It is with great sadness that I am writing to give note that John Cowdery has passed away.
John was a ‘founder member’ in the early days of British Carriage Driving in the early 80’s. In many ways John and his carriage driving ‘ cohorts’ set the tone of competitive carriage driving , they were a great ‘team’, It was a far cry from the traditional coachmanship which John held as a true passion but John embraced the changes and through the early days of Carriage Driving ,as a competitive sport, many of the traditions and standards were maintained.
I have been asked by Sara Clingan to write this on behalf of the NICDA, we were both mentored by John as apprentice Judges and he was incredibly kind and imparted his knowledge and views with a quiet authority.
When we were both competing in the single pony classes in the early 80’s , 2 rookie drivers with modest but pocket rocket ponies , John’s help was always there, this from a coachman at the highest level.
In his time with British Carriage Driving John’s input will always be highly valued .
The last time I saw John was at Lowther were he was commentating, he ,like his son Andrew had a good voice for commentary, my only regret is that I never heard him sing, he was a grand chorister!
On a personal note Bill and I had many happy times with John and Pat, great memories.
Thank you John.
Thoughts are with the family.
Mary Bryson
