MY BEAGLING REVIEW 2010

2010 was a very different year from the way 2020 has turned out thanks to Covid-19, which is currently running amok around the world.  We are now in a year of unknowns. I wonder what the new normal will turn out to be and when.

So in happier times, here is ten years ago, 2010, of my bit of beagling -

!st January from Wills O'Nats.  

(I'm sure there should be more apostrophes but that is how it is sign-written).

The Colne Valley Conservative MP In-waiting on the left, now the current incumbent.

On top of Meltham Cop and in an area we can no longer visit -

nor this bit -

Non of it!

Blackmoorfoot reservoir looking rather chilling.  The right hand side always seems to have a at least a couple of hardy Bill Oddy lookalike birdwatchers stationed there.

23rd January - West Nab

The rock strewn escarpment of West Nab

The moor on the top.

The CVB Drag Man in action laying a trail.

30th January - Wainstalls

They are clustered around rabbit hole having just chased a rabbit down.

13th February from Jack O'Mitre

17th  February - From the Greenfield Rd.

Low cloud.

Fogged off.

20th February at Erringden -

27th February - from Owd Betts.

28th February - a Kennels visit

3rd March - Chew.

6th March - from Jack O' Mitre to end the season.

I was mildly amused by this as the notice on the gate says to keep it closed as cows are in the field and then the advertising of a hog roast with the poor pigs standing there waiting to be chosen.   I removed Barry's contact details.

12th June - CVB Hound Show at Honley Show showground.

Judging of the best dressed hunt servant.

The CVB were offered a small corner of the showground for 2007 to host a Hound Show for beagles and many packs competed.  Serious stuff.

After a small display in a tent in 2006 at Honley Show the CVB were given the opportunity to have their Hound Show there in 2007, previously held at Blackmoorfoot, courtesy of the Holme Valley Riding Club,

It was really enjoyable there with a good attraction for the general public even if only of passing interest, with displays and bits and pieces for sale.

Traditionally the hounds of the local packs are invited to parade in the Main Ring and here the CVB are on their way.

The sartorial elegance of the Holme Valley Beagles huntsman waiting for the mob of children to arrive.

The Pennine Foxhounds huntsman looking similarly impressive in his dress uniform.

And by arrangement a Dakota made an appearance.

So the CVB lasted there from 2007 until 2012 when changes in the Honley Show organisation had other plans.  Honley Show always seemed to have superb weather so the move in 2013 to Harden Moss showground basically put an end to the CVB Hound Show as it was a dire wild wet day in an exposed spot and enthusiasm to continue departed.  But it was very good at Honley Show while it lasted.

Competing for Supreme Champion - Claro with Airedale behind.

And Claro won.

20th June - Packs at parading at the Harden Moss sheepdog trials.

17 July - The Puppy Show at the Kennels.

The puppies will be 'entered' at the start of the next season and will join the pack as fully fledged hounds.

I suspect he is encouraging underage drinking!

12th August Rydal Show

Two very well known and respected judges in the beagle ring. 

Rydal Hound Show has three rings, one for the Fell Packs of the Lake District, without whom there would be no show, the beagle ring and a harrier ring.  The 'fellhounds' ring is always the most picturesque.

A fine collection of elaborate silverware to be won.

Heavy rain suddenly descending is the reason for the Lake District.  Here it comes down the valley

 Note the fellboots.  Solid soles and weigh a ton.

   22nd August - The CVB 'Terrier' Racing day

Open to all comers.

A lovely warm sunny afternoon of fun and for one senior Life Member, dignified relaxation.

Castle Hill yonder overlooks the Huddersfield area in the background.  Forever the subject of planning controversy to prevent building there.  I suppose there is some vanity attached to having your building project established up there, but some things are best left well alone now, even if there was once a pub. LINK to Castle Hill

Getting psyched up for the Off!

Some serious competition.

Long dogs having a go.

Long dogs in action.

Gotcha!

2nd October - Opening meet from Cop Hill.

9th October from Jack O'Mitre

16th October - Pots and Pans

The Pennines 

On top of our world.

Aamon Wrigley was a poet from Saddleworth whose ashes were scattered on Millstone Edge at Pots and Pans and the memorial plaques below are located there. LINK TO INFO

This one, to a daughter Amy reads -

                                             And nought of greed or petty strife

                                             Or human fret is here,

                                             But one great feeling sways the heart

                                             Of worship and revere,

                                             And where can earth to earth return

                                             In fairer field of sleep,

                                            Than where the gateway of the skies

                                             Looks o'er vale and steep.

The one on the right is to another daughter Alice and the central one relates to Aamon whose ashes were scattered here-

I imagine many of the walkers who pass on the path that runs along the top of the ridge on the edge of the moor above will never notice these plaques - there is another not shown here.

He was a man of a very different age and if you are that way inclined you can read on line -  Songs of the Pennine Hills 1938 here.

29th October - Eton College Beagles visit

6th November - Owd Betts.

I just felt like including the view to the west from the top of the hills, Manchester way, that I took on the way home about 4:30pm

20th November - Wessenden.

18th December - Travellers Rest meet. 

27th December - Jack O'Mitre meet.

29th December from the Beaumont Arms

Debating the poor visibility.

Decision made.

Fogged off!

Ten years ago seems a bit of an age but when I look at these pictures now the events seem like, well, yesterday.  I wonder when I will get the opportunity to take some more?

When I first compiled this post at the beginning of March I had never heard the term 'New Normal' when I wrote it.  Now it seems common parlance though I am not suggesting I originated it.  I suppose it will become as irritating an expression as 'Level playing field' and 'Tipping point'!