South Devon Hunt

The sheep scheme  was once again a great success this year and thanks must go to all those involved. Over the last three years we have raised about £20,000 which has made it all worthwhile.

On Saturday the 5th of May a supper was held at Neadon farm to thank all those involved with the scheme as well as some others who just came for the good food as ever provided by our hard working ladies of the hunt.So around 100 people sat down to canapes followed by roast lamb with roast vegetables, carrots, peas and french beans followed by dessert and to round it all off cheese and biscuits and coffee. After dinner it came to giving out one or two prizes the Thorp family taking the youngster award (see photo).

The night went on and I left at about 12.00 but some stayed and partied until about 2am I was told the following day.

As of the first of May 2012 Charlie Watts will be leaving the South Devon Hunt,  I am sure we all wish him well and thank him for all his hard work, and also for having looked after our hounds to such a high standard.  I must say they looked so well from Autumn Hunting right up until the last day.

Simon French will be replacing Charlie and I sure you will all welcome him to his new post.

Make sure you keep up to date with Events by looking at our Events page regularly!!

Monday the 2nd of April our foot followers meet at Coldeast cross was a well attended affair with a good turn out of mounted and foot followers.  We were also joined by 4 members from our twin hunt in Brittany from the Rallye Armor.

The weather was fine and we set off at about 11.20 the day went well and I hope our guests had an interesting  day. It ended with me getting the lorry at around 6.00 pm.

I would like to thank all those who donated food and drink for the meet.

The latest photos sent in by Ellie Brooker are now on our readers section of gallery section. Why not see if you are featured !!

Our second point to point was held on 29th January 2012.

After a lot of hard work to the course after our December meeting, carried out by our band of volunteers the course was looking at its best so a big thank you to you all.

The morning started early to set up the catering tent and do any last minute things around the course. Then the first race at 12 noon.

The weather was dry at least for most of the day although very cold, a good crowd turned out to see some very good racing with big fields in each race.

Our volunteers in the catering tent were kept busy all day and the bar did a steady trade too.

I hope every one who came and supported the day had a good time. Thanks to all our sponsors over the two meetings and of course to all those South Devon Hunt volunteers without whom none of this would be possible, well done to you all.

To see more photographs go to our gallery.

Some 25 of us journeyed up to the Old Berks on Friday afternoon. Having all arrived safely and going to our various hosts for our stay,we all met up at the Old Berks A.G.M. which was held in one of the village halls in the area

It was a very well attended meeting and we were unable to get into the room, however the main part of the hall was set out for our supper and had a Bar so we had a drink while the A.G.M. continued, once that had finished every one gathered in the hall for supper which was a very good fish pie followed by chocolate brownies and a cheese board.

I must say a big thank you to the to the catering team from the Old Berks for a very enjoyable supper.

After this we all left to return to our various hosts for the night, although some went on to a pub which was to be regretted by some in the morning!

Saturday morning was very blustery with grey skies and drizzle,having loaded Claude into his box we left for the meet, a short distance from where we were staying, on arrival we could see a very large mounted field about 115, as well as a good number of foot followers.

The meet was on a polo field which was very windy so Claude had some difficulty with the weather conditions.

Claude and I could not get to close to the mounted followers as the wind was too strong and Claude was baiting a lot which could have startled the horses!

Some of the Old Berks followers were able to meet Claude in the shelter of the cars.

The day was as good as it could be due to the weather, several of our mounted followers braved the jumps and also saw several Old Berks take a tumble, one having concussion and one ripping tendons in his shoulder.

The day ended at about 4.30 then every one went home to get ready for our supper at the Blowingstone Inn where we had a roast beef or roast pork carvery and pudding all washed down with copious amounts of drink.! We left the pub at about 11.30 but the die hards partied on.

Sunday morning came all to soon and it was time to leave for home, so saying our good byes we headed back to Devon.

Claulde and I and all those who went for the weekend would like to say a big thank you to all our hosts and every one at the Old Berks for making us feel so welcome. If you follow the the link on our other hunting sites and go to OBH Life there are some good photos to see.

The Point to Point at Ideford Arch on 27/12/2011 was very well attended.

I was in the food tent all day and when I looked out at the car park I could see by the amount of cars we would be in for a very busy day and that was the case with the food queue going out the tent and half way to the winners enclosure.

The holiday crowd enjoyed some very competitive racing in the unseasonably mild weather, I hope all those that supported the day had a great day out.

Our next Point to Point will be held on Sunday 29th January 2012 first race 12 noon. So why not come along !!

The South Devon Hunts Boxing day meet last year was frozen off, so this year it was so good to see some 60 or so mounted followers, as well as the regular car followers as well as a large turn out of the public to give their support.

PHOTO by Colin Wilmshurst

Our hosts at the Moorland Hotel put on a very generous meet with plenty of drink and food for all, so I and the South Devon Hunt would like to thank the management and staff for their hard work.

The Masters and Committee would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Many thanks for all your support.