Money Raised for Carriage Driving

The Cambridge and West Suffolk Driving Club celebrated their 21st year by driving 8 ponies/horses "coast to coast" across Northumberland. A total of 19 people 3 dogs and 8 turnouts took 7 days to do the trip, two of which were rest days.

The club was joined by one outside member to take photographs. Linda Lancaster an RDA helper from Mid Suffolk Group.

It was decided that there was a chance to raise funds for Addenbrooke's Leukaemia Research Fund and RDA Carriage driving for our region. Each member of the club funded themselves and so all money was given to the charities. A total of £9,600 to be divided 2/3 and 1/3 was the final count.

The hospitality and help received by the club members en_route was quite amazing, and Cumberland, Scotland and Northumberland proved hilly, a little wet (one day only) and stunningly beautiful.

Ten months of planning, preparation and training were in order and the club departed on the long journey North on the 1st June.

An RDA member from Kendal, Jenny Harrow, joined us on the first leg of 23 miles. Day 1 was from Rockliffe, on the Solway Firth. Here everyone dipped their toes into a bucket of salt water to make  it " coast to coast " ! (We were in a marsh ! )

After the first rest_day , day 2 and 3 of driving took us through the enormous Keilder Forest, where we would have surely got lost without the help of two foresters . We were able to go on bicycle  and footpath tracks as well as the forest paths. The views were breathtaking.

Day 4 started with three miles up hill, but once again the climb over the Buteland Fell was well worth it. In spite of a damp day finishing with a monsoon type downpour, the welcome tea and  goodies soon put us right.

The next day it was time to rest, clean harness, carriages and horses. Relax and be entertained by the Borders Driving Club to a sumptuous BBQ.

Our final driving day was a short run to the sea where we arrived at mile upon mile of wonderful sand, several horses enjoyed a

splash through the surf, and everyone enjoyed a celebration in the car park.  Popping corks and a celebration cake. Not forgetting some very fancy rosettes.

No less than four members of the club taking part in the drive are AB whips and one horse does his duty every week in the summer.

Sue Ram

Regional Carriage Driving Rep.

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