Colne Valley Beagles and other things of interest.: ROCKWOOD HUNT - Boxing Day 2016 and 'New Year's Day 2017'

ROCKWOOD HUNT – from The George at Upper Denby, 26th December 2016

Considering the polarized views there are about ‘hunting’, the Boxing Day meet was incredibly well supported by pedestrians and mounted followers of all ages. I think the residents of Upper Denby and all the surrounding villages must have come to see this bit of traditional pageantry.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

Huntsman and Joint Master fortifying himself against the chill and the rather strong wind from storm 'Conor' that slipped nearby around that time.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

It is unusual in my limited experience to see a Rockwood Huntsman and Joint Master wearing a red coat. Maybe it is a festive thing and a bit of independent sartorial indulgence. Still it looks really good, adds to the Christmas spirit and is ideal for photos.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

Leaving the Meet.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

ROCKWOOD HUNT – from The Three Acres, Emley, 2nd January 2017

Again a massive turnout of supporters of all ages for the New Year’s Day Meet held on Monday, the 2^nd January, to avoid the Sunday. And as usual there is the mutual understanding and trust between children and hounds.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

On the right, the Huntsman and Joint Master has reverted to the traditional Rockwood Harriers livery.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

The rider in the red coat is a visitor, as is the lady, he being a Whipper-In from the Old Surrey, Burstow and West Kent foxhounds. For those old enough to remember them, Jimmy Edwards was a Master of the Old Surrey and Burstow and Terry Thomas was a member - LINK

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

They build them tough around here. Shorts with frost on the ground. Must be a current fad despite the winter weather as many men seem to be wearing them, not least postmen.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

A gracious looking lady riding side saddle. She reminds me that as a little boy, with a couple of others, I went to find a Meet. At the time I lived in a small village called Charlton near Banbury. We trudged across some fields and found the ‘hunt’, no idea which one, on the edge of some woodland. We only saw a few hounds and very few followers including an old couple in a pony and trap and a lady riding side saddle, the first I had ever seen.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

I think this horse has a sense of humour and is maybe having a good laugh at me.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

It also has the ability to look somewhat distantly aloof and superior. I like it.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

The rider is a member of The Side Saddle Association and it is good to see this bit of tradition demonstrated here. LINK

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury

The telegraph pole is leaning towards The Three Acres Inn and Restaurant and so I took this distant view to illustrate some of the support because not only are there those vehicles visible but another field full is hidden around the corner as well as those parked on the roads.

Rockwood Harriers Copyright image by David Swanbury