Taunton Vale Flyer - 2020 Lockdown Edition

FLYER 2020 the TAUNTON VALE

LOCKDOWN EDITION

2020 TAUNTON VALE FLYER

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CONTENTS Chairman’s Introduction 6 Master’s Update 8 Huntsman’s Report 12 Master’s Moment 18 Joe Waves Goodbye 20 New Whip Interview 24 Puppy Show 28 Shows 44 Pub Directory 52 Horse & Hound Feature 60 New Hunt Horse 62 Vet Advice 66 Our Treasurer 68

72 Bray’s Cider 80 Pre Hunting Course 82 The Season 102 Foxy Ball 106 Valeting 112 Hound Sponsorship 117 Clay Shoot 119 From The Field 120 Hunt Supporters Club 124 Spotted 129 New Website

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PHOTOGRAPHER KATY BERRY

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CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

by

DOM ALERS-HANKEY

I

am delighted to introduce this excellent ‘Lockdown edition’ of the Taunton Vale Foxhounds Flyer magazine.

This is the sixth edition of The Flyer and it is no small achievement to have produced it, to a very high standard and under the prevailing restrictions in the UK of C19. My thanks first to Georgina Preston, currently in Kennels at the Galway Blazers, whose idea it was to put a Lockdown Flyer together and who has battled against slow broadband speeds and other communications problems to produce this unique Flyer. Thanks also to all those who have given support amongst whom are Katy Berry, Ashley Burson, Sara Cork, Jess North and David and Caroline Lowes.

Since the lockdown began on 23rd March, the Hunt Finance & General Purpose (F&GP) committee (comprising Dom Alers-Hankey – Hunt Chairman; Jenny Parsons – Hon Sec.; Nic Penny – Hon Sec.; Ashley Burson – Hon Treasurer; Joint Masters -Tony Berry, Mark Heuff, Poey Vacher, Phil Bray and Jenny Parsons; Hunt Supporters Club Chairman Gary

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Turner; Chairman of the Hunt Trustees Johnnie Sumption; and Subscribers David Lowes and Jeremy Minchin) has been meeting by conference call every three weeks to ensure maintenance of the Hunt’s health, stability and wellbeing in these difficult times. It is an excellent team with a depth and breadth of knowledge relating to business, farming, hunting, the countryside and our local communities. My sincere thanks to the F&GP members for their acumen and hard work to ensure the Hunt comes through the C19 pandemic in the best possible shape.

Joe Emmett our First Whipper In left us on 1st May and we are delighted to welcome Hugh Wheildon our new First Whipper In. Hugh has settled in very well at the Kennels. The Casualty Service has remained up and running throughout the lockdown with Dan Hammett continuing to pick up fallen stock at farms across the Taunton Vale country. My thanks to Dan and Hugh for their hard work at the Kennels.

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The C19 virus has affected us all in some way. At the time of writing, the Government is poised to introduce further loosening of the C19 restrictions and there is now guarded optimism that we will have a gradual, albeit phased, return to some sort of normality for family and friends’ interaction, businesses, retailers, sporting events and social gatherings. The Hunt has lost its annual Pointto-Point, Skittles Throw Off, end of season social events, Hunt Quiz, Family Dog Show and the Puppy Show. This is a blow to the Hunt not only for the financial loss but also for the immense fun and friendship these events generate for supporters and friends alike.

When conditions allow and in tune with government guidelines the Hunt will be making a swift return to social events and I very much hope that in the autumn we will be able to restart Trail Hunting.

We are lucky to have an excellent team of Masters for the 2020/2021 season, a very strong team at the Kennels headed by Dan Hammett, a unified F&GP committee and a thriving Hunt Supporters Club. The Taunton Vale Foxhounds is in good order and I hope you can share my guarded optimism that we will get through the C19 pandemic. I look forward to seeing you in person soon.

- Dom Alers-Hankey

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MASTER’S

2

UPDATE

020 /21 was already shaping up to be a year of change at the Taunton Vale even before Covid-19 hit us all. I should start by saying how magnificently the Hunt Staff have responded to these new challenges and how much support we have had from within the Hunt and from far and wide as we make plans for the coming season. Thank you all for your support.

First, some background on the Kennels and Hunt Staff. Dan Hammett and Joe Emmett had been working under the Covid 19 imposed conditions looking after Hounds, which was not easy, but our thanks are due to both of them for rising to the challenges. Dan has continued to pick up fallen stock as required from our farmers but movements to and from the Kennels have been limited as much as possible. As you will already be aware, Joe left us on 1st May to join the Cottesmore as First Whipper-In. Joe has been an outstanding asset to the Hunt during his 12 months with us, both in Kennels and out hunting. Whilst his departure is a loss to the Hunt, he has a very bright future ahead and we wish him every possible success and good fortune. Thank you Joe. Hugh Wheildon from the South Dorset joined us as Whipper-In on 1st May and he is looking forward to getting stuck in and meeting the wider hunt community as soon as possible.

The Hounds are fit and well and under the expert care of Dan and Hugh. Sadly we have been robbed of the chance to continue our excellent form at the summer hound shows. In particular we were looking forward to showing some bitches from Greedy’s first litter as she herself won numerous prizes at both Honiton and Dunster in 2018 and 2019 and has bred a cracking looking litter - we will just have to look out for them on the hunting field instead!

I entered the Mastership in 2015 alongside two good mates in Matt and Hedley. Since then Hedley has worked hard to provide many memorable days in the Vale in his role as Field Master and opened up a number of areas to the benefit of all. Matt has worked tirelessly to give the best days possible in the Staple Fitzpaine / Broadway area and as a result has regularly seen the season’s biggest fields on these days - perhaps this has

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something to do with the “charm personified” description he earned from Horse & Hound!

Matt has also been heavily involved in the hound care and breeding side this past season.

Both Matt and Hedley have stood down from the Mastership on 1st May and I want to thank them for all they have done during this time and before. Jeremy also stands down from the Mastership to be able to focus more time on his business in these challenging times but we are very fortunate in that he will continue to work alongside the Masters with a focus on organising hunting days in the Staple Fitzpaine / Broadway area. We are very much looking forward to seeing his legendary enthusiasm being used to carry on Matt’s good work in that area.

So for the coming season Tony, Poey and I are joined in the Mastership by Philip Bray and Jenny Parsons, neither of whom needs any introduction. Philip has gone extra miles on countless occasions, supporting the Hunt in so many different ways, including Chairman of the Hunt Supporters’ Club, host of various events at West Hatch Farm, organiser of fun rides and turning his hand to anything and everything in the Kennels and beyond. Jenny, as Joint Honorary Secretary, has been keeping the Hunt Committee, the Officers and the Masters of the Hunt in order since she stepped down as Master last time. Along with hosting the Mud Club end of season supper at her beautiful Regency House, organising a fascinating and enjoyable film evening on the Taunton Vale past and present, and much more, she too has already given so much to the Hunt. We are delighted that both Philip and Jenny are joining our Mastership, with Jenny staying on as Joint Hon Secretary. We will spread the key responsibilities of the Mastership, including organising hunting days, overseeing the work at the Kennels and stables etc, among us in a similar way to recent seasons.

At the time of writing, the future is uncertain in so many ways and there are many challenges across all aspects of life from family health to work and financial security. Whilst hunting will often rightly feature lower down the priority lists of most people, we recognise the desire of many to get back to “normal” and have fun with friends and family as soon as possible; hunting plays an important role in this for many people. We will therefore do everything we can to get back out hunting this coming season and work with all guidance issued by the government and the MFHA, exploring all options. Last season was a challenging one due to ridiculous amounts of seemingly non stop rain but we still had a number of good days which was a testament to the work of Dan and Joe and our quality pack of hounds.

There are many reasons to look forward to a lot of fun in the coming season. CONTINUED OVERLEAF...

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PHOTOGRAPHER GEORGINA PRESTON

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T V

The Summer normally gives us the opportunity to thank two very important groups of people.

The first is our famers and land owners who so generously allow us to continue our activities. We normally host a farmers’ supper at the Kennels as a small token of our thanks and, whilst we cannot do this at the moment, we are very keen to plan some form of entertainment and will do this as further advice comes from the government, as this is a very important part of our hunting year.

The second is our amazingly tolerant puppy walkers who we normally get to see at the Puppy Show. Puppy walking is an incredibly important part of the hound education process and we are very grateful to those who welcome the puppies into their homes. If it is not possible to run a full Puppy Show this summer we would love to host some form of event at the Kennels so we can look forward to the season and show off this season’s entry. In the meantime a sincere thank you to all of our farmers, landowners and puppy walkers.

Throughout the hunting season we receive a considerable amount of support from so many people including meet hosts, the fantastic Hunt Supporters Club and numerous volunteers at fund raising events. As a group of masters we are so grateful to each and every person who supports the Taunton Vale Foxhounds as, without you, we would not be able to fulfil our roles; it creates a community spirit that is especially important in the challenging times we currently face.

Whatever we can do we will and we all look forward to meeting again in better times on the Hunting Field - Mark Heuff

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HUNTSMAN’S REPORT Daniel Hammett reviews his first season undertaking the role of Huntsman

A

fter completing three years as Kennel Huntsman at the Taunton Vale, whipping in to Mr Landau on a hunting day, I was absolutely delighted to be offered the position of Huntsman for the 2019/2020 season.

S H O W I N G My first season as Huntsman couldn’t have started off any better with a hugely successful summer of Hound shows including taking Best Entered Bitch, Best Couple of Bitches, Champion Foxhound Bitch, Overall Champion Foxhound and, to top it off, Supreme Champion at Dunster Hound Show 2019. These results far exceeded any of my expectations and great thanks go to all the team involved and to Mr Landau. In addition to Hound showing, we were also successful at Devon County Show taking 1st place in Tack and Turnout, Horn Blowing and the Inter Hunt Relay and we were also privileged to take our hounds to parade at Somerset County Show, all of which proved great positive PR for the Taunton Vale Hunt.

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AU T UM N . . H U N T I NG As we approached the end of August, we were straight into autumn hunting to bring on our hound puppies ready for the open season. Initially we had testing scenting conditions, but I was really impressed with how the hounds performed.

All the hounds worked well together and the hound puppies got stuck in from the off. We started the autumn hunting season mainly on foot, which gave our hound puppies the best opportunity to learn the ropes thanks to a much greater number of followers who provide vital support around the coverts for the hounds.

Meets that stood out for me included the first meet from the Rising Sun, Knapp, which was the first time Joe and I had experienced a trail ending up a tree! Furthermore, we had a very pleasant day from Earnshill where hounds worked hard continuously sticking to the trail resulting in a successful conclusion to the morning. Additionally, we were able to take our hounds to Mr Pocock’s for an afternoon meet which was new bit of country for me, great to go at and definitely worthwhile.

This Autumn Hunting season

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gave the hound puppies great experience and set them up well for the open season. In particular, the following hounds really stood out for me: Greenwich, Greensleeve, Gadfly, Bantam and Greeting.

S E A S O N Our open season included a few joint meets, including Mendip Farmers, East Devon and West Somerset Vale. This provided us with a great opportunity, not only to visit new country, but also see other hounds work in our own country. Our visit to the Mendip was unfortunately cut very short due to dangerous fog. However, despite being informed that we were likely to go round in circles in the first covert, as soon as we entered our hounds we were immediately away, which provided the field with some action and fun from the start, before returning to kennels for some greatly appreciated hospitality.

The season started off steadily due to poor scent, but then after plenty of rain helped with scenting conditions, we had a great day from Wyatts Farm, Capland, which even caused Mr Berry to take a tumble trying to keep up with hounds across the Vale! Another notable meet

PHOTOGRAPHER GEORGINA PRESTON

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HUNTSMAN’S REPORT

was from Manor Farm, Curry Mallet where shortly after leaving the meet, the trail left Mr Coles and hounds took the line into Beercrocombe before doubling back to run along the canal and heading for Woodlands. Hounds worked hard to complete a further couple of circuits around Woodlands before pushing the trail out into Woodlands bottom and, after hitting the river, running all the

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way back through Hatch railway on a few occasions leaving us all to Mr Coles’ where the trail had behind struggling to keep up with originally started, before taking them! a sharp right hand turn to finish

Due to persistent at Hatch Court. This certainly torrential rain, a couple of these proves the truth behind the wellmeets were on foot. A big thank known Taunton Vale saying ‘The you must go to Mr Berry for wetter the better’. A massive thank opening country at Kingston you goes to all our farmers St Mary “we experienced a miscanthus as who have been so considerate in allowing our hounds and great days hunting an alternative field to cross their land even a previously from Wyatts Farm, to when cancelled the rain keeps Capland which even meet from coming in caused Mr Berry to the Pophams’ such farm which take a tumble a n was severely trying to keep up exceptionally flooded. with hounds ” wet season.

Only the With the Taunton Vale wet conditions Hunt Staff and Mr Berry were persevering in attendance at this extra meet from December when we experienced some of our onwards, our best hunting with plenty of trails hounds continued to follow to keep us entertained to have a great and hounds working hard all day season with some for what was an exceptional day. notably enjoyable We are lucky that we managed to days hunting; in complete our season as planned particular, meets just prior to the Covid-19 from Lillesdon lockdown. A special mention is Barn, Kingston St needed for dog hound Grafham Mary miscanthus, and bitch hound Garland who Earnshill and have both never missed a single H u r m a n’s We l l day all season!

Farm really stood out for me.

T H A N K Y O U These conditions To conclude, I would like to enabled the thank all the Masters not only for hounds to work offering me the job of Taunton together showing Vale Huntsman, but also all the tenacity and support they provide our Kennel d e t e r m i n at i on , Staff throughout the season, and

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the effort and hard work that they put into opening up country for us, providing the field with plenty of fun on a hunting day. I would personally like to give great thanks to Mr Wilkes and Mr Webb who will be leaving the Mastership at the end of this season. Mr Wilkes and Mr Webb have both injected an immense amount of enthusiasm and hard work over the past four years while I have been at the Taunton Vale. They have not only cleared plenty of country for us all but also kept up the light-hearted entertainment!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank the ‘die hard’ foot followers who are never seen to leave before hounds, for all the support they have given me, as well as fuelling me with coffee when required! Furthermore, I am extremely grateful to our Terrier Man, Tom Leary, who performs with utmost professionalism on a hunting day. He is highly reputed amongst game keepers and land owners as well as always on hand when I need him. Moving forward, I am looking forward to working with the new team of Masters for the coming season.

More importantly, I can’t give enough gratitude to all of our

farmers who allow us across their land, despite some of the conditions we have experienced this season.

They have been so welcoming and I have been humbled by some of their responses when I was offered the position of Huntsman. I will be sad to see Joe Emmett leave as he has proved fundamental to the successful hunting we have experienced this season, but I wish him all the best in progressing his career in Hunt Service with the Cottesmore Hunt.

This summer will unfortunately be a quiet one for us all during Covid-19 but I am eager to get going for an equally enjoyable season ahead us.

- Dan Hammett

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THE

PUPPY SHOW

HORSE WALKER ANOTHER ADDITION

to the kennels.. to be most appreciated by the groom...!

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MASTER’S MOMENT An introduction to our new Master - Mr Philip Bray

I

WAS BROUGHT UP ON A FAMILY FARM IN DEVON, IN THE VILLAGE OF

We had a mixed farm of dairy, beef, sheep, pigs and poultry. My father did not ride, but was a keen hunter and my Grandfather would drop any form of work to saddle up and find hounds, if he heard them close by. At the age of 13 I had riding lessons at the Orchard Portman polo ground.

BURLESCOMBE.

That same year I loaned a dun mare called Cotton Wood from the Shilstone Rocks Riding stables. My first day’s hunting was with the Taunton Vale Harriers under the watchful eye of the legendary Mr Michael RoffeSilvester. That day we had two one hour fifteen minute points. First, hunting from the pub - The Ashford Arms in Burlescombe - right through the Westleigh Quarry and ending at Ridge Farm near Hockworthy.

In the afternoon Charlie led us all the way to Maiden Down and on to Prescott where the hunt came to a conclusion above ground.

Mr Roffe-Silvester turned to me and said ‘there my boy, that’s the best day’s hunting you’ll ever have’.

The following season I loaned another mare called Goya, who returned to the stables in the spring and, much to everyone’s surprise, had a foal!

After that, my father bought me my own mare called April and we hunted together with the Taunton Vale Harriers and Tiverton Foxhounds for the next 10 seasons.

After marrying and with a young family we moved to Somerset, Meare Court Farm, I didn’t hunt for several years. I was then introduced to the Taunton Vale Foxhounds by Caroline Bartlett, who lent me a horse. I was

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so impressed with the open country, grassy meadows and friendly field, I became a Taunton Vale enthusiast.

In 1990 I bought my own horse, Camelot, from a scrap dealer in Bristol. Mrs Brown and Mrs Handel, kindly took me into their care and gave me some schooling over ditches!

At the first meet at The Manor, Staple Fitzpaine and not being prepared for the generous supply of whisky, I was unceremoniously dumped on the river bank, to which our Master John Honeyball called across the field ‘My goodness Philip, are you alright?’ - for he had had just as much whisky as I! The first of the notorious ‘Reg’s Hedges’ came up and my tutors for the day, Graham Pellow and Peter Hartnell, encouraged us to take it on. Camelot - not much of a hedge jumper refused and left me upside down in the hedge.

Along came Bobby, a very successful hedge jumper. One of my greatest ambitions was to combat the Taunton Vale hedges and Bobby would lock on to every fence. One particularly wet day, taking on a hedge in Hatch Beauchamp, Bobby pecked on landing leaving me skidding down across the field on my back.

I have been the Chairman on the Hunt Supporters for 5 years and I am now very pleased that the very capable Mr Gary Turner has now stepped up to this position, please give him all the help that you can. I feel very privileged to have been asked to join the Mastership as a non-riding Master, helping to clear the country between Hatch Beauchamp and Hambridge and securing the future of the Taunton Vale Foxhounds. I am very much looking forward to the forthcoming season with great enthusiasm.

- Philip

CAMELOT BOBBY

M

J

OE

Y SEASON AT THE TAUNTON VALE

has been a very enjoyable one. As a team it has worked like clockwork. The hounds have gone very well for Dan, he has been a privilege to sit behind and to watch and learn from.

WAVES GOODBYE! A message from Joe, who moves to the Cottesmore as First Whipper-In for the 20/21 season.

However, it’s not all about the hunting because Dan has taught me lots at Kennels as well as out in the country. He has put the time in to show and explain about hound breeding, feeding and prepping for hunting. Through the summer we had success at hound shows (and success with the horse walker - after five attempts).

Having got our blood pumping at the start of the season, we went forward to lots more good days, in particular; Hambridge on foot, Orchard House, Yarford and Hurman’s Well.

I also would like to mention and thank the foot followers of the Taunton Vale. They have helped me with directions and instructions, and telling me things I didn’t know. Not only that, they were there when I was on point offering a lovely cup of coffee.

Thank you for a fun year working here and I’m sorry to be leaving early. Wishing you all more enjoyable hunting at the Taunton Vale.

- Joe Emmett

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PHOTOGRAPHER DOMI RICCI

I have had some good sport at the Taunton Vale. My highlight of the season was the meet at The Rising Sun. It was right at the end of the evening; Mr Heuff was wanting to go home and Dan was hiding in the withy bed, when he finally got hounds onto a trail laid earlier. Dan was adamant about following it to end and hounds made a good effort at it. Hounds rewarded, everyone went back to the pub pleased as punch. That was an evening to remember.

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PHOTOGRAPHER DOMI RICCI

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H UG H W H E I L D O N ...tries not to be distracted from his interview by playful bitch puppies…

W

HICH JOB HAVE YOU COME FROM?

D

PHOTOGRAPHER KNIGEL GIDNEY

I’ve come from the South Dorset, where I whipped in as an Amateur for a season, before becoming a Professional as the 2nd Whipper-In under Mr Toby Coles. I rather fell into the role, as when I returned home to Corfe Mullen after being abroad for a number of years, I bought some horses to sell and began to take them out hunting with the SD. I was introduced to the Master Huntsman, and began to help him out a bit on a day’s hunting, as he knew I had experience doing that kind of thing.. and the rest, you could say, is history…! Toby definitely whipped me into shape.

ID YOU HUNT ABROAD?

My hunting experience actually started as far away as Australia, with the Hunter Valley Hunt. I was working for Angus Kelly, breaking in 2yo Thoroughbred Sprinters for flat racing, some of which were worth up to 5 million dollars. My boss was great friends with the Master Huntsman, Scott McCreary from Cambridge. Occasionally we took horses hunting, and I ended up getting asked to give a hand up front. Hunting in Australia differs greatly to the UK – we would generally drive 2 to 3 hours to meet at 8am, when it was 12 degrees, before the heat kicked in, finishing at around midday in the high 20s to 30s, but the hounds are used to the heat. You wouldn’t get

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long hunts like we are blessed with in the UK; the fox would get up and you might hunt for a mile, or a mile and a half, but you would be hunting across a private estate of approximately 20,000 acres! The country would be big 400 acre paddocks, with waist height brown grass, and barbed wire or high tensile everywhere you looked for boundaries. I only flipped a few horses… Most people own a horse or two out in the country and the mounted field would be of around 15-20, riding a wide variety of types of horses. The foxes you find would be the same as here in England, because it was English settlers who took them out to Australia to

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hunt, and they thrived! They are classed as vermin and in Oz you are encouraged to hunt them, there are no antis at all and if there were, there’s no way they would find you or keep up!

but I loved it so much that I bounced back and forth between NZ and the UK for 2 years.

I also really enjoy horse racing. I wouldn’t have the right physique to become a jockey but I follow National Hunt in the UK and Australian flat, having worked in both industries. I actually managed to squeeze in riding out a few lots three times a week for Nick Mitchell last season, as well as having 8 horses in rotation at home, including some hunters and some polo ponies; the type that cost the right amount of money, that might have gone sour or were a bit green.

Whipping in sweetens horses up!

I also spent a year in Northern Ireland and hunted with the South Tyrone. I was doing polo ponies and bringing on young hunters for the Boyd Family. The country was much more similar to the Taunton Vale, with wet going and big hedges.

D

O YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF HUNTING?

A

My main hobby would have to be Polo. I used to ride for numerous teams on a semi professional basis. It all started when I went to the South Dorset AGM as a 12 year old boy, and a slightly batty old lady Joanna Selfe asked, ‘I hear you like going fast on your horse?’. ‘Yes’, I replied. ‘Do you play rugby?’, ‘Yes’… ‘Do you play hockey?’, ‘Yes’… ‘Well then you should try Polo’. I thought it was a brilliant idea, had a sit on a pony and never looked back. The riding style suited me! I played for the Pony Club and then progressed to club level, being fortunate enough to play around the country. Aged 18, I wanted to further my skills and knowledge, so after a few emails, on a slight whim and a gamble, I headed out to New Zealand to work for Ross Ainsley, who produces some of the best polo ponies in the world – 250, 000 dollar ponies...! It may have been considered a slight waste of a Canford School education to some

NY AMUSING HUNTING MOMENTS TO RECALL?

Last season I got off my horse to open a gate for Mr Toby Coles. I asked him to grab my horse, he said ‘OK’. The next thing I know, he isn’t holding my horse – nobody is, and it was trotting off down the road… Running in hunting boots isn’t easy, let alone up a very steep hill. I looked over my shoulder to find the entire field watching me, and they must’ve been so busy laughing that nobody thought to help me catch it! Pictured overleaf...

A WORD FROM MR COLES...

“Hugh is very hard working and it was a pleasure to have him about, I wish him the best of luck!”

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“Running in hunting boots isn’t easy,”

PHOTOGRAPHER KNIGEL GIDNEY

- HUGH

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...SO CIAL DISTANCING? 2020 TAUNTON VALE FLYER

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PUPPY SHOW “THE HUNT

SOCIAL EVENT of the SUMMER SEASON”

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PHOTOGRAPHER GEORGINA PRESTON

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JUDGING EACHOTHER?

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RESULTS Judged by

RYAN BLISS AND

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CHRIS BOWLD

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BITCHES 1st Greenfly 2nd Granary DOGS 1st Graycott 2nd Grenich OVERALL CHAMPION HOUND Greenfly BEST WORKING DOG OF LAST YEARS ENTRY Gratham BEST WORKING BITCH OF LAST YEARS ENTRY Garnet

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PHOTOGRAPHER SARA CORK

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THE

SHOW SEASON

H

DUNSTER 2 4 t h J U LY

uge congratulations are due to our hunt staff for their success at Dunster Show. On an oppressively hot day and with stiff competition from packs across the Southwest they and the hounds showed themselves at their very best and came home with an even better result than last year’s considerable achievements.

Having been decidedly unsure of the prospects for our Dog Hounds, Greenwich and Granite exceeded expectations, with Greenwich gaining a 3rd rosette in the morning for Best Unentered Dog Hound, and Granite securing 4th in both Best Entered Dog Hound and Best Stallion Hound.

After a brief respite for the Old English Dog Hound class, the day really started to heat up in every sense when the bitches came to the fore.

In the Single Unentered Bitch Hound class, Granary secured 2nd place and Greensleeve 3rd.

They were swiftly trumped by Gravity who won Best Entered Bitch Hound, before Greedy, not wanting to be overlooked came 2nd to the Tiverton in the Best Brood Bitch class.

Having won Best Entered Bitch, Gravity was a finalist for the coveted Trollope Hunt of Canada Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Champion Bitch Hound, facing strong opposition from the Cattistock, the Tiverton and the Portman. Expertly shown to the judges by Dan and Joe, she triumphed and was returned to the lorry for breather whilst the Old English class and the Best Couple Foxhounds were decided. Since we are a modern English Pack, Dan and Joe had a welcome few moments break before showing Greedy/Gravity and Granary/Greensleeve in the Best Couple Class. Although Greedy and Granite were unplaced, Granary and Greensleeve kept the momentum up with a fantastic win which brought in the second trophy of the day, The Beaver Memorial Trophy for the Best Couple Foxhounds.

This left the final for The Beaufort Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Champion Foxhound which was a head to head contest with the Dulverton West.

After a fairly swift decision Gravity (walked by the Landau family and sponsored by Simon & Emma Oliver) was declared the Champion Foxhound 2019 and up stepped local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger (who

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clearly was not expecting a role in Boris’ new cabinet) to present a truly impressive cup. There was barely time to appreciate it, before it was announced that there was another rung to climb on the ladder.

The final class of the day was the competition for the Liddell-Grainger Cup for the Supreme Champion Hound, which was contested between the Champion Staghound, Champion Harrier, Champion Foxhound, Champion Beagle and Champion Minkhound. With the results given in reverse order, there was great applause and delight when Gravity was declared the winner.

HONITON 1st AUGUST It is great to report that we experienced another successful outing for the Taunton Vale Foxhounds with at the West of England Hound Show at Honiton Show in 2019.

Due to our outstanding performance at Honiton in 2018, this ultimately went against us for this year as it meant we were now unable to enter any of the local Hound showing classes.

Subsequently the Taunton Vale could only perform against the ‘big boys’ such as the VWH and the North Cotswold in the Open classes.

Daniel Hammett and Joe Emmett only took bitches to Honiton this year but all the

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hounds showed tremendously well to come back with the following impressive results in the Open Foxhound Bitch classes: Open entered couple – 3rd with Gravity and Greedy. Open two couple – 2nd with Gravity, Greedy, Groovy and Raincoat. Open brood bitch – 2nd with Greedy and 3rd with Graceful.

A lot of comments were made on the day about how well the Taunton Vale Foxhounds ‘gallop up’ when being shown and how much they are a credit to the Hunt which is always great to hear.

Furthermore, Sophie and Poppy did a marvelous job of representing the Taunton Vale Foxhounds in the Young Handlers class after frequent practice sessions up at kennels in the evenings prior to Honiton.

To top it off the Taunton Vale Hunt Supporters continued their tradition of putting on a very impressive and much enjoyed ‘picnic on the ramp’ in the glorious weather to make Honiton Hound show a very popular and social event for all of our subscribers and supporters.

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Poppy (left) and Sophie

DEVON 1 7 t h M AY In the Main Arena at the Devon County Show on May 17th, a victorious Hunt Relay Team led by Joint Master Poey Vacher, with Caroline Lowes, Dan Hammett and Joe Emmett swept the board. Dan won the horn blowing competition in fine style which followed first prize for Best Turned Out, making the last minute desperate dashes to Hunting Mad for a pair of white string gloves and to the box for the wire cutters worth the effort. The competition’s climax was the relay competition itself, with two teams on identical courses and against the clock.

Teams from the Cotley, Eggesford, Devon & Somerset Staghounds, Torrington Farmers, Spooners and West Dartmoor, Modbury, Dart Vale & South Pool, East Devon and the Taunton Vale Foxhounds competed in a slippery main arena over jumps for the mounted pair followed by two runners on foot over smaller jumps and obstacles for man and dog.

Showing their experience from the Vale, the mounted pair managed some rustic poles and obediently walked through the narrow bridge, to hand the whip first to Huntsman Dan who ran a very speedy round and finally to Joe, to whom this was a baptism of fire as newly appointed Whipper In. Joe, with Foxy at heel (more or less) did the same course and put the finishing touch with a faultless scurry down a false earth.

Hours of practice in the stables with barrow and bales not to mention in the field were clearly vindicated.

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S OM E R S E T COUNTY SHOW

21st September ‘19 - Taunton Racecourse

he new ‘Somerset County Show’ was held for the first time this year, and invited the Taunton Vale Foxhounds to parade. Dan and Joe from the kennels were joined by the equally immaculately turned out Poey Vacher, Tony Berry and Johnny Sumption. The positive response was so remarkable that even Tony seemed quite moved!

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The Somerset County Show is designed to showcase the very best Somerset has to offer, with the emphasis very much on participation and community involvement. Held over both days of the weekend 19th & 20th September 2020 there is a full programme of displays and attractions, with something for all the family.

PARADING The hounds in the main ring

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12

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18 The Five Dials Inn Hanning Rd, Ilminster, TA19 9QH 01460 55359 thefivedials.co.uk 17 The Firehouse Church Street, Curry Rivel, TA10 0HE 01458 887447 thefirehousesomerset.co.uk 19 The Hatch Inn Hatch Beauchamp TA3 6SG 01823 480245 thehatchinn.co.uk

20 The Crown Inn Fivehead TA3 6PQ 01460 281919

Off Map - South The New Inn Dowlish Wake, Ilminster TA19 0NZ O146O 52413 newinn-ilminster.com Off Map - East The Lamb & Lion Hambridge, Langport TA10 0AT lambandlionhambridge.co.uk 01460 281774

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17

20

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Ultimate pub crawl?

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FEATURE

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HUNTER OF A LIFETIME

Greyoss A field master’s horse with his fair share of quirks and a talent for jumping the widest of ditches ONY BERRY has been in the Taunton Vale mastership – on and off – since 1999. He is a natural in the saddle. It doesn’t take long to realise he has some real talent under him when he sets sail after hounds across the infamous Vale.

“Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to field master on some very good horses but, as an all-rounder, Greyoss probably ranks the best,” he says. “I’ve had a huge amount of fun on him.”

In 2002, joint-master John Burbidge purchased him for the hunt as a five-year old from Ireland through Andy Brake.

T

His passport wasn’t brimming with details; most of the entries were “unknown”. He was – and remains – very head shy, was difficult to get on, doesn’t like men and is very wary of anyone or anything touching his legs.

Tony says: “Soon we realised Greyoss wasn’t experienced or steady enough with hounds to go straight to kennels, so he was redirected to Boomer, our farm.

“That season, our jointmaster Alison Brown did most of the Friday field mastering until she injured herself. With very little serious hunting under his belt, Greyoss was thrown in the deep end and field mastered

for the first time when the Berkeley hounds visited.

“It was a useful day with a run that took us over John Mitchem’s sizeable fences, one of which had a very big ditch in front. Greyoss led the field over it without hesitation. Andy Brake commented: ‘Talk about parking a double decker bus in it; you could get two in there.’”

For the return visit to the Berkeley, huntsman Derek Leech required a second horse.

“With Greyoss in mind, we decided Derek should sit on him beforehand,” remembers Tony.

“Halfway through a Tuesday at Cothelstone I swapped with him. Within moments, hounds gathered round and rubbed against Greyoss’ legs – he stood straight up, decanted Derek and took off. He earned himself an instant return ticket to Boomer.”

Although not as scopey as a thoroughbred over hedges, Greyoss provided a very good lead over some stiff country under Tony. He excels at any hedge with a ditch in front and

is reliable over timber and gates.

“His forte is open water,” says his rider. “We have a lot of rhynes here; many people have come to grief following him over these huge drainage ditches.

“He’s had his share of hunting injuries and intermittent lameness. When he was eight, I noticed he struggled with his balance. He was diagnosed with temporohyoid osteitis, which usually results in paralysis of the facial nerves, mouth and tongue. He was treated, experimentally, with a steroid. A few months later he improved and, in time, recovered completely.

“Now the wrong side of 20, he is much more relaxed with hounds. I have noticed, and am sure Greyoss is not unique in this, that he pays attention to what the hounds are doing; he’s more interested in them than other horses.” H&H NEXT WEEK

South Shropshire joint-master Camilla Corrie

19 March 2020 Horse & Hound

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Words by Rebecca Jordan. Picture by Cat Down

“His forte is open water – many people have come to grief following him over huge ditches”

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JACK THE NEW HUNT HORSE A successful new recruit at the Kennels, tracked down and introduced by Sara Cork

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he two resident hunt horses, Stan the Man – easily recognisable, a big solid grey with a hogged mane - and Joey, namesake of the Warhorse star and not dissimilar in appearance or attitude, found themselves in need of a new team mate for the 2019/20 season. Finding said horse was presumed to be a relatively easy task, however the market seemed stiffer than before and so, with a limited budget, tracking down a suitable candidate for the role of ‘Hunt Staff Horse’ at the right price became a lengthy process!

The perfect hunt staff horse must be 100% with hounds. This is the main criterion for huntsman Dan and Whipper-In Joe and there’s no leeway here! The horse should be happy to go off on point and stand on its own, so that the Huntsman and his Whip can focus on the hounds and do their job without trying to settle an agitated horse. However, where a hunt staff horse may get away with

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STAN THE MAN WITH HIS COMPANION DINKY

not being able to jump in moorland or hill country, to cover the Vale country, it must have good scope and jumping ability, as we have everything from upright sets of rails, gates which need to be ‘showjumped’, to fly fences such as hedges with a ditch sometimes both in front and behind, in our country. They need to be able to do all of the above without a lead, often in cold blood, which requires them to be exceptionally brave and bold. A careful eye would be required for clearing electric fencing and wire, and a steady head for creeping across rhynes on the levels. A horse with brain and physical attributes, patience, age on his side and no soundness issues is hard to find, especially on a tight budget.

After trying several potential hunt horses (too many to remember!), we eventually came across a smaller bay horse named Jack; he was hunting with the South Shropshire and, although not owned by the Hunt, he had been tested by Jack Grandfield who was the Whipper-In during Autumn Hunting, and had been Intermediate team chased by his girlfriend, Pam, who was the horse’s owner. After initial background research, Jack was collected from Eaton Mascot Estate and brought to the Taunton Vale Kennels for a week, to be put through his paces.

He was hacked out, hunted, taken to Jeremy Minchin’s manege to be jumped, and passed his test with flying colours. Most importantly, Jack proved to be solid with hounds and is fantastic across country, as he is

DAN’S FAVOURITE, JOEY

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an exceptional jumper. He is very keen and capable over natural Taunton Vale hedges, as well as careful over uprights, easily popping 1.35m show jumping.

He is also a gentleman to manage in the kennels.

Jack flew through his vetting and, after a price negotiation, the Hunt was able to get him for a bargain price so he never returned to Easton Mascot and is now proudly owned by the Taunton Vale Foxhounds. He is a super hardy type with a powerful engine to see him through many days to come with the Taunton Vale, alongside Stan the Man and Joey.

- Sara Cork

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S T R A I GH T F RO M T H E V E T. . .

Resident hunt vet Dominic Schneiders, who has sadly (for us) just retired, advices us on the effects of equine welfare during lockdown

From a veterinary point of view, you will not be able to fortunate position where looking after the access any routine vet work for your horses, such as routine horse involves glancing out of the kitchen dentals, vettings or 6 monthly ‘flu top-ups. However, the window to check that they are still there, munching vets are still open 24/7 to provide emergency treatment for on some spring grass and getting fat. Indeed, even more serious problems. We all know that horses can still under lockdown, some of us may be in exactly that get into trouble even when they are not doing anything. If position with no outward change to the normal you think you need your vet then do contact them. Initially there will be a phone/video regime. consultation to assess However, whether the condition can Covid-19 and the be treated remotely without lockdown does affect the need for a visit. You how we can care for our may be able to collect some equine charges. At the drugs from the surgery. If time of writing, we are all it is decided that a visit for a under some pretty strict hands-on examination and rules which impinge on treatment is required then a all our activities. Many written risk assessment will hunting folk would be done in advance and you continue to ride and will be given instructions compete through the on how to proceed. Only summer but all BE and one person should be with Riding Club events are the horse and distancing off at least until 30th protocols must be followed.

June 2020. Providing It may be that the vet will proper care for horses bring another member of has become more staff and they will deal with The late Fizz, enjoying a holiday after the season had finished complicated, especially the horse without you being if they are in livery away from close by.

If you or any member of your household are home. Government guidelines highlight that we should showing signs of Covid-19 infection then you must tell not do any activities that are likely to place extra strain on your vet in advance.

As I write, the guidelines on provision NHS emergency departments, which would include pretty of important preventative care are being relaxed a bit, so much everything related to sitting on a horse. you may be able to have your urgent annual boosters done.

Nevertheless, all our four-legged friends need In any event, it appears that bodies such as BE and the proper care and maintenance, even if nearly all are on BHS will be taking a more forgiving view on vaccination sabbatical. Generally, only one person should be involved with the care. Social distancing rules should be strictly records that got out of sync during this lockdown period.

My parting advice during this period of enforced observed, for example in livery yard situations. For inactivity is: “don’t let them get too fat!” Perhaps we should example, if you have the farrier coming, don’t spend an all remember that so that we are prepared to get back in hour chatting over coffee and cookies like you normally the saddle, ready for autumn hunting. do – just tie up the horse and leave him to do his work Dominic Schneiders. remotely. He will be following his own guidance from the T THIS TIME OF YEAR MANY OF US ARE IN THE

A

Worshipful Company of Farriers.

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OLIVIA ENJOYING HOUND EXERCISE

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OUR

TREASURER WITH A SEASON UNDER HIS BELT ALREADY, Ashley Burson tells us about his background and gives us an insight as to why he is such a great addition to the team!

H

I,

I’M

ASHLEY,

this is my second season as Treasurer for the Taunton Vale. I’m a Project Manager for South West Water and live near Exeter with my wife Tess and our little boy Jack.

I gained an interest in hunting from being around friends at school, Brymore in Somerset and at Hartpury College.

I’ve been hunting since I was 20 and first became serious about following hounds when I was at Cheltenham Racecourse working as a groundsman and I managed to borrow an Ex-Racer “Neptune’ to take to local meets on Saturdays.

Over the coming years I’d spend time hunting locally with the Cotswold

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and heading home to Devon in the holidays where I would head to my local pack, the Torrington Farmers, to help in Kennels.

I’d always try to follow hounds on horse or foot whenever I could until we moved to Australia. Both Tess and I had a break from horses but when we moved back to the UK in 2017 the first thing I wanted to do was find a horse and go hunting, so I did!

their red coats flying over the Taunton Vale hedges, I knew I had to go!

I dashed off to the VWH and Bicester for days when I was able to escape London. Once we had decided to settle back in Devon, I put the word out that I was on the lookout for a new horse. Charlotte Rowe found us Sansa, I contacted Ellie Wass and we moved to her Upton Pyne livery yard. Ellie had told me stories of the ‘Vale’ and after seeing Sara’s videos of Masters in

Opening Meet came around and I turned up to the warmest of welcomes; Hedley, Mark and Matt all came up to me and said hello. I couldn’t believe three Masters had introduced themselves and had come to talk to me, for me this is the core of the Taunton Vale Foxhounds, anyone is welcome and encouraged to get in the mix.

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ABOVE: Beaufort Team Chase ‘19

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Leaving the meet I was asked by Dom AlersHankey if I’d done much hedge hopping, to which I replied I hadn’t at this point, he just turned to me and said “just ride it like you stole it!” So, I did.

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I managed to get to several days in the vale and thoroughly enjoyed them all, hounds worked well, with lots of jumping, a few nips of port and the odd piece of specific general knowledge imparted by Tony Berry MFH I was hooked!

So come the end of the season with ‘Jezza’ stepping into his red coat, I thought it’s high time I should try and give something back to the sport I enjoy so much. My grandfather always said “You only get out of life, what you are willing to put in” so I thought I’d put my hat in the ring to become a hunt officer. Living out of the country and being treasurer is something you can do mostly from a laptop; I find it helps me keep in touch with what’s going on at the hunt and with my background I thought I could introduce a little less paperwork and add the odd app to make life easier in the job.

I enjoy many aspects of being involved with the TVFH, I look forward to the future and smile thinking back of the fun we have had.

I hope to see you all soon and I remain optimistic that we will be in full swing for the start of the 20/21 season.

Stay Safe, Ashley Burson

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BELOW: Meare Green carnage

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PHOTOGRAPHER GEORGINA PRESTON

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ENTREPREN If you have hunted in the Vale country, you are likely to have had the good fortune of crosseing Meare Court Farm. If you are even luckier, you may have ended up in its Cider Shed, for a post hunting tipple...

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NEURIAL

IN 1850, SAMUEL KEKEWICH, TORY M.P. FOR SOUTH DEVON, MADE THIS STATEMENT:

n the heart of the Taunton Vale, you’ll find a magical little den surrounded by acres of farm land and in that little den you’ll find a master cider maker, crafting traditional Somerset cider.

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FROM THE BEGINNING, THE STORY BEHIND BRAY’S CIDER...

SUBSCRIBERS

In 1918 Abraham Bray, a Devon farmer, made his own cider, from his own orchard, for his own farm workers in order to top up their weekly wages. This was a common method of payment for farm workers at this time.

Abraham made his cider using a traditional rack and cloth method. This consisted of the apple pomace (pulp) being formed into cheeses (layers of pomace folded into cloths with wooden racks in between each cloth), which was pressed to squeeze out the apple juice. The juice was then stored in oak barrels for around seven months until the fermentation process had finished producing cider.

‘Cider is the most wholesome beverage that a labourer can use… The labourer born in this county and used to cider from his earliest years will not drink beer.

Indeed, it makes them heavy, sleepy and stupid, whereas cider has a contrary effect. … It is quite true that they often drink too much, but that is not the fault of the farmer, but of the men, who will not work in mowing, reaping or turnip hoeing, unless they have as much as they like to ask for.

As to the payment of wages in cider, you are mistaken in thinking that the farmers insist on this to get rid of their bad cider. The labourers will not have it … It is a mistake to suppose that if the labourer were paid 10s instead of 8s 6d in money and 1s 6d in cider, that the 1s 6d would go in bread and meat. If he was deprived of cider during the hours of labour when he requires it, he would go to the cider shop, one of the worst places of resort, where all the worst people congregate. …

I make no cider, and do not purchase it for my labourers, and therefore I give my labourers 11s per week, but I am sure they would prefer cider.’

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A

s time progressed this method of payment became less acceptable to farm workers. In addition, due to the fact that they were required to use more machinery than previously, laws were brought in preventing workers from being paid in cider.

In 1949 one of the next generation of Brays, Geoffrey Bray, had taken over the cider making process, using mixed variety apples and using the same rack and cloth methods. However, due to the lack of demand for his workers to be paid in cider, he sold his delectable home produce to the local pubs in Devon.

As the Brays left Devon for Somerset, milking cows took over from cider production. It wasn’t until 2005, when Adam Bray decided to revive the cider heritage of his Grandfather and Great Grandfather by reinstating his own ‘Cider Shed’ as a memorial to them, that cider started to be produced by the Bray family again. Over time equipment was acquired and friends gathered in order to bring back to life the traditional cider making process.

In the months of October

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and November Adam and friends gathered to make their own cider in the same traditional way. Over the years they collected quantities of apples from numerous orchards and made many gallons of cider.

It came to the point, in 2012, that it was apparent that they had more cider than they could drink on their own.

Being in the perfect location for passing trade on the A358, the busiest road in Somerset - and it being June, the start of the festival season, what better time to erect some cider signs and start selling some proper cider?

As the cider sold out, an increase in production was required. In order to meet demand

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new equipment was necessary (when we say new we mean a 60 year old press instead of a 200 hundred year old one) and a larger premises was required (still on the farm just a bigger shed). The quantity of apple juice that we were pressing in a week we can now press in just two hours - with the help of hydraulics instead of muscle power.

Mark Drew and Adam

Nonetheless, we are still using the same traditional rack and cloth principles, storage and fermenting processes.

Having perfected the flavour and blend of our dry and sweet farmhouse cider, we moved to create a sparkling cider to appeal to a wider market thereby helping to grow our brand throughout the UK. We now have an online shop, as well as a cider shop on the farm. We hope in the future to reach pubs and festivals with our proper Somerset cider.

“

Our cider is made with a 100% apple juice as naturally and traditionally as possible. Our aim is to keep the traditional art of cider making alive, we make our cider with friends and encourage everyone to be part of and understand the art of an age old tradition.

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�

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Joe Bartlett on the elevator, Gary Turner, Stuart Blake and Adam below

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PR E H UN T I NG COUR SE Caroline Lowes gives us a recap of the pre hunting course held at Pontispool Equine Sports Centre, Thursday 17th October

T

HIRTY HORSES AND RIDERS ARRIVED AT

Pontispool from all over the southwest for a day of hunting education and fun. Three had never hunted before, some for a few years, some for most of their lives.

We divided into six groups for cross country training with three excellent instructors: Andrew Lovell for the “careful”/ inexperienced/rusty or new combinations of horse and rider; Mary Baillie for the “improvers”/ more experienced/medium level combinations; Chris Johnson for the “wilder”/experienced

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combinations. Without exception, we all had a very happy time around Pontispool’s wide variety of fences.

The other half of the morning was spent with Leonie Middle, Critical Care Paramedic from the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, who gave us some background as to how the Air Ambulance works, and what we should do to help the casualty while we wait for the helicopter to arrive. A cheque for £555, from a sponsored Bike Ride in July, was presented to the Air Ambulance and another £250 was collected after her talk.

We had a delicious homemade lunch (lasagne or hunter’s chicken!) and Will Bryer MFH, who hunts the Cattistock, gave us some tips on what to do out hunting to keep the

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huntsman happy. This was an interesting talk with the emphasis on hunting in the modern environment, taking pride in the community spirit we engender, reminding us to be considerate and polite, not only to hunt followers both on foot and mounted, but particularly to the general public.

Well fed and with eager anticipation, we tacked up our horses for the afternoon “jolly”.

Mark Heuff MFH led the fast and wild mock hunt over some good hedges, with quite a few quietly downsizing to join David Lowes leading the gentler charge across hunt jumps and smaller hedges.

Not everybody jumped everything, but we all stuck together and had an exhilarating afternoon. Many smiling, mud spattered faces were seen later for tea in the canteen, scoffing completely delicious homemade cakes.

Special thanks go to Richard Mitford Slade, a former Master of the Taunton Vale, for allowing us to use Pontispool and to Cat Down for providing an excellent photographic record.

It was lovely to receive some emails after the day from people expressing how much they had enjoyed it.

“Thank you for an amazing day. I really enjoyed the format, learnt a lot, got my jumping mojo back and met or reconnected with lovely people. I think it was a showcase of TVFH friendliness, professionalism and fun; I hope you feel very proud of the success of the day.”

“I just wanted to say what a fabulous day we had today! Such a great format and Chris is a brilliant instructor.

Everyone was so friendly and it was just the best fun!”

“Thank you for organising a fabulous day today. I thoroughly enjoyed the xc training with Andrew, he inspires such confidence.

The air ambulance talk was very interesting, the lunch was yummy and the hunting chase was also excellent (even though we were out of control). And then to finish with delicious cake was amazing.”

“Thank so much for the warm welcome extended to my Italian friend, and the help getting her a horse. She was thrilled with the experience and I think will try and hunt with you again. The rest of our Household Cavalry troop civi riders were also inspired after hearing from her this afternoon, so watch out for more London based ladies in 2020!”

“Would you please pass on my thanks to Mary for her instruction?

She was so clear, encouraging and supportive. It was hunting relevant jumping that led very nicely into the afternoon session.

Lastly I really enjoyed listening to Will and his direct, common sense approach to hunting life. It was an interesting thought provoking session.”

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THE

SEASON Page 82

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Tuesday 12th November

BUCKLAND HOUSE

PHOTOGRAPHER HELEN STONEMAN

BUCKLAND ST MARY

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JOINT MEET WITH THE EAST DEVON The York Inn, Churchstaunton Tuesday 7th January Not one of the better days of the season due to poor scent, fog and a lot road work however the meet was incredibly generous, our hounds tried very hard and the day was still enjoyed by all.

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PHOTOGRAPHER DOMI RICCI

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MENDIP JOINT MEET Friday 10th January, Manor Farm Hambridge A steady start but things soon picked up and the Mendip followers enjoyed turning their horses to hedges instead of walls for a day!

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PHOTOGRAPHER DOMI RICCI

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MENDIP JOINT MEET Mendip Farmers Kennels, Saturday 25th January Fantastic hospitality and a run straight from the meet, however soon fogged off and back to the kennels for an epic tea...

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ASHILL INN Ashill Friday 7th February

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A run around

BEERCROC OMB E Manor Farm, Curry Mallett

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MEARE GREEN FARM Stoke St Gregory Friday 6th December First run not ideal towards the railway...

Some crossed country more elegantly than others as demonstrated in Domi’s photographs which can all be viewed on her website: domiricciphotography.smugmug.com

A VISITOR FROM THE D&S DECIDES TO GO SWIMMING, FROM LILESDON, 3RD JANUARY

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JOINT MEET WITH TVH Pontispool, Norton Fitzwarren It was the Harriers’ turn to hunt around Pontispool this year. Good action shots as always from catdownphotogrpahy.co.uk

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PHOTOGRAPHER DOMI RICCI

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FO XY THE

FOXY BALL

9TH NOVEMBER WELLSPRINGS

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T

HE EVENING WAS A HUGE

success with a record number of people - 370 our best so far at Wellsprings, with some having had such fun that they were reluctant to leave at 3am!

This year, we hunted the day before the ball, so there were no desperate 5-minute transformations from Muddy Wurzel Gummidge to Ball-ready supermodels required, phew!

As guests arrived from far and wide, Foxy Ball habitués and newcomers alike, people appreciated the transformation from sweaty sports hall to atmospheric, glittering ball room! Walls and ceiling were swagged and lit with fairy lights.

The tables were decorated with fresh flowers from various people’s gardens, and candelabra.

The evening kicked off with lots of delicious cocktails, very kindly sponsored by David and Caroline Lowes, and within minutes there was the reassuring hubbub of people having a great time. The golden envelope raffle was soon underway, with our talented team of ticket sellers encouraging people to treat themselves to several at a time!

As you all know by now, the raffle not only gives people the chance to win a lovely prize, but also £500 cash in the draw later on in the evening.

A huge thank you, as always, goes to all the very generous businesses and individuals who donate prizes – we couldn’t do this event without you.

We managed to put together a table groaning with goodies such as a Griffin Nuumed sheepskin numnah, mucho champagne, a hand thrown Corinna Pyman bowl and the biggest Christmas cake we’d ever seen. A black market of swapsies always takes place as those without horses

exchange prizes with someone who does. It is said the same sometimes applies to the hair stylist appointment vouchers...we couldn’t possibly comment.

Guests were asked to take their seats for dinner, by Dan Hammett’s skilful horn blowing and what a fantastic 3 courses Food 4 You had laid on for us. It comprised a delicious Ham Hock and Pea terrine to start, and then sirloin of beef which was rare, tender and wonderful. Each plate hand carved

by Keith who told us he had to go home with his arm in a sling (370 portions !!). This was followed by a trio of mini puddings and cheese.

A

S PEOPLE WERE

finishing their food we got started with the auction for three rather special lots: a riding lesson with Mary King; a visit to Dan Skelton’s racing yard and Stalking in the Scottish Highlands, very generously donated by Justin Block. Our chairman Dominic Alers-Hankey and Jeremy Minchin MFH did a great job holding people’s attention with their customary banter and wit, to raise a very useful amount of money from the auction.

Things got even livelier after this when the brilliant i-Rock took to the stage for another year, filling the dance floor with people cutting loose and having a great time. They included newlyweds Laura and Martin Johnson who liked i-Rock so much from previous Foxy Balls, that they booked them for their wedding last July. And then, suddenly, it was 2 am and the night was at a close with people stumbling out to find their taxis.

Not everything went to plan - one couple had booked a hotel

2020 TAUNTON VALE FLYER

in North Petherton and got locked in at 4pm as the roads closed for the carnival and had to be rescued by some canny locals.

There was the delay to the £500 cash draw - ooh the suspense - because Nic ripped up the wrong section of the ticket book, The boys in blue offered one very wobbly chap a lift home so he didn’t have to wait for a taxi. There was also the usual lost property exercise the next day, as various men had stumbled off home with someone else’s DJ.

A huge thank you must go to our very supportive sponsors who were given good prominence with mentions in the speeches, as well as full recognition on the table menu cards and in the emails/social media in the run up to the evening.

As we write this, we would love to be able to share this year’s date with you; however for obvious reasons, that is currently not possible. Although we would love to hold a ball this November, we are also looking at options early next year. We will do our very best to hold one in the 20/21 season and will of course keep you informed as to when that might be. The ball is a great opportunity for businesses to connect with the rural community and for the Hunt to raise vital funds, so we do hope to see you all again at the next one (whenever that may be!)

Finally, thank you to the small but efficient committee and their enormous efforts – Katy and Julia, with Nic on ticket sales.

HERE’S TO THE NEXT ONE!

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add broken wychanger logo

!

H T O O B O T O PH

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VALETING Our hunt staff are as diligent and professional with their turn out as they are their performance. Their outstanding presentation will not have gone unnoticed... We’ve been lucky enough to get a glimpse into the tips and tricks that go on behind the scenes...

BOOT CLEANING STEPS

1. Wash boots in warm soapy water immediately after hunting and towel dry 2. Wait 12 hours for leather to dry out thoroughly 3. Apply a thick first layer of polish (Kiwi Parade Gloss) 4. Using a Red Deer Shin bone, remove any scratches by boning the boots (if reverse calf leather) 5. Apply a thin second layer of polish (repeat boning as required) 6. Buff polish off boots using polish buffing brush 7. Use ladies tights (any colour or denier just not fishnet stockings!) to apply shine to your boots. Just make sure to use your wife’s and not your mistress’!

TIPS

Polishing, boning and buffing of boots should take at least a couple of hours Avoid going through hedges and brambles when wearing your leather boots to minimise scratches. But don’t let that be an excuse not to offer to open gates or hold your hunstmans horse...

Store boots in a warm, dry room If you don’t want to spend hours and hours polishing boots then buy rubber boots! Or box calf leather is less labour intensive but not as smart!

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SERVICE WITH A SMILE...

COATS 1. Clean coat with warm water to remove dirt immediately after hunting 2. Wait 12 hours for coat to dry out thoroughly 3. Use a soft dry brush (horse body brush) to clean jacket 4. Use button key and Brasso to polish brass buttons (Hunt Staff and Masters) 5. Store coat in bag to keep clean and dust free between uses

HUNT WHIPS: Use pressure washer / steam cleaner to clean whip and lash and then polish silver whip collar with Brasso GARTER STRAPS: For white garter straps (Hunt Staff and Masters), once cleaned and dry, apply Kiwi Whitener (white trainer paint).

PATEY: 1. When hat is dry brush dirt and mud off with soft brush (horse body brush) 2. Steam using kettle 3. Brush again with clean soft brush

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HUNTING HORN: Polish after each use with Brasso

DID YOU KNOW..?

Traditionally ‘Brown Top’ boots were only worn by wealthy gentleman who would turn down these three quarter length leather boots during hot weather to reveal the inside brown leather which would signify that they were wealthy.

Maybe that’s why girls like men in top boots..

DEER BONE Used for ironing out blemishes in reverse calf leather

The huntsman and his whip would like to advise readers of the Flyer that they are not available for valeting hire but are willing to give advice freely...

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PHOTOGRAPHER KATY BERRY

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HOUND EXERCISE North Curry Drove, May ‘20

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Banish

Bangle

Boswell

Bonnet

Comment

Gradfly

Gamble

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Cowslip

Bantam

Bunting

Drinker

Galway

Garnet

Gambit

Garter

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Goosebump

Gaslight

HOUND

Graceful

Gracie

SPONSORSHIP

Graceland Gracious

Gradual

W

e will be running the ‘Sponsor a Hound’ event again this year, and hope it will be as well supported as usual despite the inability to showcase the display at the Puppy Show. It is a great opportunity to get more involved with the hounds and how they are hunting, as, without them, we wouldn’t be doing anything, and I’m sure a lot of you can agree they often go without the attention and credit they deserve. By sponsoring a hound you will be contributing to essential costs such as wormers, jabs and micro-chips.

At the end of each month during the hunting season there will be a small prize for the sponsor of ‘Hound of the Month’. Then, at the end of the season, there will be 4 main prizes for sponsor of ‘Best Doghound’, ‘ Best Bitch’, ‘Best Entry Dog’ and ‘Best Entry Bitch’.

We really hope people are keen to get more involved with the welfare and progress of the hounds - they are definitely worth it!

Hounds will be available for sponsoring on a “first come first served” basis at a cost of £20 per hound for the year or two for £30.

Pictures will also be displayed and updated daily (marked as sold) on the website: H T T P S : / / W W W. TAU N TON VA L E F OX HOU N D S . C O. U K / HOUND-SPONSORSHIP-2020 ...so please check your desired hound is available before you make a purchase.

To reserve a hound, please contact: katyberry@hotmail.co.uk Payment details: Acc: 78097444 Sort Code: 60-03-27 (please reference your name).

Grady

PHOTOS & TEXT BY KATY BERRY

Graffham

Grafton

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Grammar

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Granary

Granger

Grapevine

Granny

Grappler

Grapeshot

Graylag

Gravity

Gravy Greedy

Greensleeve

Grayling Greeting

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Greenwich

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Greenwich

Groovy

Grumpy

Holiday

Homer

Honey

Hornet

Hotpot

Music

Raincoat

Raincoat

Razzledazzle

Rapid Russet Sapphire

Rumpus

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Social

Sergeant

Sultry

Stencil

Startle

Subtle

NOW YOU CAN LEARN THE PACK REMOTELY...`

Stormy

19/20 SEASON RESULTS MONTH

HOUND

SPONSOR

November

Homer

Seth Aston

December

Graceful

Eric Uphill

January

Stormy

Jess North

February

Sergeant

Sara Cork

BEST OVERALL DOG

Grappler

Huw Williams

BEST OVERALL BITCH

Garter

Valerie Kemp

BEST OVERALL NEW ENTRY DOG

Greenwich

Val Yewbury

BEST OVERALL NEW ENTRY BITCH

Greensleeve

Wilf Alers- Hankey

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CLAY SHO OT

Winning team, the “Hodgkins Helmets”

T

wenty three teams competed in the TVFH Clay Shoot at Broomfield on Sunday 13th October with guns coming from Sussex, London and Bude.

Teams faced 3 flushes of 50 overhead birds each. With clays being flung from high powered automatic GDK commercial traps, the shooting was deemed to be testing.

Winner of the Team Shoot was local Team “Hodgkin’s Helmets” comprising Skipper Pip Hodgkin, Martin Venner, Rob Small and Nick Pardoe.

The ‘Helmets’ achieved a combined score of 81 / 150 – just nosing in front of ‘The Smashers’ and ‘Smack a Rat’, both scoring 76.

The Pairs competition was won by Messrs Tucker and Galliver – scoring 7 / 10 from 13 shots!

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F R OM T H E F I E L D

Jess North

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Claire Alers-Hankey

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HUNT SUPPORTERS CLUB

F

irst of all, thank you to all those who give £10 a year to support the hunt. This is invaluable and enables us to contribute towards the running of the Hunt. It is thanks to your support that we have, in the past, purchased a new quad bike, equipment and clothing for Hunt Staff, equipment for the Kennels, refurbishment of the Kennels including a horse walker, lawn mower and much more. As you can see, your support is huge and again thank you to all those who subscribe to the Supporters Club.

We hold a number of fundraising events.

The summer really kicks off with the Puppy Show and in 2019 Guy Landau, retiring master, was presented with a beautiful pair of prints and was thanked for his wonderful work with hounds and the Kennels.

Dominic Schneiders organised a brilliant sponsored bicycle ride with half the proceeds going to the Air Ambulance. The participants rode the boundaries of the entire Taunton Vale Foxhounds country (some did – some didn’t, even with the help of an electric bicycle!). Saturday July 6th 2019 blessed us with warm sunshine for the new running of the bike ride. This was a chance for many TV supporters to show their prowess on two wheels instead of four hooves. Along with a good number of non-hunting cyclists, the participants had the opportunity to ride around twelve pubs in TVH country that had hosted meets in the past. Refreshment stops were located around the near 50 mile route which started and finished at our kind hosts, the Minchins at Swallows Barn. Many completed the whole route with its 4000 feet of climbing, others opted for half the loop and a few fell by the wayside (got stuck in a pub).

Those that got back to base enjoyed a well-deserved BBQ and a drink. The event was organised by Dominic Schneiders and many thanks must go out to the dozens of helpers: refreshment providers, cake bakers, scribes, BBQ’ers and our hosts. The ride raised well over

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£1000 and a cheque for £555 was presented to the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance. Well done to all involved.

The Terrier, Lurcher and Family Dog Show is now a tremendously popular event held at Philip Bray’s lovely West Hatch Farm. We were blessed with the most gorgeous summer’s day and Sara Cork, Dan Hammett and Hilary North, amongst others, organised a fabulous family day out with championship classes, agility classes and fun classes like the dog with the most appealing eyes.

Thank you to all those sponsors involved.

Another event which seems to have become a very popular day out is the lunch in the hound car park at Honiton Show. Right in the midst of all the hounds there is a tremendous atmosphere.

Taunton Vale Foxhounds entries have done very well over recent years which creates lots of interest and a few youngsters from the hunt have had a go in the class for Junior Hound Handler.

Philip Bray hosted the Blackdown Fun Ride on his farm. He and Jeremy Minchin created a beautiful ride. The number of riders was unfortunately half that of previous years thanks to the weather being ghastly. Despite this, it was a good event.

Once the rain started in September it did not really stop until the Coronavirus pandemic started in March, and since then, we have had the most glorious weather. Even our Opening Meet at Jordans was wet but then we had a fantastic Christmas Lunch at the Hambridge and Westport Village Hall. Malcolm Hayes refereed the annual football match between Dan Hammett’s and Mark Heuff ’s teams, Gary Turner and his sous chefs cooked the most amazing Christmas lunch, Philip Bray was in charge of barbecuing seven turkeys which were delicious and Justin Stanhope-White was a brilliant after lunch speaker.

Now into 2020 and the hunting season ended successfully with hounds working well and Dan Hammett and Joe Emmett doing a wonderful job. Coronavirus has already made an impact on this year’s events. An End of Season Supper was due to take place at the end of February and, apart from missing out on a jolly evening, we would have been excited to premiere Richard Burgess’ film of the Hunt in 1975.

I can also report here that the Hunt’s last social event was fortunately held pre Corona on Saturday 15th February. It was not the best of evenings to venture out, with a particularly wet and stormy afternoon giving way to a still but flooded landscape in the Vale by nightfall. Fortunately, the attractions of an evening at Pontispool thanks to the generous hospitality of Lucy Fielding-Johnson and Ces Mitford Slade were sufficient to ensure a large crowd for the Auction of Promises, organised with much efficiency and a small amount of arm twisting by Dom and Claire Alers-Hankey with support from Katy Berry. Robert Venner of Greenslade Taylor Hunt was our

auctioneer and with the help of extensive and delicious refreshments provided under the watchful direction of Katy, keen bidding for the 50 lots was soon underway. With lots as varied as refreshments for man and beast (afternoon tea and 50 bales of hay respectively) and shooting at Boomer Farm or Sampford Moor, with holidays on land and sea and much more in between, we managed to raise a fantastic £25,000 on the night.

The auction climaxed in such fierce bidding for the day at Boomer Farm, that Tony Berry very generously offered another day as an extra lot. That too went for a very good price. Apart from being a really enjoyable evening, it was, thanks to the generosity of all those who gave lots and those who bought them, a really successful fundraising effort for the Hunt and, as it turned out, a last blast before Covid 19 struck.

Carolyn Heuff has kindly taken over the reins as merchandise “queen” for the hunt supporters. She has introduced a fantastic new range of quality clothing, as modelled here by Dan and Sara. Please contact her on carolynsheuff@gmail.com for more information.

As of 1st May our wonderful Chairman, Philip Bray, joins the Mastership of the Hunt and is standing down as Chairman of the Hunt Supporters Club. The Committee of the Hunt Supporters Club is delighted that Gary Turner has agreed to become Acting Chairman until the AGM. The date of the AGM is uncertain at present owing to the current lockdown position. The Committee is extremely grateful to Philip for his hard work, dedication and leadership but is delighted that he is joining the Mastership. Thank you so much Philip.

- Henrietta Sumption

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FROM GARY TURNER, ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE TAUNTON VALE FOXHOUNDS HUNT SUPPORTERS CLUB “I am delighted to be taking over from Philip as Acting Chairman of the HSC, until the AGM when I will put my name forward formally to become the new Chairman. I have been an avid follower of the hunt for many years and in recent years been involved with helping with the fund-raising events and cooking for these and the end of season and Christmas lunches.

Both of my children love to ride out with the hunt at any given opportunity, sometimes on a new ride for the first time, which can result in them joining the Mud Club. My youngest has also taken part at Honiton show last year showing the hounds.

I have worked in the water industry for over 20 years and now find myself working for Siemens as an account manager looking after the 2 water companies in the South West and also Welsh Water. This involves many hours behind the wheel visiting different sites in a very beautiful part of the country.

I hope to continue the great work Philip has achieved over the years and when life returns back to normal bring some new ideas to enable the hunt to continue and thrive.

I hope to see everyone as soon as possible, in the meantime stay safe and well.”

Best Regards, Gary Turner

Gary and his wife Louise

Annual Membership to the Hunt Supporters Club is just £10 due on 1st November. Your support is invaluable and we look forward to hearing from anyone wishing to become a member. You can help our administration by setting up a standing order.

NAME(S):

TO:

EMAIL:

BANK:

MOBILE:

BRANCH:

ADDRESS:

ACCOUNT NAME: ACCOUNT NUMBER: SORT CODE: ACCOUNT NAME

Please set up the following Standing Order and debit our account with the amount of £10 per person immediately and thereafter annually on 15th October until further Page notice.122

Taunton Foxhounds Hunt Supporters Club Natwest Bank - Account Number: 14056712 Sort code: 60 11 38

2020 TAUNTON Signed: VALE FLYER Date:

SPOT THE MARQUEE

AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE KENNELS

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SPOTTED! Hounds sunbathing at the kennels...

Jemima Baker doing her bit on Boxing Day Sophie Turner’s knee after a bash out hunting.. she was out again the following week!

Recognise these chaps?

That’s Dan and Joe in 2011...

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SPOTTED!

The hunt horses enjoying their holiday at Boomer Farm

It’s all too much for Wilf A-H

One of Jenny Freeman’s tumbling efforts

Hugh rips his trousers at the first sign of manual labour...!

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SPOTTED! A new coat of paint in the valeting room

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SPOTTED! Hound puppies and Olivia enjoying life..!

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hunt was well overdue a new snazzy website to bring NEW The us into the 21st century. This new design, as pictured is easy to maintain and upkeep, so reports on WEBSITE below, events are regularly added. It features a calendar with all the up and coming socials not to be missed, so be sure to take a look around at www.tauntonvalefoxhounds.co.uk

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PHOTOGRAPHER GEORGINA PRESTON

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THANKYOU I’d like to thank you for taking the time to flick (or click) through this digital edition of the Flyer.

Although I am saddened that due to the current circumstances it might not be able to be taken to print and immortalised on paper, I am grateful that via this online format, it might offer some entertainment in these strange times!

I must firstly thank Cat Down and Domi Ricci for their generosity in allowing me to use their photographs to embelish the Flyer. Secondly, I thank Sara Cork and Katy Berry for their considerable contributions and getting me up to speed on what has happened over the past year... and David and Caroline Lowes for the most painful part of the Flyer - proof reading...! The truth is, I slightly absconded from the Taunton Vale; I was barely seen this season...! However I have good reason; in June, just after the Puppy Show, I finished my degree, and, instead of doing the sensible thing of interning, or getting a ‘proper job’ in London (as pretty much everybody sensible in my life recommended), I decided to completely ignore them (I have form for that), and come up with a plan on a totally different tangent. I was desperate to have some fun and enjoy my newfound freedom, which entailed a rather vague idea that I wanted to mess around with horses and have an adventure.

After chatting to some Irish friends I had made at the Ledbury’s Golden Button Challenge in ‘18, I decided to relocate to Kildare in Ireland, to ride out for Jessica Harrington for a few weeks. I’d planned to return in September, but by August found myself working for a small dealers yard in Meath, riding all sorts of quality horses, going to sales such as Cavan and Goresbridge, and hunting with the Fingal Harriers and the Ward Union Stags. I was having such a great time that I didn’t come home until Christmas, bar one weekend for the unmissable Foxy Ball! I enjoyed a few Vale days, but was then tempted back across the water by New Years Day, to hunt groom for the Galway Blazers, and I sit writing this, still in the Kennels! I dragged my faithful horse Valentine (seen opposite) everywhere with me, so he has carried me over drains, Vale country and stone walls all within one season, which certainly marks him as versatile, even if he has given me a couple of nosejobs this season. I should be back by next season, if we’re ever allowed out of lockdown!

Thank you, Georgina Preston

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Caption Contest!

D E TA I L S Annual Publication Editor and photography: Georgina Preston Advertising rates for next printed edition; Half page - ÂŁ50 Full page - ÂŁ100 Contact: email - georgina@georginaprestonphotography.co.uk mobile - +44 7919 464753 Please get in touch if you have any suggestions or enquiries.

PHOTOGRAPHER GEORGINA PRESTON

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Official Magazine Taunton Vale Foxhounds www.tauntonvalefoxhounds.co.uk 2020 TAUNTON VALE FLYER