The Opening Meet 2019

A wet autumn meant that any landowner who allowed us to lay trails across their land would have to be a supporter indeed. The East Kent with West Street's Masters went above and beyond as did the landowners as we were allowed across new country, well country that we had not crossed for many, many years.
The hospitality of our hosts was generous to the point of being dangerous. Your correspondent had no need for either lunch, or dinner! Had he not been driving then a lengthy afternoon nap would have been inevitable. Unfortunately other duties called and napping was not a possibility and neither was following for very long. Luckily the amazing CombatMoose Photography was able to take pictures of the large field testing out the new jumps that "the boys" had built. A link to Combat Moose's photographs appears below.

Photographs

Combat Moose's images may be found HERE
Others HERE

Autumn Trails

Your correspondent has been away for much of the pre-season activity but managed a few early mornings. Early mornings? We go out early, or late, because the temperature is lower and the scent trail lasts longer.
Once more we are very grateful to out landowners, farmers and keepers who have allowed us to lay trails as we are to our team of Masters who have worked hard together to provide such sport.
Hounds look well and keen which is in no small part due to the hard work put in by our Huntsman and his team with some help from a select band of supporters.
Another "thank you" is due to Kim who has put on a wonderful programme of hacks throughout the summer and encouraged new followers.

Photographs

These and many more may be found HERE

To the end of the season

The end of the season is always greeted with mixed feelings. There is, of course, the disappointment that it will be months before the music of hounds will once more serenade the hairs on the back of the neck when they speak to the trail. The sadness of "goodbyes" to folk who you will not see until next season. "Goodbye" is chosen with care for its precise meaning of "good wishes for the meantime."

Then there is the sense of relief. The fact that there will now be two days each week when it will be possible to work hard and earn enough money to fund next seasons "days off" to say nothing of the chance to catch up with all those little jobs that have slipped below the radar since September: maybe next Saturday it will be possible to replace the "temporary cardboard glazing" of one of the kitchen windows that has made do since October.

Of course it doesn't actually end at all! With shows, parades and maintenance the kennels team will be as busy as ever and hounds take no less looking after. There will be social events over the summer, work parties, the Point-to-Point and many other things to fill our community's time.

We say goodbye to two of our Masters and Officers on the thirtieth of April but in this case the "meantime" will be very short. They will continue to support and be part of our community having hung up their offices not their spurs. They deserve our gratitude for the work that they done and the responsibilities that they have fulfilled magnificently. Thank you.

In consequence we welcome new members of the team and wish them every success.

Photographs

These and many more may be viewed HERE