KENTMERE

 KENTMERE AND THE HOLME VALLEY BEAGLES

The Holme Valley Beagles used to visit the Lakes every year and the hounds were boarded in Kentmere at Clara's.  I seem to have a few slides of 1979 and maybe 1986 I think, of time spent there.   

The Staveley Show prompted me to dig out what I could find, which is pretty limited, but those who are around now and enjoyed those times will recognize the faces and hopefully the 'snaps' will stimulate some pleasant memories.  Almost non of the individuals on these photos will have seen them, so I hope this gives one or two the chance if they come across this Blog.  Bit remote maybe but one never knows.

For those in the USA and Moldova and other far off places who look at this Blog,  Kentmere is a small farming community located at the end of a long winding single track road in a lovely valley of the Lake District.   The Holme Valley Beagles enjoyed some fantastic hospitality in the Lakes and most of these photos are a glimpse of enjoyable social events.  It is the custom of packs in the Lakes and our part of Yorkshire to convene in a pub for traditional ‘singing do’s’ where anyone who can participates.  Of the odd name mentioned on here, it is because they have made a bit of a reputation as singers and are known beyond hunting circles for their talent.  The social side of hunts in the Lakes and our part of Yorkshire of the Holme and Colne Valleys is very important; it is vital part of a way of life of the area.  Maybe it is elsewhere but I can only speak from limited experience. 

The Hostess and Host of the HVB in Kentmere.

Clara Black 

There is a lovely old photograph of Clara shearing a sheep at the end of the page in the link above.

A 'frolic' with Barry, the HVB huntsman

 Singing!

Barry Bridgewater on the right, the HVB huntsman of that era, 'cut a disc or two' in his time.  Barry Bridgewater and others

The late Arthur Howard (1902-1982) in the red tie, a well known sheep farmer of our area, also had an extensive repertoire including Merry Mountain Child etc  Arthur Howard and others

 The ones below are 1986 I think.

  

There was a tame deer at Kentmere.  

 Wonderful times!

The place to stay in Kentmere - Maggs Howe