South Devon Hunt

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.

Have you had a good christmas but need to get out in the fresh air and do somthing? How about an exciting day out at Idfeord Arch point to point on December 27th. First race 12am Refreshments and trade stands, so come along for a great day out.

Our opening meet was well attended with between 75 and 80 mounted field as well as plenty of car followers.

We met as usual in the Old Inn car park where a good spread of food and drinks provided by supporters of the hunt which I would like to say a big thank you to every one.

A good day was had by all with a good turn out of young riders, the weather could not have been kinder with bright blue skies and little wind,although not quite so good for hounds but all in all a very enjoyable day.

Photographs Kindly Provided by Ellie Brooker.

It was a very warm evening when about 100 people gathered at the kennels for a very enjoyable and informative evening.

We gathered at 5.00pm when we were given a tour of the hound lodges and shown the new hot bitches lodge which was made by converting the old valeting room,which has now been amalgamated with the tack room, all this as well as other improvements made to the kennels throughout the summer carried out by hunt staff, not to mention the new entrance wall built by our countryman Simon Williams. Then on to the business end of the Kennels, the flesh house, which for some was a bit to much for the nose before supper!

And so to supper which once again the ladies did to their usual high standards.

After supper we took part in a quiz set by senior Master Mr Pearse which was a series of question’s regarding hunting etiquette and some horn blowing which the hounds found very exciting as they made a lot of noise, I am sure they were most confused and thought they should be hunting. Nobody got all the questions right! So better luck next time.

END OF THE MORNING (J.Shepard)

After a morning out on the Moor either on foot or horse what could be better than a good lunch with friends, so it was that about forty of us enjoyed a great lunch at Leusdon Memorial Hall provided once again by our hard working Ladies of the Hunt, we enjoyed a pork and sausage stew with roast vegetables and mashed potatoes followed by friut crumble and custard, and hot and cold drinks  all for a very reasonable £10 each.

So next Time you see an event do come along and join in.

Simon.

Our hounds were paraded by the senior Master, Mr Pearse and Kennel Huntsman Charlie Watts at the MANATON COUNTRY SHOW AND FAIR on Satuday 13th August-this proved to be ‘hound heaven’ with all the cake and produce stalls around the show ring! Although exhibitors were forewarned to protect their produce, 14 and half couple of hounds could not resist temptation. Some made a break for it to sample the local produce. One local said a ‘dog’ took a ‘cup cake’ and swallowed it without taking the paper off! Another family were rather disgruntled when a couple of hounds made off with their burger and chips which they had just laid out on the ground for a picnic. Fortunately the Show Organisers and locals were well pleased to see the hounds and their antics. Mr Pearse outlined the running of the Hunt after which the children were invited into the show ring to meet the hounds, if they had not already done so!

The show was followed by a ‘Hog Roast and Dance’ in the evening organised by the secretary’s wife Anke Ellis with the help of many supporters. Mr Pearse supervised the roasting of the hog, which took all day, with the help of Clayton. Dancing followed to excellent music provided by a local three piece band, The Levi Moretons. A good time was had by all.

The Secretary