Thursday 15th August 2024
Cream tea and Talk by The Tootler Colin Pawson.
Colin's talk, including a coach-horn demonstration, starts with the early Royal Mail coaches at the end of the 18th Century and traces the history of this romantic but uncomfortable means of transport through the 1800s - including the colourful public coaches and the elaborate private coaches of
the well-to-do – to its ending with the coming of the Railways. He then reviews its revival as a sporting activity at the end of the century and its unexpected popularity today.
Colin Pawson has been driving ponies and horses for over 30 years; initially as a hobby and then commercially with horse-drawn funerals, weddings and some film work. He is a qualified Light Harness Horse Instructor and also works extensively with the driving section of the Riding for the Disabled Association.
He became involved with Four-in-hand coaching in 2000, after teaching himself to blow the coach-horn. Since then he has developed a passion for all aspects of Coaching and delights in sharing his enthusiasm & the many adventures he has had acting as Guard on the Coaches that are still on the roads today.