The summer proved a busy time for our hounds, starting at Duncombe Park Show, where we picked up a couple of minor placings in the open classes, and had a clean sweep in the Old English classes, partly due to the fact we were the only pack there!

Next we went to the Great Yorkshire on the Wednesday where we had a very successful day, winning two of the Old English classes and second in the other two. This earned us enough points to win the Mary Furness Cup for the best Old English pack, which was presented to us by Lady Mary Furness.

We returned the next day to parade in the main ring with the West of Yore, Rockwood Harriers and the Radley Foot Beagles. During the long wait we had in the collecting ring we were entertained by a rabbit with a death wish, which visited each pack a number of times before preceding the beagles into the ring, good hound control by all concerned meant that the bunny lived to make a pest of itself another day. We then paraded at the North Yorkshire County Show, Borrowby, and Osmotherley.

The Puppy Show, despite being a damp day, attracted a large crowd, and the young hounds showed well for the two judges, Lady Victoria Fellowes MFH ( Percy Hunt ), and Charles Frampton MFH ( Bedale Hunt ). Hound puppy Prussia, walked by Guy Reed, won the dogs and his sister Profit, walked by Caroline Goldsborough, won the bitches. The best working hounds were Limekiln and Liberty, litter brother and sister out of Rattle (00) Waterford Lifter (99).

The late harvest caused us a delayed start to autumn hunting, but we finally got going with an evening meet at Welbury, where there was a good show of foxes and hounds hunted well and accounted for three foxes before home was blown. We have been out on eight occasions since then and all areas have so far produced a good number of foxes, but scent has been difficult to say the least. The hounds have done well to keep accounting for foxes on most mornings. The young hounds have entered well, with a couple of exceptions who just need a couple more hunts to get the hang of their job.

May we take this opportunity to wish all our neighbouring packs a good season, and may the prejudiced and bigoted backbenchers finally see the light and leave us alone to our job; keeping foxes under control.

Be angry with the anti-hunt MPs

The closing of all the roads to traffic around Parliament Square in the heart of London on September 15, allowed the throng of hunting supporters to spill out of the middle of the square. It was like opening a can of sardines.

The crowd of almost 20,000 people were given little breathing space in the square, so a majority spilled out into neighbouring streets etc., and added to some extra clients for the pubs in the vicinity. This was the reason for the official police head count amounting to only 10,000!

The noise of horns and whistles in the square was immense. There was a good sound system so that the speeches could be heard fully around the square. Two of the more moving speeches were by Lady Soames, daughter of Sir Winston Churchill, who spoke with tears in her eyes demonstrating her heartfelt passion for the sport; and the actor Jeremy Irons, whose strong speech resulted in a rapturous cheer from the large crowd.

The need for resolute determination to fight against a ban on hunting for the sake of the community and the countryside was universally felt, but in the time-honoured ways of country people facing a crisis, the atmosphere was good humoured.

The over powering police presence inflamed the situation in one corner of the square. The police reacted uncharacteristically harshly and seemingly without any training in the proper use of batons.

Violence breeds violence, and this was a very inept way to deal with a minority at a peaceful gathering, many of whom are not only facing the destruction of their homes, livelihoods and entire way of life, but can see the countryside receiving yet another devastating body blow from this government.

But hunting with dogs is not yet banned, so as long as we remain positive, and do not loose the respect of the general public by inconveniencing them with stupid pranks, hunting is still all to play for.

We must make quite certain that we direct our anger only at the MPs who have voted for a ban.

Angela Vaux, Countryside Alliance

Beagle pack in action

Dawn at Glenwelt, near Westgate in Weardale started the hunting season off for the Weardale Beagles in fine style.

Back in 1988 the Weardale Beagles amalgamated with the Tees Valley Beagles to produce one hunt that covers a vast area, including County Durham and part of Northern Cumbria known as Bewcastle. The masters are Simon Beckett, John Elliot, Angus Thompson and Julian Robotham.

Scent during the warmer evenings can be pretty poor, as was shown last season with such warm nights. But the evening meets at Glenwelt and Pikestone over the August bank holiday weekend, were cooler and produced some fine scent and great hunting.

The 20 or so followers witnessed fantastic hound work with plenty of hares. The miles covered by the followers vary greatly, depending on ages and fitness.

It is very often the case that the 'Last of the Summer Wine' brigade see more of the hunt staff and hounds, by being strategically placed on high ground rather than running along behind! And if the hunting isn't too great then the 'crack' certainly makes up for it.

The opening meet was due to be held on September 27, at Swinhope House in Glenwelt, followed by four days hunting in Wales, as guests of the Llnarman foxhounds from September 16 to 21.

Anyone interested in more details should contact Angus Thompson on 01325-365883.

Published: 01/10/2004