South Devon Hunt

The puppy show once again this year was blessed with fine weather, and our thanks must go to Mr Jackie Thomas MFH and Mr Simon Kenny, Kennel Huntsman with the Mid Devon Hunt for judging our hounds.Some 8 couple of Doghounds and 6 1/2 couple of Bitches.

There was a good crowd and a good number of hunt staff as well to enjoy watching Josh Smith our new whip for this season showing hounds for the first time, and I think he did very well (so well done Josh).

Tea was as always very good and thanks to all of you who provided cakes and sandwiches in plenty.The prize giving came after tea as well as a presentation to Simon French (our leaving Kennel Huntsman ) made on behalf of the joint Masters by Senior master Mr Ian Pearse of a hand painted tray with a fox and hound depicted on it. After this Josh let out the older hounds which always causes trouble in the catering tent but its all good fun!

Later those that stayed for suppper were treated to a paella prepared by Mrs Pearse and the catering team who worked very hard all afternoon (thanks to all of you).

As always the Kennels looked very well kept and maintained thanks to Ian and all his hard working staff, well done to you all for the hard work.

Simon French KH showing the hounds

Doghounds.

1st Gander – Walked by Mrs Sharon Gaye

2nd Garrison – Walked by The Retallick Family

The Judges considering the bitches

3rd Gauntlet – Walked by Mr & Mrs Peter Prior

Bitches.

1st Gaggle – Walked by Mrs Harvey

2nd Garlic – Walked by Mr & Mrs Peter Prior

3rd Bounty – Walked by Mr Charles Upham

Champion Hound.

Gaggle – Walked by Mrs Harvey

Best Working Doghound.

Steptoe. – Walked by Mrs Sharon Gaye

Best Working Bitch.

Dazzler – Walked by Louise Watson M.F.H

Best Working Hound (2nd Season)

Wiseman. – Walked by Mrs Harvey

Simon French KH and Lydia Ruell holding their presentation tray as a gift from the Hunt

The South Devon Hunt season ended this year on the 11th of April at Broadaford, it was a fine and bright day with a good turn out of all ages, there was plenty to eat and drink thanks to our hosts Mr & Mrs Dracup.

Mrs Dracup made the draw for the Hound sponsorship scheme which had a good take up this year (thanks to Carole Cleave’s hard work) and will be done again, so come on sponsor a Hound and perhaps you will be a winner at the end of next season!!

The winners this year were Terry French 1st (£40),Louise Watson 2nd (£25) & David Waters 3rd (£10) thanks to all those who supported the scheme.

There was also a prize for the Tumbler’s club: an engraved crystel glass tumbler wich went to Mereth Adams.

Also at the meet there was a presntation made to Simon French as on the 1st of May he and Lydia will be moving on to pastures new and I am sure everyone wishes them all the best for the future, and thank you for all his hard work with the hounds, and around the kennels.

From may the 1st Josh Smith will be whip who you have already seen out hunting one several occasions.

So as we think of all those good & may be not so good days of the season gone, we should thank Ian & all his staff for all the hard work they have done, & also thank to all those people who hosted meets throughout the season.

Heres looking forward to a new season COMING SOON!!

Today we met at Cold East Cross and celebrated John Tucketts 85th birthday which coincided with our foot followers meet and the schools half term so there were a lot of people and plenty of food for all to enjoy.

Mr Froy (joint master) asked all to sing Happy Birthday which we all joined in with, after which the cake was cut and handed round for all to enjoy.

Thanks to all those who brought food, as always there was plenty.

Happy 85th birthday John heres looking forward to your next milestone!!

Thursday 20th of March, once again for the 11th year our friends from the Old Berks visited us to enjoy 2 days on Dartmoor.

On Thursday we met at Babeney Stables, nr Dartmeet.

It was nice once again to see Huntsman Michael Scott and the rest of those who had made the journey to be with us, the hounds looked well and the weather was kind, at least for the meet the forecast was not good with rain coming in in the afternoon!.

I would like to thank all those involved in hosting the meet for all the food and drink that was provided.

On Friday evening there was a supper at the Old Inn in Widecombe which was well attended and a good time was had by all, with many people who had not been able to come hunting attending making a very good social evening.

Saturday 22nd we met at Neadon Farm, Manaton being a Saturday more people from the Old Berks had come to enjoy a day on Dartmoor and there were more of the South Devon Hunt followers both on foot and horse, it was nice to see so many of our younger followers out with us.

Also we saw the return of Brenda Tuckett after her recent fall in the stormy weather she was greeted with a loud cheer and much applause (nice to see you back Brenda)

once again thank you to all at Neadon for a wonderful meet.

Well I hope all those that came to Devon had a wonderful time and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.