Devon hunts maintain tradition
HUNTSMEN, their supporters and even tourists turned out in droves to support Woodbury's Boxing Day tradition.
The East Devon Hunt meet took place yesterday at Woodbury Castle, on Woodbury Common, with around 60 horses.
Spirits were high as people came to watch with their children and dogs, and plastic cups of port and brandy were passed around.
Hunt master Chris Stevenson, 52, has been taking part in the Boxing Day hunt for the past 30 years.
He said: "It is great to see so many people here today watching us and showing their support.
"Hunting is a tradition that has been around for thousands of years and I know it will continue for years to come."
Since the ban on fox hunting came into effect in February 2005, the East Devon Hunt lays scent trails for the hounds to follow instead.
Chris said: "Scent trailing wasn't easy at first, but we've had three years to get it right so today it should go smoothly."
The scent trail was laid out earlier yesterday morning by James Phillips, 18, on his quad bike.
James has been taken part in the Boxing Day hunt for the past three years with his sister Becky, 14.
He said: "We are hunting within the law using a scent which the hounds will pick easily. Because of this method, thankfully, the tradition of Boxing Day hunts will continue.
"The hunts are well organised, having gained permission from the National Trust and various farmers in the area.
"It's one of the only times every year when the horses can enjoy a six-mile course out in the fields and countryside."
Watching the hunt was James' father, Nick Phillips, 50, owner of gentleman's clothing shop Farmer's Friend, on Cowick Street, Exeter.
Nick said: "Although it's great to see such a good turnout today, scent trails are not as good as fox hunting — the real thing. There will inevitably be a repeal of the Hunting Act, we just hope it will be sooner, rather than later."
Among the spectators was Dr Tanya Nelson, 40, from Whimple who had come along with her two daughters Ella, 12, and Iona, nine.
Tanya said: "I think the hunt is marvellous tradition. It gets everyone outdoors, unites the community and continues the Christmas festivities.
"The girls are having a great time, and love to see all the hounds and horses. In fact my husband has just decided he wants to start hunting, so hopefully next year he will be taking part."
At Chagford, on Dartmoor, hundreds of huntsmen and women and supporters of the Mid Devon Hunt turned out in the crisp morning air to see off the riders and the hounds.
They brought the tiny town to a standstill as they filled the square with noise and life, enjoying the customary drink before they left for their romp across the countryside.
Hunt master George Lyon-Smith whipped up the crowd with a defiant speech before they raced off in the direction of Throwleigh.
"The new year will bring us one year closer to the repeal of this ridiculous ban that they have brought in." he told the thronging crowd.
He said that the ban had led to nothing but a waste of the police and the criminal courts' time and taxpayers' money.
"We need a repeal of the ban because it is ridiculous. They haven't yet had a successful prosecution of anyone hunting. There is a tremendous amount of support for hunting around here, and there always is."
Hannah Allman, the wife of the hunt's whipper-in, Guy Allman, added: "It is nice to see so many people out supporting us again."
2 Comments
by dd, exeter
Sunday, December 28 2008, 5:43PM
“Well said. I often wonder how many of the hunt supporters are actually local followers and not people from up country who are trying to "fit in"”
by Ian, Budleigh
Saturday, December 27 2008, 9:12PM
“Whilst applauding the hunt, for keeping traditions alive, I was disgusted at the appallingly dangerous parking of hunt supporters vehicles up the hill from Four Firs and around the dangerous bends within Woodbury castle. The lack of thought and snobbish attitude by those who chose to abandon their 4x4's and assorted cars with no thought for others, does the hunting fraternity no favours. My great grandfather was the "Master of the Hunt" at Merrist Wood in Surrey, many years ago, when those who took part were real country gents and ladies, not "green wellied, merchant banker wanabee country folk" down here to their second homes for xmas. Perhaps they need to realise you cannot "buy in" to breeding and manners do not come with money and a 4 x 4. If a group of custom car boys had parked down that road in the same manner, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary would have been their within minutes handing out tickets for dangerous parking, shame the same law does not apply to others within the community!”