It was an idea that hatched as we stared into the depths of the unfolding crisis of our lifetimes. The shock of the temporary closure of the Stables by the lockdown was profound.
The horses were packed off safely to the fields of Surrey, save for one or two little (or big) – Fudge and Bertie – exceptions. The yard gate shut. What would we do? Video meetings? For horse riders? The Events Committee deliberated. Carol exclaimed, “I’ll feel so nervous performing in front of the camera”. We called for more help. Deborah strolled into the 24 Horse Town that is WVS. In a wide brimmed hat with a steely-eyed stare (I made that bit up), “It’s show time”, she declared. With a high spec camera shot and head full of great ideas, she began to share the secrets of her slick BBC newsreader skills. We got down to work.
What about the brand! – Sophie and Emi designed the fabulous WVS-TV logo. Ideas flowed fast – scripts, camera sets, gags and characters. It did not all go well at first, however. Having exchanged ideas throughout the week, rehearsals were every Friday at 11.30am sharp. To begin with, they were longer than the show. “Meet the Member” was great but it was lot of pressure for those who volunteered. There were difficulties with sound and muting, talking into camera with no visual feedback, remembering the scripts, doing smooth hand overs to each other and keeping to time. Bit by bit (no pun intended), the bubbling excitement of ideas came together with strength and assuredness. A core group coalesced. The Performance Team was born. Each week we had guests too. They were brilliant. The breakthrough, of course, was, “Meet the Horse”. The horses became even bigger stars, as their owners told us of their gripping and moving journeys with them. We learned so much more of the horses’ characters and their histories. Then, another breakthrough, “The Five Favourite Things” for WVS riders.
Pre-show there was the catch-up chat, hosted by Deborah, with John supporting. Deborah, bright and cheerful, got our members chatting, in anticipation of the show to follow. Bright sunshine greeted us. Carol, full of energy and sparkle, would lead the camera from the Dog & Fox along the passageway in to the yard. Horse’s hooves could be heard, as Nadia led a horse past. How we needed that sound of those hooves at that moment. Next, we saw the refurbishment taking shape, the yard becoming sparkling and shiny new looking.
Every week the show got more and more into its stride (still no pun intended). Variety soon became its strength, with something in there for everyone: “Challenge for Nadia” – such as mounting a horse backwards with two glasses of Prosecco whilst blindfolded; Claire going on safari in Surrey, doing a “David Attenborough” out in the wild fields with the horses. In one episode she was our “Children’s WVS-TV presenter” doing a live interview of Rosie of Manor Farm, on horseback in the sunshine; Caroline teaching from her kitchen, astride her equine stool, firstly on technical aspects, then expanding into a virtual lesson in the arena and culminating in a virtual hack around Wimbledon Common, with the audience choosing the route. John, in the role of pollster,creating a unique brand of wit and humour (some have said!) combined with “instant direct democracy”, announcing what shock results came from the weekly WVS members’ poll – it seemed that members most wanted to go on a hack with Hugh Jackman, cantering all the way to a backdrop of Queen music, reading Clare Balding’s book and having a drink of water afterwards, with Mario (“Read my Lips” and “Love” election campaign) in charge of the Stables.
Sara Brown fascinated us all with her tales from horse history. With her warm and lilting voice, she explained where phrases like “wild goose chase” came from, how the stirrup changed the history of the world and its connection with Genghis Khan and where the word “canter” originated. Sarah Chittenden designed and conducted the excellent quiz with deft authority – members had to be quick with their starter’s orders to get their answers in. Lottie, exercise guru, in perfect poise, explained and even performed the exercises at the same time. She gave us a much-needed lifeline for our physical fitness during the height of the lock down. Sasha, executive producer, assisted by Annabel on her lap, was in charge in her control room and organised the fabulous competitions too. Then came more than a few tears as our liveries spoke so movingly about their beautiful horses: Rachel and Bertie; Sasha and Pod; Mandy and Honey; Terry and Merlin; Deborah (T) and Onyx; Marian and Havana and ending, of course, with Carol. In the popular Five Favourite Things slot, we heard from Sasha, Helen, Heidi, Emma, Deborah (T), Ella and Nuph about their essential gear for riding. After an enthusiastic closing from Carol, Deborah and John encouraged members to stay around and chat. Often we were still at it an hour or so later. It was so moving listening to how members and staff were coping in the sheer severity of the lockdown. Particularly memorable were Kat’s comments, watching from Poland. It was good to be together.
Then, the tenth and the final episode of the series: Deborah’s advice to us – enjoy yourselves. It was a show to remember. It had everything, from laughter to tears and much in between. We had by then already seen a good many emotional tears during the series, most notably from the lovely Jan, watching from France – enough tears to short circuit the computer, possibly to sail a small boat. Most fittingly, the emotional climax of the show was when Carol told us about the special horses she has loved and some she has lost. That made us all reach for the tissues. They all came to life – Spotty, Carlof, Dreamer, Rigsby, Captain, Time, Fancy That, and Bea; now we see Pod, Jack (Handsome Jack) and Fudge. Carol shared beautiful photographs of family and friends (many in The Performance Team) and the core group around her and Caroline that has made WVS into the great place and big family that it is today. You could plot a line from Carol to Sasha to Annabel – and from Spotty to Pod to Fudge. We had persuaded Carol to include her wonderful show jumping career at Windsor and Hickstead. “Are you sure people will be interested?” she asked. Carol described what it was like entering Windsor main ring: “I was shaking like a leaf at those huge jumps”, “I kept talking to the horse”, “I wanted to do it right for the horse”, “We were up against the big names. I wanted to make it a positive experience. We jumped it clear”. The final moments of the show had Carol and Lottie in the yard popping the cork on a bottle of Champagne as Nadia completed “round the world” on Louis, dismounting by sliding off his backend, glass of Champagne in her hand. What a fitting end to a great series.
We will never forget what we have all seen, learnt and felt about WVS, during this time of great national stress, in the Spring of 2020. Carol, The Events Committee, The Performance Team, owners, members, staff and supporters went into the main ring, the Show, to help deal with the effects of the crisis on the Stables. We all came together, all as one – and all the rest as they say is history. The rich history of WVS.
Was that the last episode of The Saturday Show? Watch this space!
Some of the lovely feedback we have received.
Oh that’s just too fabulous !! John is a complete star … though comments re me and tears … that’s not like me 🤣…
Too funny. Can we all add something re John ? He mentions everyone apart from himself – what a star! He had me roaring with laughter ( one episode in particular he was on fire!!) – his warmth, humour & generosity of spirit was infectious & heart warming. His, along with the whole team , commitment & love of and for WVS shone through each and every episode – please pass this on to John. You all did an amazing job , and hope that you all got as much from this as your viewers- truly fabulous !! Thank you all so Very much . I learnt so much, shed the odd tear ( ) , laughed and shared joy !!! Now that’s a show!! Biggest love & thanks to you all xxxx
Thank you WVS and John for that fascinating account of how the Saturday Show came about. It was an enjoyable and a wonderful way to stay connected and, keep up to date with everything that was happening in the yard and at Manor Farm. Being there virtually was the next best thing to being physically there, so, on our return we knew exactly what to expect. Please be assured that all your efforts and hard work were very much appreciated during lockdown. Well done everyone. Regards. Margaret
What a wonderful summary of the Lockdown at WVS. Really well written John. Brought the tears once again. We will never forget 2020. WVS will be stronger moving forward that’s for sure. Congratulations to you all!! Nuph x
This is a wonderful summary, well done John! Congratulations to you all on putting such a great show for so many weeks, really imaginative and well presented. Your hard work all paid off. Nadia’s round the world with champagne glass is an image to remember – and perhaps a challenge for all future riders – but you were all great. Thanks too for the Stage 1 course, which I really enjoyed (but to judge by the quiz last night I need to do it all again…). Also very well-presented and great fun. Thank you for all you have done to keep us entertained and sane during lockdown, it has been much appreciated. Eleanor x