CIAT Mostyn 2024
- Linda Williams -
Mostyn Hall is the ancestral home of the 7th Baron Lord Mostyn, who kindly gave permission to hold the 3rd CIAT Mostyn event in late summer. Mostyn’s great hall dates back to 1470 and is set in 25 acres of gardens in the beautiful countryside of North Wales. Mostyn Village and the surrounding areas are known for its outstanding area of natural beauty with both mountain and coastal views overlooking the Dee estuary towards the Wirral and Liverpool.
After a few rainy weeks before the event we hoped for a break in the weather, it did not disappoint. The sun shone down on our Idyllic setting and offered perfect conditions to enjoy the newly revised 12km and 7km Routier. Friday evening started with a warm welcome to all where they enjoyed our now customary Pimms drinks reception and hot buffet. The CIAT Mostyn event was lucky enough to attract 17 competitors who travelled from all corners of the United Kingdom and included 5 single horse, 1 horse pairs, 5 single ponies, 3 pony pairs, 2 multiples and 1 small pony turnout.
On the morning of the first day, the competitors and stewards briefing took place where it was Lovely to see both new and familiar faces. Rosemary Neale - chair of AIAT GB kindly offered advice to all the competitors including the new comers who had first time nerves. Stewards where briefed and we were then ready to start the competiton. The first stage Presentation took place in the main arena at three individual points. The judges commented on the high standard they had seen and enjoyed the variations of each individual turnout. A special Thank-you to our judges, Eric Marcez from AIAT France , Lester Dagge AIAT GB who came home early from his holidays and Paul Mills AIAT GB who was our president of the jury.
Once the presentation had taken place, competitors then went on to the second stage to enjoy the the 12 km Routier. We also had a shorter 7km routier for small ponies. With 5 Difficulties to test drivers skills, competitors drove through the grounds of the estate and into the village, where competitors and stewards were welcomed by the locals has they drove past. Families and friends came together in their gardens waving and smiling as our 17 magnificent turnouts drove passed theirs homes and back into the estate.
One of the main features of the Routier was when competitors would drive past the imposing Mostyn Hall viewing the house from different perspectives including driving under and over the unique Drybridge Lodge, a two storied castellated gatehouse built in 1849 and on to a conclude spectacular finish through the ornamental Green and Gold gates at the main entrance of the hall.
Later in the afternoon when all competitors and stewards had finish on the Routier, there was an opportunity for an informal guided tour of the grounds and gardens by Phil, the Head Gardener. This was a popular feature that had been requested from previous years, especially to hear about the Hall’s heritage, sample the fruit and see the mature trees and flowers that have been growing at Mostyn hall for many years. In the evening, we celebrated with a delicious Gala dinner, followed by a raffle and auction with generously donated prizes followed by a live band and dancing entertainment until late.
The second day saw the concluding stage 3 where drivers had to manipulate there way through a series of cones without knocking off any balls and incurring any time penalties - most competitors strive to get a double clear and only two competitors managed to do this. Well done to Jimmy Jeffries and Pat Watson who achieved this great effort!
After all the three stages had been completed, competitors were invited back into the main arena at 2pm for the grand prize giving to offer a magnificent scene. In true Attelage style and splendour CIAT Mostyn competitors were proud to take part and promote AIAT GB at its finest by keeping tradition and heritage alive, what a lovely picture. “It was simply perfect!” stated event director Linda Williams
We were proud to welcome several new comers this years event at Mostyn and congratulations to you all including Linda Jones, Rose Flett our youngest competitor and grand daughter of Attelage stalwart Alan Ross, Abi Hutchinson and Chloe Locklin (who competed against her mum Nicola) Thank you all, Da iawn pawb!
Now In anticipation the results are as follows:
Winner of single horse: Linda Jones,
Horse pairs: Jimmy Jeffery
Pony pairs: Modris Kesans
Single pony: Gilly Chippendale
Multiples: Eleanor Stevens,
Small pony: Deborah Adams.
Special awards were presented to the following competitors
Highest place young driver: Rose Flett 12 yrs old young lady, what a excellent achievement has this was her first attelage competition, Rose was accompanied by her grandfather Alan Ross and auntie who travelled down from Scotland to participate.
The highest place presentation: Gilly Chippendale
Stewards favourite award: Douglas a Shetland pony owned by Deborah Adams
Best local: by Ann Connolly & Alwena Bartley,
Best welsh competitor: Modris Kesans
Best Lady Whip Deborah Adams
Best Gentlemen whip: Jimmy Jeffery
A special thank you to Jayroc stables, and Russell and Pat Hand who managed to bring 4 separate turnouts to compete.
One particular special award that was presented, is close to my heart, was presented my father Allan Prescott who has recently been diagnosed with MND He is passionate about carriage driving and has previously competed in several Attelage competition prior to his diagnosis. Friends and family managed to lift Allan onto the carriage, where he was able to drive around the estate and take part in some of the competition with myself has groom, extra special memories were made that day!
The biggest applause of the day went to our supreme champion Jimmy Jeffery with his horse pair and our reserve champion Deborah Adams with her small pony turnout, congratulations to you both.
I conclude by thanking Lord Mostyn, Estate Manger Stephen Gladwyn and all the Estate staff who have kindly invited us back again. Thank you to our generous sponsors, judges, our competitors and stewards and especially 3 lovely ladies from Scotland who came over to steward, Jean, Janette, Diane. Huge thank you and well done to each and every one for taking part and contributing to this event and making CIAT Mostyn a successful event this year.
Finally I would like to conclude by thanking our Mostyn event team including Rob and Gemma Parry as well as their incredible children and friends who worked tirelesly behind the scenes to make such a great event. I would also like to thank Rosemary Neale Chair of AIAT GB, Wally & Eunice Binder, Andrew and Caroline Tilley, Elizebeth Cartwright Hignett, Russell Hand, Paul & Gill Mills, Lester Dagge, Eric Marcez, Penny and Trevor Wears, Gwyn Thomas, Fay Sanders and last but not least, my dear husband Tudor Williams.
Linda Williams, Event Director
Official event photographer: Nigel Torrens pictures can be seen here.
Official event photographer: Alan K Payne Photography here.
