Soldiers do a good turn at manor where wagoners trained for war

AN East Yorkshire country house has celebrated its links with First World War wagoners by holding a challenge day for modern day Army personnel.

Teams from 102 Brigade and other local Army units took to the grounds of Sledmere House on Saturday to participate in various challenges aimed at replicating the skills associated with wagoners more than a century ago.

Sir Mark Sykes gained permission to raise the Wagoners Special Reserve as part of a Territorial Army unit in 1912, signing up farm labourers and tenant farmers from across the Yorkshire Wolds for war service as drivers of horse-drawn wagons.

At the time, Sir Mark held wagon-driving competitions for his wagoners in the grounds of the Grade I-listed Georgian country house, which has been in the Sykes family for generations.

Saturday’s event also included a tug of war and soldiers attempting long reining to determine the wagoner champions.

As well as the team events, Sledmere shire horses and animals from the Northern Heavy Horse Society were on display.

Other highlights included a horse-drawn First World War ambulance, a Wolds wagon and a general service wagon from the Royal Logistic Corps’ heritage collection.

Visitors were also able to enjoy demonstrations from the Royal Logistic Corps’ corps of drums, a demonstration by the Wagoners’ Museum’s honorary farrier, Jarvis Browning, and a Kukri dance from the Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment as well as an inflatable assault course and bouncy castle.

Sledmere House dates back to 1751 and is set within a park designed by Capability Brown.

The popular attraction boasts a farm shop, grounds and gardens, the Woodyard, the Stables takeaway and a new ticket office/visitors centre.

The rare breed farm park, the adventure play area and East Lodge holiday accommodation are also open to visitors.

From May 18 the newly renovated Coach House Cafe and Wagoners Museum will be open as well.

Farm labourers and tenant farmers from across the Wolds signed up for war service.

PUSHING FOR VICTORY: Main picture top, troops taking part in a bale challenge during wagon challenge day in the grounds of Sledmere House in East Yorkshire; above left, soldiers trying their hand at long reining; above right, Gurkhas show how to do the Kukri dance.

PICTURES: JAMES HARDISTY.