drove an 1897 Dennett stick-back gig and young driver Jessie Bowling, a protégée of John and Eileen Snowdon, brought her mother’s horse, Tilly Trotter, to a spindle-back gig of 1902. Anthony Martin took round his Dales mare Bobbies Girl and butcher’s cart – which he rebuilt in 2000 –and Eunice Hopton and husband Roger travelled in their rebuilt milk float, complete with shiny brass milk churn and lively Blagdon cob, Stan the Man. The Smith family brought Ackroyd Patsy, a Welsh cob they have owned since late last year, and Lucy Smith was a passenger while her father Edward drove their 1830s Stanhope phaeton, formerly owned by Lord Lonsdale. Derek Moyes, as groom, accompanied Suffolk Show winner Vanessa Francis driving her impeccably behaved Welsh D stallion Felinfach Tory Boy to her spindle-back gig. Janice Clough drove her and husband Peter’s pair of Hackney geldings, Halloughton Hallmark and Camorland Just Right to a spider or park phaeton, pleasing to be seen in its natural setting.

The return drive was short and, as they entered the park, each turnout was asked to perform some simple “skills”. These entailed stopping with the wheel on a small mat; the driver drinking a glass of water provided by the groom, and reining back. David Baker, who designed the skills, wanted to test the drivers’ accuracy, the horses’ obedience and the ability of the driver to maintain control while holding the reins in one hand. The event was completed with a test for each turnout, judged by Caroline Dale-Leech, and a final parade in the main ring and prizegiving after which there was a barbecue with celebratory refreshments for everyone. Lady Tollemache presented the prizes and was driven “home” in teh post chaise.

Although sadly Gordon Marks could not be present, he can still take credit for his part in the organisation of the event, which many voices hoped would be repeated in BDS Area 24 next year.

Results: Concours d’Elegance – Janice Clough; Cleanest harness – Chris van Reen; Best trade turnout – Eunice Hopton; Best postillion turnout – Liz Jarman; Best liveried groom – (Stephanie Mallone’s); Best groom – Eleanor Faulkner (John Snowdon’s groom); Overall winner – Chris van Reen

Full coverage in the next issue of Inharness magazine – see www.inharness.co.uk to subscribe now.