TRANSPORTOFDELIGHT
TRANSPORTOFDELIGHT
WITH the future and fortunes of so many farmers facing uncertainty, it is good to hear of a Bucks farm where future happiness is almost their stock in trade.
Bringing this buzz of optimism are Ruby and Rose, two thoroughbred Irish Draught horses. With their service, farmers wife Fiona Hayes of Tuckey Farm, Winslow, has built up a thriving business transporting brides to weddings in a beautiful vintage 1870 Victorian carriage bought from a Reading sale several years ago.
Fiona, who has bookings as far ahead as next year, learned to drive horses as a child and only really stopped to have her children. The business took off two years ago when she did a wedding for a friend and now, with the help of her father, Frank Kelly, shes busy most weekends – sometimes with two jobs. And its not only weddings, special occasions such as gold or silver wedding anniversaries are catered for as well.
"We usually do a recce beforehand as it can be a bit hazardous if we are attending a church in the middle of a town or on a busy road. The attentions of passing motorists can also be a bit tricky but so far everything has gone really well," says Fiona. "I think the fact that I drive two horses is very unusual and creates quite a bit of interest."
Luckily sisters Ruby and Rose are a very quiet and docile pair and take their celebrity status in their stride.
Nick Spurling