Page 142 - It's a Rum Life Book 3 "Ivy House Tales 1970 to 1984"

You have seen an older 'Dinan' already
boating on the basin.

Dakata “Dinan” was purchased from a
local Dalmatian breeder who lived a
short distance from Skegness.
Theresa, the breeder was fascinated
by Ruth’s idea to actually train a
Dalmatian to “do” its traditional job.

Dinan came as a pup and quickly
developed a fascination and solid bond
with Dales Mare Juno. In fact they
shared the same stable, “Dinan” living
initially in a small straw house in the
corner of the stable.
We were fortunate to have a large
building behind our home were the
horse drawn vehicles were kept and
there was sufficient room for me to act
as the horse and convey a cart up and
down inside, with Dinan encouraged to
follow by walking between the wheels
just below the axle. The whole thing
was quite easy as the dog had an
instinctive will to live and work with the
horse. He was fed between or close to
the cart wheels and the whole thing
was second nature to him.
At about the same time we made
contact with the Lincolnshire Branch of the Driving Society and went along to one of their
meetings. We were thoroughly hooked.
The members were friendly, helpful and only too pleased to welcome another family with a
driving horse and vehicle into their happy environment. A long and thoroughly enjoyable
experience had begun.

MEETINGS
Meets were held during the summer months when members took their turn to provide a
venue for the regular get together. This comprised a drive of about 15 miles duration
through their own local countryside.
There would be a half way stop when a glass of cool sparkling wine would be served to all
members. Perhaps a second one too! At the end of the run, food would be served
depending on the members own local circumstances.
For example a local butcher in the Boston area served plenty of meat whereas for our own
rally held at Horncastle we served a ham salad.
These meets took us round every region of Lincolnshire from Barton on Humber in the far
north to Great Casterton in the very southern tip below Grantham.
Members came from every walk of life and consequently all kinds of vehicles and horses.
The whole was under the control of an Area Commissioner, appointed by the national
organisation.

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