Crowds turn out for hunt (From Ledbury Reporter)

Crowds turn out for hunt

1:32pm Wednesday 29th December 2010 in News

DESPITE the snow and ice, Ledbury Hunt brought its hounds to the Feathers Hotel in the High Street for the traditional Boxing Day Meet, which is believed to have taken place since 1833.

The difficult road conditions outside the town meant that many members of the hunt were not able to bring their horses into town this year.

However, about 40 did make it, to be welcomed by town crier William Turberfield, and the hearty cheers of the crowds when the speeches were made.

After enjoying a warming stirrup-cup of mulled wine, the hunters rode up the Homend with the hounds, led by Field Master Louise Daly and Joint Masters Roger Warner, David Redvers and Chris Ball.

After reaching the old hospital, huntsman Will Goffe turned the hounds around and to much clapping and cheering from the large assembled crowd, led the parade back down and past the Feathers Hotel, turning right and down New Street as far as the Full Pitcher island.

Because of the adverse weather conditions, the hunt could not continue, and the hounds were then taken back to their kennels in Bromesberrow.

As well as seeing the horses and hounds, the crowd, estimated as several hundred strong, were entertained by the dancing of the Silurian Morris Men.