Bill Vine
Bill was a true gentleman and one of the greatest enthusiast of driving, it did not matter if it was showing, organising driving trials, training new judges or Coaching. He would be there imparting his words of wisdom, his pipe on the go, he would ponder on a view, thinking it through and back would come some gem that would make us all think.
His enthusiasm for Tandem driving was immense and it was fitting that this year saw his restored tandem cart out again at the 30th annual meet of the Tandem Club. Having been at the first meet, it was also of great benefit to all the new drivers and not so new ones when he saw you off either at the start of marathon or at the halt, again his words if wisdom would filter through, planted in your brain for you to pick up if you wished.
He not only drove but rode his beloved greys, and was very sad when they passed on. I have many friends who had gone out on a Sunday drive with him and come back having had a jolly good old fashioned day out, talk about it for months afterwards, such was his effect on the enjoyment of driving.
His involvement with the BDS was immense, judge, competitor, show organiser, and above all Council member for more years than most have been members, reminding the new blood of the traditions of the society, yet paving a way forward for all to enjoy. Also of course he was involved with BHDTA, as a judge, organiser and mentor. His involvement with Brighton Driving trials since the beginning has been huge and many drivers of today have been encouraged to have an all round driving experience by Bill.
He had his ways, don't we all, but they where all to enhance peoples knowledge and involvement. He loved a good claret and natter with his coaching friends, his conversations where littered with gems often told with 'devilment' in his eye, his bushy eyebrows raised in question , and his Sussex brogue, to his family who have all developed their own Vine personalities, hones and shaped by their dad, and granddad, we thank you for allowing us to have shared a little of this amazing character and to Sue his wife we hope that we will see you at many driving events across the disciplines, and share some of our memories that helped us along the way.
Araminta Winn
December 2007
