THIS WON'T BE THE LAST TIME
MORE than 1,000 hunt supporters turned out in force for what could be the last Boxing Day meet of the Cottesmore Hunt.
Traffic in Oakham was grid-locked, cars parks were packed, and crowds milled around as the colourfully clad mounted riders trotted towards Cutts Close for their annual pilgrimage.
The 100 riders and their 37 hounds were treated like celebrities when they gathered together at 10.45am.
And hunt members remained defiant that this will not be their last Boxing Day meet.
Their spirits have been raised by the Government's decision not to oppose the Countryside Alliance (CA) if it seeks an injunction. This could stop the hunting bill becoming law in February.
The CA is set to challenge the ban in the High Court next month. The legal process is expected to take months and push the issue beyond a spring General Election.
Nick Cheatle, chairman of the Cottesmore, surveyed the crowd and said: "This is not the last Boxing Day Meet, not by any stretch of the imagination.
"The Cottesmore Hunt is going tocontinue, irrespective of the ban, into the future. It will carry on within the law after February 19."
People were everywhere as three and four generations of Rutland families came together for the meet. There was expectation in the air of something special happening, something not to miss out on.
Scores of digital cameras flashed as the large crowd tried to record history in the making and to demonstrate their clear support for the Cottesmore Hunt.
Like it or not, Rutland is hunt country and there were no anti-hunt protesters in sight.
In fact, it was impossible to find anyone opposed to the hunt or who welcomed the ban on a tradition which can be traced back to 1666 in Rutland, is due to take effect in eight weeks.
Michael Clayton, spokes-man for the Cottesmore Hunt, said: "Hunting is part of Rutland life, and we've always had a very large and enthusiastic crowd for the Boxing Day meet. The ban would rob our young people of their heritage, of having access to the countryside in Rutland.
"By next Boxing Day we may have a new government or amendments to the Hunting Bill. Even if we don't, we will continue to operate within the law. Our absolute aim is to keep the hunt as an entity."
Hunt's show of strength
HUNT supporters put on a show of strength at Monday's meet.
Rutland MP Alan Duncan, dressed warmly for the weather, took in the crowds, smiled and said: "What a sight, just look at this, what harm do they do? None, in my view. It is a fantastic bit of Britain it would be a tragedy to destroy it. I've spoken to some Americans here and they all think we are mad to get rid of it."
Nick Cheatle, chairman of the Cottesmore Hunt, was upbeat and defiant.
He said: "We are the largest club and organisation in Rutland with 1,600 on our mailing list. There is massive support for what we do. As far as the short term future is concerned, we thoroughly support the Countryside Alliance and look to a successful outcome of the legal appeals on both the Parliament Act and Human Rights Act."
Nicky Thomson and daughter India, of Bisbrooke, were typical of those who had come to watch.
Nicky said: "We're very pro hunting. The ban would be a huge mistake and unenforceable. It would be a sad day for foxes – I think foxes are treated by the hunt with respect."
The Westbrook family – mum, dad and six-year-old Duncan, had travelled from Irnham for the meet.
Mr Westbrook said: "I think the ban is an outrage against the freedom of the
individual. It's the intrusion into private life, so narrow-minded. The Hunt does so much stewarding of the countryside."
They were accompanied by Veronica Dunster of Empingham, attending a Hunt meet for the first time.
She too was opposed to the ban and said: "I don't think they should walk all over us. They are taking away our freedom all the time."
Harriet Walker (10), of Withcote, was one of the youngest members to ride with the Hunt. She said: "I don't think it should be banned because it is a sport and has been for many generations and it's kept the population of foxes down."
Michael Clayton, spokesman for the Cottesmore Hunt, said simply: "Clearly people wish to come this year because they know the Hunt is under pressure."
The Cottesmore Hunt is due to meet in Uppingham Market Square for new year on Monday.
>LI>What do you think? Write to the Rutland Mercury at Market Place, Oakham, or email editor@rutlandmercury.co.uk
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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