Hundreds pack hunt meet
GLOWERING skies laced with winter sunshine greeted the Cottesmore Hunt's traditional Boxing Day morning meet at Oakham.
More than 60 riders of all ages - and almost 2,000 spectators - gathered in and around the grassy amphitheatre of Cutts Close on Wednesday for the historic event which has maintained its popularity despite hunting with dogs being banned. Hounds can still be used to follow a scent and to flush out a fox.
Joint master Carl Foster told the crowd, which included Rutland MP Alan Duncan: "Thank you most sincerely for being here; your support is most welcome."
Following the serving of the stirrup cup, riders of all ages - from top-hatted veterans to youngsters on tinselled ponies - cantered along the Burley Road with hounds to flush out quarry for birds of prey.
Former Oakham mayor and current town councillor Sue Tyers told the Mercury: "It was good of the hunt to ask the council's permission to use Cutts Close and it's great to see so many people here. Long may the tradition continue."
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Weather for Stamford
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
