Russians film Boxing Day hunt (From Ledbury Reporter)

Russians film Boxing Day hunt

1:42pm Friday 28th December 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

A FILM crew from Russia attended the gathering of the Ledbury Hunt outside the Feathers Hotel on Boxing Day.

Media attention for the Hunt is becoming something of a tradition.

Last year, a helicopter from Sky News followed the action.

This year, for the third Boxing Day meet since the ban on hunting with dogs came in, Hunt spokesman Donald Haden found himself being interviewed for a Russian TV news programme.

It was broadcast from Moscow that evening.

Mr Haden said: "They asked me if they could interview me again, half way round. I said it didn't work like that!"

The Russians did were interested in how the Ledbury Hunt had been coping with the ban.

Mr Haden added: "They had done their homework and I was impressed.

"There is also interest in Russia concerning Western society, and I suppose they see fox hunting as old fashioned, traditional and upper class'."

Members of the hunt enjoyed their stirrup cups outside the Feathers Hotel before setting off.

Mr Haden said: "The huge crowd, estimated to be at least 6,000 strong, cheered Joint Master Tom Leeke as he assured everyone that, despite the current ban, hounds would continue to appear in Ledbury on Boxing Day for many years to come."

"An enjoyable day was had, with the hunt taking advantage of the many exemptions allowed within the law to replicate as near as possible a traditional day of hunting."

Around five foxes were seen, bot none were caught.

• Print
• Email
• Share