The Carriage Foundation

The aim of the Carriage Foundation, formed in 1991 under the auspices of the BDS, is to bring together like-minded people with a special interest in carriages and their history. Anyone can join the trips we organise and they will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome from the group. These trips are interesting and great fun and give members the opportunity to visit many venues that are not available for the general public to enjoy.

On the afternoon of 13th October 2007, members of The Carriage Foundation met at the Furzton Lake Premier Travel Inn in Milton Keynes. We were pleased to welcome some new members and hope that they enjoyed the visit and our company enough to join us on future visits.

After greeting friends old and new, we travelled to The Wychwood Stud – home of Mr Gerard Naprous and his team of Devil’s Horsemen.

On arrival we were shown some of his extensive collection of horse-drawn vehicles, of which there were 200 altogether. Some were original, some had been purpose built and some had been converted or added to in keeping with the film set for which they had been used. All the carriages looked as though they were in everyday use, which is what is needed for authenticity in film work.

The team were planning an early morning start to a film set in London. Horseboxes were standing ready and some carriages were on trailers ready for the journey. A quick look in one wagon showed that it was crammed full of harness and accoutrements. One wondered how long the check list was to make sure no pieces of vital equipment had been left behind, or even how they found what they needed when they arrived !

Two Pairs of Percheron Horses were brought out and put-to a very high chara-type vehicle and a modern polish sporting brake, with enough seating capacity to us all for a drive along the tracks around the farm. Most of us needed a ladder to get to our seats but one or two of the more agile got up quickly and elegantly !

After a very pleasant drive it was time to enter Wychwood Hall. This is a barn-type building, marvellously furbished to simulate a Medieval Hall. As we went in, we were greeted by and announced with titles we never knew we had ! The Jester kept most of us amused, and a few rather embarrassed, throughout the evening.

During the 4-course Banquet we were entertained by some high-quality displays of horsemanship on very impressive horses in fine condition. These acts included acrobatic and stunt riding, vaulting and a fun-packed jousting competition culminating with the evil Black Knight carrying off our much treasured Secretary !

This visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and those members who could not be with us on this occasion missed a fantastic treat.

Don’t let it happen again – join us on the trip to Holland on 20th – 27th April and then to the Black Country Museum in the West Midlands on 11th & 12th October 2008.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to join these trips, the one thing in common is our enthusiasm, interest and love of the horse-drawn carriage and the buildings in which they are housed. Please do let me know if YOU know of any interesting places the group may like to visit.

Report by Mrs Margaret Palmer

29th April – 6th May 2007 was the trip to Denmark and Northern Germany. The venues visited included The Royal Stables, Schleswig-Holsteinisches Landesmuseum in Northern Germany and Haderslev Carriage Museum, Jutland. Mr Keld Siegfredsen, our contact in Denmark arranged for the group to visit the Danish National Horse Centre and meet Mr Ib Moller, the President of The Danish Driving Society, plus a drive out with members of his local driving society.

To learn more about The Carriage Foundation please send SAE to:
Caroline Dale-Leech, Hon. Secretary, Red House Stables, Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2ER. Tel/Fax: 01629 733583.