Cover photo Mr & Mrs Pritchard (Georgia Hand Photography)

On 3rd & 4th August 2019, at Tismans Farm, we welcomed 16 competitors to the first CIAT Tismans, with the perfect weather forecast it was set to be a fabulous weekend at this stunning venue.

Friday evening saw a welcome dinner enjoyed by all competitors and organising committee. A relaxed affair at the secretaries tent, competitors brought their own chairs and enjoyed a bar with a twist – a converted old fire engine complete with Tismans themed cocktails on offer and a plentiful sausage and bun salad meal.

Saturday morning commenced with our drivers briefing. All drivers were driven around the routier that they were to drive on Sunday morning, also shown the presentation areas for Saturday afternoon and the PCs they would have to complete during the routier. There was a lot of anticipation at this new venue, all competitors were looking forward to driving the route on Sunday & taking in the back drop of the house for the presentations.

As Saturday afternoon presentations commenced, the sun came out and smiles were plentiful. We even had a number of spectators come to watch which added to the buoyant atmosphere. Competitors enjoyed a walk down the main tree lined drive to the first presentation, followed by another short walk to the front of the house, making fabulous pictures and the third in front of the period barns beside the house. This was followed by another walk up and around the buildings to have their wheels measured and back to the lorry park via the back drive.

On Saturday evening all competitors were invited to our Farmers Supper with champagne reception on the front lawn of Tismans House. Competitors marvelled at the gardens and also met our hosts David & Stephie Trafford, followed by a short walk across our cones field and in to the spectacularly decorated cow barn where dinner commenced. Again the bar attended along with a full hog roast supper, a fantastic singer and a rather brilliant party with some fabulous dancing. A very merry time was had by all.

Sunday morning started early with 2 presentations for competitors who had prior arrangements and couldn’t attend the Saturday presentations. Followed by the start of the routier. 13km of fabulous West Sussex & Surrey countryside, access through 2 private farms by kind permission of Mr Neil Harrison and back to Tismans after completing the PCs.

The first PC was the wine glass challenge, set at the beginning of the routier down the front drive. Second was a right handed rail to be driven with the right front wheel between the lines. Third was a one-handed left handed circle. Fourth was the put away – carriages to be reversed into a coach house. Fifth was a 20m salute one-handed with tractor and JCB telehandler parked beside it, enhancing the farm theme. All competitors completed the routier being welcomed back by our hosts for French breakfast with beaming smiles and happy ponies and horses.

Sunday afternoon commenced the Maniabilite – the cones course. 20 sets of cones with an a, b & c element, complete with plastic cow, straw bales and flower planters sponsored by Southern Carriage Driving Club, the arena shone. With only one double clear by Katie Cooper, the cones were the deciding factor between the competitors.

These events can’t happen without the help of stewards, we the committee of Tismans 2019 would like to thank each and every one of our stewards and helpers for their effort this year.

Our evening raffle also raised £365 for our resident Driving for the Disabled group ‘Happy Landings’ who meet every Wednesday May – October at Tismans.

With 2019 being such a resounding success, we are very pleased to be able to release next years date – 1st & 2nd August 2020.

If you would like to know more, please visit: www.attelagedetradition.co.uk