BDS Wales Secretary, Anthea, reports on the In Harness sponsored training day for South Wales geared towards members passing their BDS Road Driving Assessments.

On the 16th October BDS Wales organised a training day aimed towards assisting members interested in undertaking the Road Driving Assessment.  The weather early in the morning was definitely not promising with persistent rain. Thankfully by 10.30 the skies cleared and the day was dry with some lovely warm spells.  The good weather was a bonus,  as even though the venue provided by Brian and Anthea Birch, had an all weather surface, never the less everyone was exposed to whatever the heavens chose to bring down upon them.

The day was very well supported with 22 enthusiastic participants, including three juniors and adults from across the age range. People had travelled from all parts of South, West and Mid Wales, some of journeying for up to 2 hours to reach the venue.

Pat Dutson, AC, brought Charlie, an experienced Welsh Section A pony to be guinea pig for the day and he proved to be not only well behaved, but extremely patient, whilst he stood for at times lengthy periods whilst discussions took place around him.

In Harness magazine very kindly had provided sponsorship, for which BDS Wales are extremely grateful, and this greatly assisted in providing the training.

Sarah Wildy LLHI, a very knowledgeable and experienced trainer, led the day and she,  in addition to being extremely clear and informative, welcomed questions which meant everyone felt they were involved.  Sarah also brought books for people to browse and information leaflets for them to take away.

The day came to a close with refreshments and an opportunity for people to chat and given the wide area from which participants had travelled, an opportunity to make new acquaintances and hopefully sowed the seeds for ongoing friendships, so valuable when driving enthusiasts in Wales are spread over such a wide area.

There were many expressions of thanks expressed to the organisers and trainer with everyone saying they had gained much from the day.

BDS Wales has taken names of participants who wish to go on and take the Road Driving Assessment. As a 50% discount applies to those who take the tests as part of a group arrangement, anyone wishing to take this in the near future, should contact Anthea Birch to put their name forward. Contact details on contact page.