The beginning of the Lent Term is always hard with the early nights and frosts. However, this season not one day was lost to frost or bad weather. It was strange to note that two of the fastest hunting days of the season were had whilst snow was on the ground (although thawing, it has to be said). Lent Leave Away saw the hounds on tour again, this time to Leicestershire for one day with the Chatfeild-Roberts (Tom Chatfeild-Roberts OR (2006, A), former master of the RCB was whipping in). The second day was given by the Duke and Duchess of Rutland at Belvoir Castle with perhaps the grandest meet of the season and certainly one of the nicest beagling teas. We were greatly helped by the whips and supporters of the Oakley Foot Beagles who allowed us to hunt their superb country. The last quarter of the season was now upon us and the days began to draw out. The most notable day was had at Sands Farm, Shellingford, where hounds ran three quick circuits (one out to near Baulking) before a very successful conclusion in front of the meet. The final day of the season was held at Cassington by invitation of Mr and Mrs Linnell (Mr Linnell has been
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RCB Treasurer for over 40 years), with another sumptuous meet. It seemed more like feeding the 5,000 than a meet of the RCB, due to the field of over fifty followers counted at the meet and a good day’s hunt was achieved under dry and trying conditions. At the beginning of the summer term the Farmers’ Supper was held in Hall and the Warden delivered a cracking speech. Next year’s entry are being prepared for the Puppy Show on 14th June at the Mansion and hounds have been entered for the Wales and Border Counties Hound Show and the festival of Hunting at Peterborough where they will be shown by the Masters. I must of course thank Simon Timbrell (Kennel Huntsman) for all his hard work this season; whether in kennels, in the hunting field, or organising the Farmers’ Supper he is always happy to give advice and lead by example. The whippers-in, Sebastian Aldous (Cothill House, E), William Pockney (Horris Hill, H) and Freddie Thackray (Pilgrims’, A) have worked hard this season and it would be impossible to hunt without them. Dr Morris remains as supportive and helpful as ever (now in his 17th season as Don in Charge and whipperin).
THE RADLEIAN SPORTS SUPPLEMENT
On a final note, as the dust settles on what has been perhaps the most extraordinary General Election in living memory it is important to reflect that the future of hunting in the wider world is looking bright. The Conservative government has pledged to repeal the Hunting Act of 2004 and this goal seems now closer than ever, but we cannot of course stop campaigning until this is achieved. The numbers of boys following the RCB this season was very healthy, as were the number of boys coming down to kennels. We are so lucky that Radley is one of only three school packs to still be hunting ten years after the Blair administration tried to destroy a tradition and a way of life; this is all due to the continued support shown by the College and we look forward to celebrating our 75th season next year.
Archie Clifton-Brown, a