Colne Valley Beagles and other things of interest.: HUNTING - 10 YEARS AGO - 2007

A review of the year 2007, 10 years ago now, although looking at a small selection of my photographs from that year it seems like yesterday.

Roughly in date order, well by month but not much more, they are just a glimpse of some of the activities relating to the local packs during 2007.

The first Colne Valley Beagles meet of the year at Wills O’Nats - New Year's Day 2007. Copyright image by David Swanbury

Three pics of the Colne Valley Beagles from meeting at the Bull’s Head, Blackmoorfoot in January.

Colne Valley Beagles beside Blackmoorfoot reservoir having a count-up.

A midweek Meet with CVB hounds on Wessenden moor on top of the Pennines.Copyright image by David Swanbury
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There was the funeral of Fed Langfield on the 11th January. Fred, a painter and decorator, was a long time knowledgeable active supporter of local hunts and his last outing on a bleak moor high in the Pennines on a cold miserable day just before Christmas probably did him no good either.

A small group of the many who came to say farewell, with representatives from the local packs.

In a moving lament for Fred, in a graveyard below Pots and Pans, the Colne Valley Beagles huntsman blows ‘Going Home’.

There followed a tea at Uppermill Bowling Club and a sing. I think Fred had a good send off in the way he would have enjoyed. This shows a few of those present as it was a big room. There is now an annual Fred Langfield Memorial Meet usually followed by a sing.
Copyright image by David Swanbury

Another past huntsman and countryman was the late Billy Busfield and he is remembered and celebrated with the annual Billy Busfield Memorial Sing sponsored by Mrs Busfield.

Singing is a tradition in the hunts of this area and representatives from several packs are here to raise their voices and compete for a trophy. The judges are heads down on the left doing their scoring. John Cocking holds the floor at the moment and is well known as a reciter of monologues and folk singer as well as being a past huntsman, butcher, molecatcher et al.. The article in the link is worth a read to see what talent we have amongst us - LINK

The late George Woodrow, aka Ciggy George, had his own songs and monologues. During the Korean war he was an active sniper and somehow survived the onslaught of the Chinese hordes, though I only learned of this very late in the day. Cigs probably finally succeeded where the Chinese failed.

William Noble and John Cocking are both fine singers and have performed together for years in and beyond hunting circles. You should read the interesting article in the Yorkshire Post newspaper link here - LINK

There are awards for the best singer etc and then it becomes a free-for-all of those who want to sing and those who want to enjoy being the chorus. This event, as many past ones, was held in the White House, a notable pub above Meltham, now converted to a private dwelling having gone the way of many of our hostelries. Both the Colne and the Holme Valley Beagles produced several song books of mostly hunting songs that were popular. One problem for a newcomer was that established individuals had their own songs that they always sang, so if you wanted to perform it was either necessary to find a new one somewhere or write your own. I think today this has meant many of the old ones are not so often heard as new ones taken from elsewhere have crept in such as the odd Irish ballad.

A ‘lawn meet’ for the Colne Valley Beagles, was held by invitation of the owners of Knowle Top Farm who generously hosted other events in support of the hunt.

The supportive owners being no longer there now, this property has recently been gutted from end to end and extensively remodelled to suite the new owner's tastes, although after several years it is still work in progress.

Digital Camera Magazine ran an annual competition. I had never entered a creative competition since, as a small boy, my mother induced me to enter competitions in the Satchel Club, run for children in a section in the Daily Express at that time. Actually I won a time or two. One particular occasion was to design a modern version of Santa’s sleigh for which I won a table tennis set with my ultra modern version that dispensed with reindeer.

Basically I just like to keep a bit of a pictorial record of the day, but on a whim I entered a picture in the competition of what looks like ‘The Retreat from Wessenden Moor’ but is entitled ‘Going Home’. The weather was turning worse and I was lucky to get a photo where things were all moving in the right direction, but I never expected a hunting picture to even get a mention. It came Second in the 'Hidden Britain' category. It was taken in January 2007 so I entered it in 2007 and the results were announced in 2008. The picture was in the glossy book of winners and all were exhibited at a gallery in London

Taken shortly before the above when ‘calling it a day’.

It is a different world up here on top of the Pennines.

A meet at the White House, which is now no longer a pub. A fine hospitable establishment that had seen many a Colne Valley Beagles event, that regrettably had to go. Here there was a Joint Meet of the Airedale Beagles and the Colne Valley Beagles at the end of January.

On Deer Hill.

The Colne Valley Beagles seemed to do more visits and have joint meets in those days and this one was with the Catterick Beagles in their country, this being the Catterick Beagles huntsman and hounds. I seem to remember it was followed by a buffet and a good sing as are all good meets.

The Catterick venue. Actually this meet occurred before the White House meet in January.

Another trip away, at the beginning of February, by the Colne Valley Beagles, this time to the Cheshire Beagles. The Master of the Cheshire is issuing her instructions as to what can and cannot be done.

Cheshire Huntsman. A Colne Valley Whip is in his shirt sleeves at the beginning of February!
Copyright image by David Swanbury

It was an odd day at the beginning of February. It was warm with a strange mist and luminous light, shown here on the way back.

There was some fine hospitality with a big tea and the usual sing before motoring home.

An event in the hunting calendar for several beagle packs was a visit to Goathland in North Yorkshire, in early February. The first meet for the Colne Valley Beagles was a rather foggy one.

A helping hand.

And a bit of a breather.

One visiting pack to Goathland was the Stokesley Farmers Beagles.

Another the Ampleforth Beagles.

And also the Hunsley Beacon Beagles.

The North York Moors.

The Postgate at Egton Bridge where the CVB filled the available rooms and spilled over elsewhere, was the centre of the evening entertainment. Many are fired with enthusiasm to spontaneous participation, quite unexpectedly.

And some become so stimulated in their enthusiasm they lose any inhibition, from being quiet and refined they become enthusiastic extrovert performers. The reason for this particular bit of drama is they were singing ‘Gossip John’, a slightly bawdy agricultural song that had reached a fairly explosive passage.

Another away trip to Barmby on the Marsh in the East Riding of Yorkshire on the 24th February. The little puppy being kept out of reach of the hound by its trainer was to be brought up to be some sort of helping dog for the disabled, although I can’t remember what sort. Maybe a hearing dog.

Barmby on the Marsh is near Drax power station that now burns biomass shipped from Canada in particular. There are always these big skies around there and that flat area of several power stations, like Ferry Bridge, now closed or scheduled to be.

Again out of sequence the visit by the CVB to the East Lincs Hare Hounds, who have a basset pack, took place on the 17th February.

East Lincs Hare Hounds in Mid February.
Copyright image by David Swanbury

These bassets do not have the sausage dog, short bow legged, deep face, overweight appearance of the conventional basset house dog, but have a tenacious scenting ability and their own type of solid athleticism.

Colne Valley Beagles at the East Lincs Hare Hounds meet. There are two types of ‘joint meet’. One is where the hounds all pack in together from both packs to become one for the day, or the alternative is that the home pack turns out in the morning and the visiting pack in the afternoon. This looks like the lunchtime change over. In the old days both the Holme Valley Beagles and the Colne Valley Beagles would stop for lunch at the pub. This allowed the textile mill workers and the engineering workers, major employees of this area in particular who had to work Saturday mornings then as part of the normal working week, to get to a Meet and enjoy the afternoon. Beagling was a working man’s sport even if the odd millowner was a Master, and it still is although there are a lot more retirees out now keeping fit but you would be hard put to find a current mill worker or millowner. Copyright image by David Swanbury

The Colne Valley Beagles had an excellent lawn meet at a farm near Marsden at the beginning of March, with a large spread of food to set the day off to a good start. We were accompanied, by invitation, by a countryside officer of the local constabulary as we have to hunt within the law and she was keen to see how it was done.

A very hard-going moor above the farm.

A fine ‘turnout’ at the Colne Valley Beagles meet at the Jack O’Mitre, to end the season on the 10th March.

Setting off on the last Meet of the 2006-2007 season.

End of season Jack O’Mitre meet. – Look like a committee meeting going on! The masts are at Pole Moor, aptly named.

Spring and summer.

Keeping the hounds in condition until the start of the next season in the autumn requires regular exercise.

No leads! The hounds discipline is such that the huntsman can leave the hounds in a lump like this and walk away down the road after telling them to stay.

Patiently awaiting a photo opportunity in Butternab Wood.

A fine Spring day with helpers.

At great expense a new puppy pen was constructed by volunteers on the site of a decrepit one and dedicated to the late Neil Pogson, a former Master. You will see if you look at the print below that it is sited looking toward the huntsman's home and former keeper’s cottage of the Whitley Beaumont estate which still retains its original appearance. Notice the admiration for the ladies while they wield their picks.

The keeper of that time, around 1870, Dave O’Lindas, stands by the door of Dungeon Cottage with his shotgun. Later this image was used on the limited edition plate commemorating the centenary of the Colne Valley Beagles.

A window in Dungeon Cottage.

Kennel working party in March working up to it.

I don’t just take photos!

Another sing - at the No2 Club in Slaithwaite. The huntsman of the Scar View Foxhounds leads the harmonious group. In April.

During the summer there are shows where hounds are paraded or shown depending on the type of show. Harden Moss Sheepdog Trials always has the local packs parading. This time on a rather wet cold day in June. Here come the Holme Valley Beagles where the huntsman traditionally wears the fine red livery more usually associated with foxhounds.

The Pennine Foxhounds, a pack of Fell Hounds, hunted on foot, was able to walk up from their kennels just next door.

A mix of the Colne Valley Beagles, Pennine Foxhounds and Holme Valley Beagles in the ring together. Children are then welcome to come to meet and pet the hounds, something they can safely do with hounds although by then the weather had driven most visitors away.

Puppies happen around this time.

And play as puppies do.

It is difficult to share a tennis ball.

The Colne Valley Beagles held a very successful hound show in the Honley Show showground which actually occurs a couple of weeks in June before Harden Moss and as a result often seems to get better weather. A number of beagle packs were competing for silverware. The ground was parched from a spell of hot weather.

The Kirklees Lady Mayor of that time, Councillor Jean Calvert, arrived to present rosettes to some of the winners.

In the main rings at Honley Show the local packs paraded, always popular, and this is the Holme Valley Beagles. Unfortunately the red coat is never seen now as the Holme Valley Beagles have joined with the Colne Valley Beagles and operate as one pack under the CVB huntsman.

After the packs paraded in the main ring the children and others deluged in to be adored by the mix of hounds. As previously mentioned there is complete trust in hounds who despite living as a pack in kennels instinctively enjoy a close association with people and the attention of children.

More attention.

The Countryside Alliance tent at the Great Yorkshire Show usually contains some beagles, amongst others, and there is generally an explanatory display by the small lake. Haven’t a clue who this is but he looks ever so well turned out.

More Colne Valley Beagles puppies of 2007.

I love the look on the face of the little one sitting on its own getting no attention. When a bit older they will go to homes until fully grown to be 'walked' and experience life outside the pack to return the following year. When for whatever reason they 'retire' from being active in the pack they can return or be found other homes. Some people have more than one retired beagle and they all adapt to being house dogs very quickly.

Treasure, the light coloured hound lying down while waiting at the Ward End Farm meet in March, is a good example of a hound who found a new home after getting a bit bored with it all. She went to a caring home in Watlington in Oxfordshire, settled in and shared a long happy retirement with a companion terrier there.

The owners of Knowle Top Farm, Meltham, organized another wonderful extravaganza of a Musical Afternoon at the beginning of July in the grand English way in their lovely mature country gardens. The weather was kind and it was a memorable occasion that raised significant funds for the hunt.

There was an excellent 'Fork Luncheon' supervised by a professional chef with seating and tables provided throughout the lovely grounds for the large attendance.

A large outdoor building was decorated as well, shown being used to auction donated articles, by the owner..

And the Host's wife receives flowers from the CVB Chairman in appreciation of this exceptional event.

Also in July, the Colne Valley Beagles held their Puppy Show at the kennels. This is where the previous year’s puppies, having been returned from their ‘Walkers’ are judged; the ‘Walkers’ of winning puppies in the different categories receiving suitably inscribed trophies. All walkers receive a tea spoon inscribed with their puppy’s name as a memento of their efforts.

The Rockwood Harriers held their Puppy Show at their kennels at Blacker Farm on the 12th August, which holds a nostalgic attachment for me, this being the first time I had returned since being young. I recall that Charles, an employed hand, was once milking inside the far door and as I went in squirted a jet of milk at me before turning it into his mouth. I think he ended up as caretaker at Cawthorne school. In those days Blacker Farm was a mixed farm, having a bit of everything.

Young harriers, just over a year old.

The Rockwood Harriers put on a splendid event in delightful immaculate surroundings with a delicious spread for tea in the large marquee after the judging. The weather performed for a lovely English country summer afternoon.

Watching the presentations.

A silver cup being awarded for something.

And a speech of some sort. The two judges are on the right, the one in the bowler being huntsman of the Colne Valley Beagles.

Traditionally one has to be invited to Puppy Shows by the Masters and also it is customary to wear one's Sunday best type kit. I am not sure how I managed to get there.

Hounds are always welcoming or maybe attention seekers too.

Rydal Sheepdog Trials and Hound Show in the Lake district is held in August and attended by packs from all over the country including Ireland. There is a ring for Fell Packs since this is their homeland, a ring for beagles and one for harriers. Here harriers are being judged with the Rockwood nearest. Rockwood won First for the Best Couple of Dog Hounds.

Harriers again. A beautiful setting. Sometimes awakened by a pair of fast low flying military jets threading their way down the centre of the valley.

Showing beagles and some Lakeland rain is pending.

High Peak Harriers won the Champion Harrier with Pendle Forest and Craven second.

Judging for Supreme Show Champion. The contestants, from the far end: harrier, fell foxhound, terrier and beagle.

Newcastle and District Beagles did well winning an armful of trophies with the Best Beagle in Show, Best Group of Beagles, Best unentered Dog and Best unentered Bitch. (Unentered means they haven’t started hunting yet). They also won Supreme Show Champion with Ajax - seen below, beating all other types, a mighty achievement beating Fell Foxhounds on their home ground.

I got carried away when assembling this as the Lowther Driving Trials and Hound Show below comes before Rydal.

Judging the best dressed huntsman or hunt servant.

A gathering of red coats, fell foxhounds to the fore. You can tell, even if you don’t recognise the hounds, as the huntsmen wear their fell boots which have rigid curved soles with studs and weigh a ton. (Want some? - LINK )

Beagle judging at Lowther.

Sir Johnny Scott in the centre, friend of the late Clarissa Dickson Wright, a very active countryman, TV presenter and onetime speaker at the Colne Valley Beagles end of season supper.

I am not entirely sure but these could be the York and Ainsty South foxhounds.

I can only assume this gentleman is from the Newcastle and District Beagles since they were winning extensively in 2007. He is smothered in rosettes on both arms. Looks as though he comes from Newcastle way too but it is all guesswork now. They won Reserve Champion Hare Hound with Ajax who then won Supreme Champion shortly afterwards at Rydal. (I wonder why there is a Reserve?) If anyone wants to see the full results they are here - LINK Copyright image by David Swanbury

Beagles cooling off after on a hot day, some more reluctant than others, but eventually the temptation of titbits overcame timidity.

Melvyn Bragg, Baron Bragg, FRSL, FBA, FRS, broadcaster, author and parliamentarian, judging the singing competition at Lowther. The Lake District packs are well known for their singers and songs. Their songs can often be heard in the valleys here too.

So then a new season starts, that of 2007-2008

Young Hound Morning before the official start of the season. Unentered hounds are taken out at the crack of dawn, well almost as it is still dark when en-route, to be exercised as though on the hunting field. Well this is what the Colne Valley Beagles do anyway.

The sun is just making its appearance.

27^th October and a meet for a day on top of the Pennines on Wessenden Head Moor.

Colne Valley Beagles from a Scammonden meet – 3^rd November. Copyright image by David Swanbury

Getting hounds off the road.

Going home from the Meet at the end of Scammonden Water as the large reservoir against the M62 embankment is called..

Derby Bar near Rishworth at the beginning of November. A dire wet day.Copyright image by David Swanbury

In November the Colne Valley Beagles had a trip to Wales and enjoyed some time on the beach even if it was cold, wet, windy and getting towards twilight.

Wales trip. Wonderful countryside despite fickle November weather.

The end of the trip. No sunshine to show off the stunning scenery this year.

Harwood Dale is in the parish of Scarborough and the Colne Valley Beagles were there at the invitation of the Hunsley Beacon Beagles on the 17^th November.

The gentleman pointing the way is the huntsman of the Hunsley Beacon Beagles.

Another Colne Valley Beagles Cheshire trip in November. These Cheshire meets were always at some splendid county seat unlike anything we have here. The one adopting the Charlie Chaplin posture is the CVB Master.

Malcolm, a Colne Valley Beagles life member and his wife held a lawn meet at his house. Malcolm is a CVB ex-Whip, with an association going back into the mists of time. He wrote some of the notable songs with his wry sense of humour, some of which ended up in the official song books and are still sung today, especially by his son who goes by the sobriquet of Grommit’, something to do with an alleged surgical ear implant he designed. Link to an interview about our singing. LINK

A Colne Valley Beagles December meet from the Traveller’s Rest, Meltham. This young hound called Wedlock didn't make the grade after her first season being a bit too small for our country and was adopted, but obviously has a keen interest in the activities. She is still hale and hearty going on thirteen now and nearly white. I know her owner ended up with two or three retired hounds as well as his own spaniel