The Bilsdale Hunt

The Bilsdale Hunt Newsletter October 2009

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Master’s Report 2009/2010 Start of the Season

Well it’s that time again, the season of mellow fruitfulness!

After a summer that was drier than last year, but sadly for our farmers, still fairly wet, we are ready to start hunting. Your hounds have summered well and the new entry have come on and are ready to go. The whelps are substantially sized and getting rowdy as all the puppy walkers can attest. Many thanks to Frank and Maureen Wood who whelped our two bitches, Crimson and Cinder and who have spent many hours finding puppy walkers and helping bring them on. Many thanks to our puppy walkers Eric and Kath Brannen, Katie Dalby, Claire Metcalfe, Jackie Crofter Harris, Frank and Maureen Wood, Des and Lynne Clarke, James and Jessica Dennis and Sarah Rynar who have done a marvellous job and who will no doubt be looking forward to their charges returning to kennels and seeing them win next year’s puppy show. Staff wise, you were aware that Ben Rheinberg, our second whipper- in left for pastures new at the York South. Steve Wood from Knayton has ably taken over and has been at kennels with David since April and you will be seeing him out with us this season. He has been helped during the summer by Des Clarke, Stuart Allen and Eric Brannen who are now experts at riding a bike with a hunting whip tangled in the wheels!

You will have received a meet card with this newsletter which has both old and new meets on it. The general standard of meets last year was incredibly high and I hope that we can continue in the same vein. The opening meet is at Ravensthorpe on November 7th to which you are all cordially invited to kick off the season in style.

We have attempted to reduce the amount of pure forestry days by opening up new areas and combining field/moor with forestry to provide more interest for the field. Large tracts of forestry have indeed been felled in Boltby and Silton and are due to come down at Southwoods which will make for better hunting.

The hunting ban is still in force despite the comment from the police that they will not look to enforce the unenforceable and I need to remind you that we will be hunting within the law as usual. Trails will be laid and we will endeavour to follow them to our best ability.

However, we have an opportunity as hunting folk to hit back at this partisan government and remove them at the ballot box next May/June. David Cameron has personally and publicly promised to provide government time in the first session of a new Parliament to debate the repeal of the hunting act. We, along with other hunts across the UK, have committed to help Conservative candidates win marginal seats in return for their positive vote to repeal the act. We have pledged to help James Wharton win Stockton South from Labour. What does it take to achieve this……just turning up 2 or 3 times before June to either distribute leaflets or stuff envelopes. Our designated area is Ingleby Barwick, so we don’t even have to brave the further parts of Stockton!

It is vital that we all take part in this activity. Indeed anyone who calls themselves a hunting man or woman who doesn’t get involved in this simple activity, seriously risks having no meaningful credibility with this or any other hunt.

Please contact Michael Akester today on 01642 712825 to pledge your support.

I would like to formally welcome two new Hunt Officers, Jane Wood who becomes our Secretary and Craig Scott our new treasurer. They are both well known to us and I am sure will do an excellent job. I would remind you all that it is your responsibility to seek out and pay field caps to the Secretary or Treasurer on the day and to ask the Secretary beforehand if it is suitable to bring visitors out. These small courtesies will make their job so much easier. Jane is the first point of contact regarding bad weather cancellations or information on boxing up and she can be contacted on 01845 537025. She will be running a text/email cancellation/postponement service so please contact her with your mobile number and email address if you want to be kept in the loop.

Subscriptions for the new season start on May 1st despite most people’s idea of paying before the Opening Meet! Please contact Craig on 01845 537126 or craig.scott@corusgroup.com if you still need to adjust your standing order or give him a cheque. Before moving on I must thank Catherine Windross and Michael Heywood for their past roles as Hunt Officers. They have both been excellent and have served the hunt superbly. Thank you both for doing your bit!

Penultimately a word about the current split with the Farmers. Our hunt country is too small to be hunted by two packs. It causes problems with landowners and farmers and restricts the country available to both fields. As subscribers and supporters of the oldest foxhunt in England we are all duty bound to put aside personal feelings and to try to re-unify the hunt. There is no legitimate reason for either party to continue this split and your committee have made it clear, as have subscribers at the AGM that they wish to see the hunt unify. To that end I have received a letter from 9 principal landowners (accounting for 90% of our hunting country) stating their view that there should be a unification and making provision for only one pack to hunt over their land this season and in the future. The letter is attached and I would encourage you to pass it on to others in the community so that they can see for themselves what the landowners are trying to achieve. This means that in order to continue to hunt our country we must unify. This is not just the Farmer’s problem it is ours as well. We must therefore make them welcome to hunt with us on every hunting day and indeed encourage them to do so. It may mean in the future a new committee and new officers. It will probably mean new kennels in country and new hunt staff. These are all exciting possibilities that will provide access to more country, better sport, more fun and the renewal of old friendships.

Finally as ever many thanks to our farmers, landowners, game keepers and shoot captain’s, without whose generosity we would not be able to hunt.

I wish you all an excellent new season.

Nigel Clack MFH

A Message from the Hunt Chairman

Dear Supporters,

Not withstanding the anticipation of an exciting new season (and hopefully the last when we have to skirt round the ramifications of the ‘Hunt Ban’) it falls on me to be a bit boring on two counts.

1) You will I hope be aware that all hunting folk have been asked to rally round a political cause. This goes much against the grain – ‘hunting is apolitical you say!’ Well so it should be but unfortunately in 2004 the Labour Government brought in the Hunting Act. From that moment until all the iniquities of the Act can be repealed we are up to our necks in legal niceties. Mr. William Hague promised the delegates at the recent Masters’ conference that the Conservative Party will put in their manifesto for the forthcoming election (which has to be held no later than May 2010) the repeal of this Act. So far as I am aware no other party is making such a commitment. It follows therefore that they are the party that have an overwhelming claim for our support. There are, I know, hunting enthusiasts who lean toward other parties – they are in a difficult position. All I can suggest is that if they feel they must stand by their other convictions then they are duty bound to try to demonstrate to their friends the error of their judgement regarding hunting. Baroness Mallalieu and Kate Hooey are shining examples in this respect.

For all hunt enthusiasts those who have no problem voting Conservative, who are wavering voters or who are disillusioned with politicians in general I urge you on this occasion to vote for them and for hunting! It is vital that the Conservatives get a good working majority so that the repeal can have a smooth ride. Any alternative (hung parliament etc) is likely to have a devastating effect – if this opportunity is lost then the repeal could be years away.

What else can you do? I am our Hunt’s coordinator for the Vote OK Campaign which is committed to winning marginal seats for the Conservatives – the response I have been getting from our members could have been better to date – but it is not too late - please contact me with your offers of help. (tel. 01642 712825 – e-mail michael.akester@tiscali.co.uk).

A reminder of what it’s all about for Vote-OK

Conservatives go into this Election from an historically weak starting point

Conservatives need the biggest swing from Labour to the Conservatives that has ever been achieved in a normal election.

Conservatives need the highest number of gains that they have ever made in a normal election.

Because of the biased electoral system, Conservatives need a double-digit vote share lead for an overall majority.

Conservatives need to gain seats not just from Labour but from the Liberal Democrats.

If we can’t win many of these back, it will be very difficult to win an overall majority. 2) Regarding our Hunt Constitution.

The Hunt ran for many years with a very rudimentary Constitution which had very little bearing or influence on its affairs. In October 2003 it was considered necessary to bring in a more relevant version. A clause was written in to attempt to define who had voting rights. A very generous arrangement was made which amongst others gave the vote to all members of the Hunt Supporters Club. Up to that time HSC Members had not been called upon to pay any subscription at all but an item was introduced to require a sub of £10 per annum which was mainly to cover the cost of sending out newsletters. Unfortunately very soon afterwards an EGM was called for 13 October 2004 and voting was a key issue. A number of people were very bitter that the £10 voters were such a large number. A new Constitution based on a model from the MFHA was introduced. The voting rights were still a problem and a compromise definition was introduced whereby BHSC votes would be limited to ‘active members’. After further consideration the Committee earlier this year decided that this was still not satisfactory and the following proposal was put forward and adopted at the AGM on 10 June 2009

Non Mounted Subscribers – This is to be a new category of member with a minimum sub of £60 to have voting rights. To be called Members. The present voting rights of ‘active’ HSC member to be deleted from the constitution.

I do hope that supporters will understand the relevance of this. If there are those who feel they already make a significant contribution without being called upon to outlay the £60, the Treasurer will have discretion in the matter.

Mounted subscribers are also Members.

The other category of persons eligible to be Members are participating farmers and land-owners who are supportive of the Hunt. The Committee is required to prepare an official Membership list and needs to enlist the help of the current Master in compiling the list of this category. This is quite an onerous job for Nigel Clack and whilst a great number of our farmers and land-owners who are so generously disposed to us will self-evidently be included, there is always the possibility that someone may inadvertently be overlooked. Any farmer or land-owner who takes the initiative and contacts Nigel to make sure of their inclusion will be very much appreciated, therefore. His contact details are 07768 443050, 01845 537774.

Apologies again for having to be so ‘heavy’ with legal jargon.

Let us hope we have a fantastic season – this marvellous weather has given autumn hunting a great start – a very good omen!

Kindest regards

Mike Akester (Chairman)

BHSC Chairman’s Report

Pleasure ride 14th June 2009

Nic & Allison took charge for this event and what a great job they did! We have had numerous people passing comment on the fantastic route they planned, through some dramatic countryside; we didn’t attract huge numbers, as is the case in most of these events, other hunts and riding clubs all have similar days and competition is fierce! But a handsome profit was made, along with a really enjoyable day.

I would also like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Cornforth for the use of their land and for helping on the day!!

Hound & Terrier Show 02.08.2009,

As you may already know the Bilsdale Hunt hasn’t run a Hound show for some years, and it was a decision made by the hunt supporters, to start off the tradition again, incorporating a Hound & Terrier show. Frank Wood put his hand up for coordinating the event, taking the bull by the horns, he made a great job and the day was really enjoyable, although support for the event was a little thin on the ground! Nigel has advised that we need to have the date for our show moved to earlier in the year, i.e. before Yorkshire Show/Peterborough Show, as hunts are keen to practice before these events and not so keen after! I’m sure the event will go from strength to strength as the years go on.

I would also like to thank the sponsors of the event Frank Peckitt, John Brewster and Frank Wood.

Masters Summer Ball 29.08.2009

This event was again organised by Jane Clack, almost single handed this year and a great night was had by one and all. The evening managed to raise an incredible amount of money for the Hunt. One of the things that came to light, was the fact that a good number of new people supported the evening, and revenue was created from people outside the hunt. Not just relying on ye old faithful.

Jane informs me that some of the people that attended have already asked for tables at the Buckingham Ball, March 2010. Thank you Jane, I know you put an awful amount of work in this years Summer Ball.

Hunter Trial, Bishopton 13.09.2009

This was held by kind permission of Mr. & Mrs. E. Brannen, once again a huge thanks to Eric & Kath for the use of their land and facilities.

We were a little down on numbers from the spring hunter trial, but still managed to make a good profit, thanks to all the fence judges, time keepers and all other that helped organise the event

Newcomers Day:

One of the most enjoyable events this year! With a real old fashioned Bilsdale hunt feel to it. It was also really nice to see Hunt members out supporting the day. Claire Metcalf organised the event at Pallet Hill and what a great job she did, thank you Claire on behalf of the Hunt Supporters. Thanks also to the other people that helped to make the day a great success. I would also like to thank David Wood, Stuart Allan & Steve Wood for turning out with hounds.

David also gave the children a little display on how to dismount whilst on the move! Not sure this was 100% intentional, however I’m pleased to report, both horse and rider are fine.

BHSC BBQ

At a meeting of the BHSC it was decided that we purchase a gas BBQ, to allow us to do more of our own catering, this has now been done and the said device is now in action.

Looking forward to the start of the new season and urging members to support our Master and hunt staff.

Gary Howes

Chairman BHSC

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The Bilsdale Hunt Newsletter End of 2008/9 Season

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Well it’s over for most of you until November. Hopefully we will have seen a drier summer to help you relax before we see you all out for the Opening Meet on November 7th

Hunt staff will of course be hard at it over the summer. We have hounds to walk out and puppies to bring on for our Puppy show on June 21st. We are also showing at various places including Duncombe Park, Farndale, The Great Yorkshire and at The Scottish Hound show (in place of Lowther as it has been cancelled) and will no doubt be encouraged to go to some Lakeland, Dales and local shows. All the dates are in the What’s On Guide at the end of the newsletter if you would like to come and support us. We have further work to do with new whips now that Ben Rheinberg has decided to move on. Ben has done a great job for us and we wish him well in his new position at the Y&A South where he has gone to join Harry Stephenson.

Steve Wood from Knayton has expressed an interest in the job (you may have seen him getting orientated last season). He is being helped up to speed by Stuart and David and will be attending an MFHA course as well as walking out to get to know hound names and temperaments.

Stuart Allen has, as usual worked hard as 1st whip and has provided invaluable advice and assistance. You will be pleased to hear that he will continue to help us next season. No doubt you will see Stuart and Steve showing hounds over the summer.

A small change is that Eric Brannen has agreed to step up as a Fieldmaster. He will be working along with Keith Balbach and Anne Goodall (now her knee is on the mend) and I’m sure Nicola Wilson will also be helping out.

Our first litter has provided 6 healthy pups, kindly whelped for us by Frank and Maureen Wood up at Boltby. They are out of Cinder (one of the black and whites), by Cricketer. Frank and Maureen have also whelped Crimson who was put to Conrad and has produced an astonishing 11 pups in her first ever litter! If you would like to help out by walking pups please contact me.

Conrad and Cinder can trace their Bilsdale history at least back to Cargo (78) and beyond and represent the old Bilsdale line. Conrad undoubtedly has the best nose in the current pack and is remarkably resilient having only missed one or two day’s this season despite his age and we are hoping to literally reproduce these excellent hunting characteristics. Next season we will probably need to add some new blood and I will keep you posted as to where we go for it.

This has been David Wood’s first season as huntsman and I hope you will all join me in thanking him for the excellent sport he has provided. The hounds are undoubtedly happy and well and David has managed to provide good sport even on poor scenting days.

His job was made more difficult as autumn hunting was pushed back by the poor weather in September and by the snow and frost in January. We only lost 3 days totally, going on foot on 6 separate occasions and having good sport when we did. David has been ably assisted by Des Clarke who has worked tirelessly both at kennels and in the country and has helped considerably in making this a good first season. As usual Col Richardson has put in lots of unseen work.

Our friends at the Hurworth Kennels, Joe and Evelyn, must also be thanked for looking after hounds. Keeping them fit and well and providing advice when necessary.

We have been out on 48 separate occasions and have been lucky enough to have visited some parts of the country that have not been so familiar latterly.

I can particularly remember good sporting days between Thirlby and Sutton and on the Upsall Estate well as good hunts from Hawnby and Tylas. We have revisited some of the moorland areas, without mishap to date, and hope to have access to more next season.

Many thanks to all our landowners, farmers and gamekeepers who have supported us and allowed us access to their land. Without you we do not have a hunt and we are all extremely grateful to you.

Also great thanks to all of you who have held a meet. There seemed to have been a competition to be the most generous! We have had some fabulous hospitality both from the local pubs and from our supporters.

I would encourage you to support those who have supported us, by using the local pubs and buying feed and fodder and other produce from companies and farmers who have supported us. Looking forward to next season it is my intention to maintain our programme of opening up our country. This will provide us with new places to hunt and also take pressure off some of our landowners and farmers who might sometimes feel they see us too much!

As part of this programme, and with the committee’s mandate, we will continue to build bridges with the Bilsdale Farmer’s with the hope that in the future we might all hunt together over more of the Bilsdale country.

I do recognise that some of you (both our subscribers and those of the Farmer’s), still feel very strongly about what happened, with both sides claiming wrong doing from the other. Not having been directly involved, it is easy for me to try to push forward with a reunification, but I would like you to know that I am not trying to run roughshod over anyone’s feelings. I am merely looking at the bigger picture and feel that no one person’s feelings are more important than 341 years of history and tradition.

On a lighter note we will need to put in more hunt jumps over the summer to provide better access. Volunteers are needed and Keith Balbach has volunteered to continue his good work organising this activity. We have identified various sites but if you have some input please get in touch with Keith or myself.

Once again the Point to Point was held successfully, this year with some new members of the team. So many of you were involved and I would like to thank you all for your commitment. Of particular note were Frank Wood as chairman, Mike Heywood as treasurer and secretary, Marcia Jackson on sponsorship and Anne Goodall who with her team produced some wonderful food. You may have noticed that we have tried to start a VIP area where companies can entertain their business clients and also contribute to hunt funds. This year we raised over £3000 from just two tables and we are hoping to expand this area to between 6 and 10 tables next year which will have a major impact on hunt funds.

You will no doubt read about the BHSC activities later in the newsletter. I would like to thank all of you who have given of your time to help Gary Howes make this one of the most profitable in the hunt’s history.

My personal favourites were the Knayton Supper, a great race night and a truly wonderful Buckingham Ball, thanks to all concerned!

Finally I would like to thank the committee and subscribers for their support in my first season. I am aware that I have made many mistakes and that there are areas that need to be worked on. I hope you are all aware that I have given my all and put in many hours of hard work. Next season should be easier and we will not be making the same mistakes again (just new ones!). But seriously without your support the job wouldn’t be worth doing and I can assure you that I am learning quickly from my peers and am fully committed to making 2009/10 a fabulous hunting season.

Kind regards

Nigel Clack MFH

A Message from the Hunt Chairman

Dear Member

At the recent meeting the Committee have honoured me by re-electing me Chairman. In doing so the Committee took into account the following:

As I did my best to do for the previous Master’s, I am now fully committed to supporting Nigel and his team who are re-elected for the forthcoming year. Their predecessors did great things for the Hunt and really raised its profile. Nigel and Woody have brought different experiences to bear on the situation – Nigel with his strong business acumen and Woody with his long knowledge of our country, are particular assets – combining all this means that the Hunt is all the stronger.

It is widely acknowledged that the keeping of our hounds at the Hurworth Kennels is working very well. It would however be a safeguard for the future if it were possible for us to find our own kennels which are independent of any reliance on other parties and I agree with the decision to explore the possibilities should an opportunity occur.

It was agreed at the AGM that we should continue to try to heal the rift resulting from the split in the Hunt. An awful lot of people have gone before us who would have liked to see it resolved – we owe it to them. Healing the rift is going to be the only way we can get all our country fully opened up. In this respect informal meetings have been held with the Bilsdale Farmers Hunt who have indicated that they also would like progress to be made. The following have emerged as key issues:

1) Keeping the hounds in country This could be solved as I outline above. A major hurdle would be the costs involved – whilst we have healthy financial reserves these would have to be supplemented – it would be wonderful if the BFH were able to contribute.

2) Our Hunt being registered with the MFH has considerably higher overheads than the BFH and hence our subscription and cap rates are much higher although I should point out much less than other adjacent hunts.

3) The BFH like to hunt on Sundays – our members are strongly against so doing.

I attended the Masters and Chairmen’s meeting of the MFHA last week when as I am sure you are aware William Hague promised that the Conservatives will be putting in their manifesto the Repeal of the Hunt Act and will be allocating Government time to the reading if they are elected. It is essential that they get a large working majority. In this respect the VOTE OK campaign is to run to target 150 marginal seats. I am determined that our Hunt will be active in this field and I propose to personally take control of our efforts – I do hope I can look to your support – it will be most satisfying to feel we have contributed to putting right some terrible injustices inflicted by the present Government

Kind regards

Mike

BHSC Chairman’s Report

One of our first events of the year was the “Race Night” at the Dog & Gun Knayton, kindly and well organised by Des & Lynne. The night ran very smoothly and as in the past was a great informal evening, giving members and friends alike chance to catch up and have a little fun, with a flutter or two.

The Buckingham Ball was again held at the Golden Lion Northallerton, "the evening was one of the best I’ve been to" and many people passed comments to the same effect. Jane Clack & Catherine Windross put together a tremendously interesting evening with games and challenges to keep us all entertained. The tickets were sold out within 2 days of going on sale and unfortunately left some of our friends without tickets, apologies here, but as usual the tickets are sold on a first come first served basis (with a signed cheque). This years summer ball is planned for August 29th, if you would like to secure your tickets, you will need to contact Jane or Catherine ASAP.

Thanks Ladies, please keep up the excellent work!

The Champagne breakfast/end of season meet at Mount St John was an interesting day. Firstly on behalf of the BHSC, I would like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Blundell, for the kind use of their facilities and time spent helping to plan the event, it was very much appreciated.

This year unfortunately we were unable to hold the gallop, as some of the boundary fences have been moved and a number of jumps are in need of repair, as such a decision was made to cancel for this year, however plans are in place to meet with Mr. Blundell and some hunt members, to carry out repair work over the summer months.

The breakfast was held in a barn this year as opposed to the marquee and was a great benefit to us. The breakfast was not the best, I must say, this may be down to the fact I negotiated the price down too far with the caterer and unfortunately "You gets what you pays for". The weather was against us too, but we still had some great support from surrounding hunts (Thank you all). We also had a nice guy that came all the way from Mid Lincolnshire, for a day out with the oldest fox hunt in the country.

Thanks to Jayne & Gabriella Howes for serving the Champagne, Des, Lynne & gang for organising the tables and chairs, Sue Cornforth & Michael Heywood for collecting the money and Morris for making sure the wagons & trailers were parked correctly. Incidentally I must say an extra thanks to Morris, as the weather was atrocious for much of the time he was overseeing the parking, but it didn’t put Morris off, he said whilst having his breakfast, "the water stops when it gets to your skin!"

The Hunter trial at Bishopton was a well supported day, many thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Brannen for the use of their fantastic course. It was also nice to see a good number of hunt members helping/supporting on the day, you all know who you are (too many to mention and I’m sure I’ll miss someone out) so many thanks to you all.

I know the "Point to Point" is not really supporters business, but I do feel I would like to mention work done on the day by one particular member, that I would consider to be above and beyond the call of duty, this person was one of the first people at the course in the morning and one of the last to leave (as usual) and never stopped in-between. Anne you are a dynamo!!

BHSC Meetings are still well supported (thank you all), for anyone that may be interested in coming along to get involved with some of the events, you will be made more than welcome. (Please give me a call for further info Tel 07979 534 555)

Forth coming events:

Pleasure ride 14th June 2009

Bilsdale Hounds at Great Yorkshire Show 15th July 2009

Puppy Show 21st June 2009

Bilsdale Hunt, Hound & Terrier Show 2nd August 2009

Finally on behalf of the BHSC I would like to thank and congratulate Nigel, David and the rest of the hunt staff for their hard work in providing what has been an excellent season’s sport for us all. (Thanks Guys) Keep up the good work.

Gary Howes

Chairman BHSC

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The Bilsdale Hunt Newsletter Christmas 2008

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Hello to you all.
Since October your hounds have been out hunting on some 22 separate occasions, and of course all hunting has taken place within the constraints imposed by the Hunting Act. We started Autumn hunting on September 28th after wet weather pushed harvesting back to extremely late or in some case non-existent. We are as usual immensely grateful to our farmers and landowners for allowing us access to their land particularly when the season has been so poor for them.

The young entry have established themselves well despite the obvious constraints of the law and have continued to learn both from David and the older hounds.
As you will be aware we have 7 couple of new hounds, 8 “B’s” out of our own Cinder (04) by Middleton Buzzard (98), and 6 “M’s” out of Delicate (03) by Quorn Mandate (04). They have progressed really well and have the makings of exceptional hunting hounds as well as doing well both in fox hound and hill hound showing classes.
All our hounds have done particularly well readjusting to hunting on the moors, learning to spread out draw rocks and gills by themselves.
We have 4 couple of whelps who are now back in kennels having been expertly walked by our puppy walkers. Many thanks to Claire and Sarah Metcalfe, Ben Rheinberg, Des and Lynne Clarke and Frank and Maureen Wood who have all worked exceptionally hard with them.
If you are interested in walking pups next year please speak to me.
You will of course be able to see the “new” young entry at the Puppy Show next year and also at our own Hound and Terrier show which we are hoping to re-establish in July. Once again if you are interested in helping with the organisation please make contact direct with me initially.

All the team have settled in to their new roles and seem to be enjoying themselves. David has been working extremely hard assisted by Stuart, Des and Ben at kennels, to bring the hounds on and establish good habits, ably assisted by Joe Townsend and his team. Hounds have been kept very fit and well, particularly given that kennel cough is around (You may remember that the committee decided to innoculate our pack)
We are now looking at next year’s breeding programme, particularly regarding maintaining old Bilsdale lines, and feel we may have enough in-house quality not to have to go elsewhere for stud hounds, but the jury is still out.

Regarding meets and the country covered, life has proved a little tougher. As you all know shooting is extremely popular in our country and we have been working hard building up relationships with the keepers, landowners and farmers locally. We are lucky that they are in the main very supportive and helpful and we have been able to open up areas of the country where we haven’t been for some time.

This has been done based on strict promises re no-go areas, no damage, and lots of trust. It is vital therefore that you all help to maintain that trust by closing gates, keeping to field margins, keeping off new seeds and listening carefully to the instructions from the fieldmaster on the day. All it takes is for someone on their way home to damage a field or ride through a cover crop or leave a gate open to ruin years of hard work. Please make sure you do your utmost to fully appreciate our landowners and their staff. It is their goodwill that allows us our sport.
That said we have had some superb meets and fabulous fields. Opening meet saw some 65 mounted and most Saturdays we have been nearer the 40 mark with Tuesdays being nearer 20. Incidentally if you haven’t tried a Tuesday meet do come out. Fewer folk and proximity to hounds and hunt staff means that you are more involved. In general we have hunted higher up which has been helpful to our farmers and landowners who have had wet fields. We have visited the east of our country more with meets at Hawnby, Chop Gate and Newgate bank top and have added some new meets at The Dog and Gun Knayton, Thimbleby Hall and Kepwick Hall. I hope that both mounted field and foot followers have had good days out but I am not the judge of that, you are!

Maintaining traditions and passing on hunting etiquette is important for all hunts. Our secretary has written a piece regarding this below and I would urge you to read it carefully. Little things like attending the meet with clean clothes and horses say a lot about you and the respect you have for the hunt. Plaiting can sometimes be difficult but dressing your horse or pony to look its best is something that the public expect of us and we should all aspire to. Please feel free to ask what is or isn’t the norm if you are new or have simply forgotten.

Enclosed with this newsletter is the meet card for 2009. As you can see we have a further mixture of old and new meets which I hope will enthuse you all and I hope they will encourage both current and old subscribers and supporters to come out.

Also attached is a list of key dates for 2009 including events like the Buckingham Ball, Champagne Breakfast, and the Point to Point. If you want tickets I would advise that you talk to the relevant co-ordinators and send off your reservation cheques to guarantee your seats. Please note that if you run a business and would prefer to purchase a “sponsorship” package through the business for any or all of the events you would in effect be getting a discount equivalent to the tax rate that you pay….not a bad way of saving some money! Do speak to Gary Howes or Michael Heywood about it and also about opportunities to entertain your customers at these events.

We have now established a new Point to point committee, chaired by Frank Wood, with Michael Heywood as treasurer/secretary and many new helpers who are more involved with pointing. Further information is provided in Michael Heywood’s messages below.

We would like to increase the total number of subscribers both mounted and on foot, and I would ask any of you reading this to consider becoming a “full” subscriber if you aren’t already.
As I have mentioned previously, we were out Autumn hunting on 10 occasions and will have been out a further 18 times by year end. With a further 25 meets scheduled in 2009, that makes some 53 separate occasions when your hounds will be out providing sport for you. I was reflecting that a full mounted subscriber who attends each meet would have only paid around £6 for each event. Where else could you get so much fun for so little cost ….. great value and great sport!
The chairman has some ideas regarding non-mounted subscribers which seem to make a lot of sense, which he has explained later in this newsletter.

Finally I would like you all to be aware of my feelings regarding the Bilsdale Farmers. We are all aware of past issues that have caused a split in the hunt. My fervent wish is that true hunt supporters on both sides of the past debate are strong enough to place the history of the hunt above their individual feelings and can come together to make the Bilsdale Hunt stronger and more successful. Old friends from the farmers need to be aware that they are more than welcome at our meets and I hope that we will make them welcome and feel able to visit their meets in the spirit of friendship that I hope will result in the past being laid aside and us making rapid progress to an amicable reconciliation.

I hope that you are enjoying your season, we certainly are. It only leaves me to wish you and your family a fabulous Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
My kindest regards,
Nigel Clack MFH

Some Messages from the Hunt Treasurer

Point To Point, Rising Sun Farm, Easingwold, 9th May, 2009

It's closer than you think! But first and foremost all the very best of Seasonal Greetings to you and especially to all those who every year continue to rally round and make our Point to Point a first class Meeting.

Although the Bilsdale Point to Point is near the end of the Yorkshire Area calendar it is time to be making ready. As we go out to seek support for our Meeting through sponsorship and advertising in the race card, might we ask you to exercise your imagination and suggest organisations or businesses who might benefit from making use of either advertising in the racecard or undertaking other promotional activities at or around the Meeting. Please contact Marcia Jackson or the undersigned.

Next may we confirm that this season Frank Wood returns to office as Chairman of the Point to Point Committee and it would be worthwhile thing to offer him your practical support in one of the many tasks that go into making for a successful day. The first big shout is for everyone to make the effort and turn out for brushcutting on 22 February 2009 - it can be quite a party!! Get in touch with Frank (01845 537646) and/or, if you can, watch the website.

Michael Heywood 07768 444 686

Hunting Repeal – the Countryside Alliance’s Hunting Campaign

In the event of a change of government at the next election, Mr. Cameron has given an undertaking to a free vote on overturning the hunting ban. There cannot be any true hunting person who believes the Hunting Act should stand. If anyone is in any doubt, they should have a five minute chat with those in the front line of hunting who take the full brunt of extremists, the consequent police attention and prosecutions. We may at the moment enjoy a sheltered position but we cannot ignore the responsibility we must share with our peers.

It is therefore necessary that we all consider our commitment to Repeal. The only organisation capable of undertaking the necessary work to achieve a successful result to a free vote is the Countryside Alliance. Therefore the Hunt Committee has decided that unless you notify a specific objection to the Hunt Secretary within 2 weeks of receiving this Newsletter, the Countryside Alliance will be asked to write to all our supporters, put the case for repeal and invite you to support the cause by subscribing to them. The Committee very much hopes to hear that your response has been positive.

Michael Heywood 07768 444 686

A Message from the Hunt Chairman

I am very pleased to advise you that at the Meeting held on 4 December the Committee was unanimous in expressing appreciation for the way our new Master, Nigel Clack, Huntsman, David Wood and their team are establishing themselves. They have been working very hard and very successfully at their tasks. Whilst obviously no one can be considered perfect as far as I am aware there have been no reservations from any quarter (significantly even my travelling rumour gatherer , my farrier, has nothing to contribute!)

It has been wonderful to find ourselves out hunting on some of our traditional country viz the moors again. Very heartening has been the sign that some key members of the Bilsdale Farmers Hunt have found themselves able to join us – these old friends are particularly welcome.

Our former Chairman Mr. Frank Wood spoke at the very happy Knayton Hunt Supper recently. During his very amusing speech when he recounted so many of the Bilsdale stories that are becoming almost folklore, he reminded us that he first joined the Hunt 51 years ago – it is so important that this wealth of experience is still fully ‘on board’.

The Hunt’s finances are as healthy as ever – my only concern is that although we have been collecting some very good caps this season the number of fully paid up members has so far shown signs of a small decline in number.– I believe one of the true strengths of a Hunt is judged by the length of it’s membership list ( I urge as many as possible of those ’10 day cap’ people and visitors to consider becoming full members – I am sure the Hon Treasurer will be happy to credit anyone so desiring with the amount they may have paid to date against a full subscription rate.) In the fullness of time I have in mind putting forward the suggestion that we should give better recognition to those unmounted supporters who would like to be considered full members by introducing a new subscription rate (a figure of £60 per annum has been mentioned) to cater for them. It would be helpful to the Committee if there be some feedback to this suggestion.

Let us hope the ground conditions thaw/dry up soon and that we will be able to have many happy outings over Christmas and in the New Year. On behalf of the Committee I take this opportunity to wish you and your family all the very best for the festive season and a peaceful New Year ( not to forget successful dealing with the credit crunch !)

Next Committee Meeting – Wednesday 14 January 2009 7.30pm at the kennels. Anyone wishing to have an item included on Agenda kindly advise Hon Sec Catherine Windross prior to the meeting.

Kind regards
Mike Akester

A Message from the Hunt Secretary

It has been a very dirty start to the season, however, I just wanted to remind you all that this doesn’t mean we have to turn up to the meet muddy. It is hunting etiquette to turn your horse out smartly, plaited if your horse is that type (mine isn't) and neat and clean yourself. Ladies should wear nets where necessary. It is also a sign of respect to your Master. It is worth mentioning this because we do have a lot of new friends in the Hunt who perhaps are not aware of the way we are expected to look at the meet. One other point that perhaps not all of you are aware, at the meet it is your job to find the Secretary (myself) or Treasurer (Michael Heywood) with your subs and not the other way round. So that is my shake up speech for this year!! Look forward to seeing many of you out over the Christmas Season. Best Wishes, Catherine Windross
Hunt Sec 01609 776462 or 07891 202 459

Hunt Supporters Chairman’s Report

The hunt supporters have not really seen a lot of activity over the past few months. I would like to reflect on a few past events, say a thank you or two and highlight some forthcoming events.

We held the Masters Ball at The Golden Lion Northallerton, which was a great success, Many thanks to Jane & Catherine for their work in organizing the event. It is proposed that we hold the Buckingham Ball at the same venue, Saturday March 7th 2009, people have already expressed an interest in tickets. If you would like to book yours, please contact Jane Clack or Catherine Windross. Tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis and will only be reserved with full payment.

The Hound exercise rides didn’t run as expected, my personal opinion is that we were too ambitious trying to hold three rides and were too late in the year! The rides also interfered with the training of the young hounds, what with the extremely wet autumn all seemed to be stacked against us, we did manage “in true Bilsdale spirit” to hold two rides, we made around £765.00 and collected two new members, so all was not in vain! Next year we will only have one or two rides and they will be held in September.

Friday 28th November was the Knayton supper, this year Col & Sheila made the decision to contract out the catering, which was a great success as the food was excellent and the whole evening ran very smoothly. Col organized Mr. Frank Wood as our guest speaker; Frank in my mind was extremely interesting, sharing some of his memories of hunting over the past fifty years or so, I could have listened to him all night.
For those of you that were at the supper, can anyone let me know how I can get my hands on some of those "wiser beans"

I really do think we should all give Col Richardson a huge pat on the back, for his continual work with the raffle, Alison Westwood asked me if I knew how much Col had raised to date this year and I had a rough guess at around £400 to £500, he has actually managed to raise £1,128.00 and still going strong. Many thanks to all that are regular contributors to the raffle. “Little and oft” as the saying goes!!

Looking forward to the new year, one of the first events will be Des & Lynne’s race night, this is provisionally planned for 7th February at the Dog & Gun, Knayton and if last year is anything to go by, it will be a cracking informal night.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Gary Howes
Chairman
BHSC

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The Bilsdale Hunt Newsletter October 2008

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Master’s Report

Well it’s been an extremely busy six months.
We have been hard at it with hounds ensuring that they are all familiar with the new team and that they all see David Wood as their new “boss”.
I am pleased to report that David, Stuart and Ben have done a wonderful job and hounds are fit, well and tuned in to their new managers.
Exercising has moved from walk to bike and then to horseback with hounds being exercised in country to help the young entry get orientated.
As you will know, it has been incredibly wet and that has caused immense problems for our farmers and their harvest. We therefore chose to delay Autumn hunting in order not to cause any damage to waterlogged ground.

During the summer we attended a number of hound shows and hounds performed well. Our first show at Duncombe Park in late May was a resounding success with Bilsdale hounds winning their first ever Foxhound class first prize. The award went to Buckram for Best Unentered Doghound beating the likes of the Middleton, Bedale and Zetland. Great credit must go to David, Stuart and Ben for their show technique. We also picked up a Special Prize in the Best Doghound Couple with Buckram and Bushman competing against larger entered hounds. Bugle and Bunting flew the flag for the bitches with a 4th in the Best Bitch Couple class, once again against unentered hounds.

Next challenge was the Puppy Show in late June. Around 80 landowners, farmers and puppy walkers came to lunch at Ravensthorpe and had a great time despite the poor weather. This was our way of saying thank you to some of the landowners who have kindly allowed us access to their land. Don’t worry if you didn’t get there this time, there will be other events throughout the season when other groups will be invited. Lunch was followed by an excellent show despite the high winds with all the puppies showing well. Our judges, Graham Pickering MFH, from the Goathland, and David Elliot Huntsman at the Holderness gave entertaining speeches and judged Marlin (walked by Claire and Sarah Metcalfe) as The Best Doghound, Bugle (walked by Des and Lynne) as the Best Bitch and then Bugle as the Champion Hound. Criminal (walked by Eric and Kath Brannen) was awarded the Best Working Hound Trophy. The Puppy Walkers are invaluable and I would like to thank them all again on your behalf together with the Judges. Afterwards a superb tea was put on by Jackie Crofter - Harris and her team and Claire and Jenna ran the all important bar! Many supporters helped baking cakes, making sandwiches, bringing drinks and serving food at the lunch and at the show. Thanks to you all for making the day a great success.

This year’s pups are now out to walk with Devious’s offspring, Molly and Moment being walked by Claire and Sarah Metcalfe and Moleskin and Money with Ben Rheinberg. We have acquired 3 pups from the Middleton, Barrister, Barman and Barley who are with Des and Lynn and 2 pups from the York South, Clarity and Clover who are with Frank and Maureen Wood. There were other events on during the summer months, from Eric’s hunter trial schooling and BBQ, through to Gary’s pleasure ride and various Pub’s of The Month which no doubt Gary will report on later, thank you to everyone involved for their help.

Sadly I have to report the death’s of two of our staunchest hunt supporters. Dick Barry, who most of you will have known for many years, was a keen rider despite problems with his knees. He had served in various positions on the hunt committee, latterly as secretary and was also heavily involved with the Point to Point as secretary. Dick was a real gentleman, a knowledgeable hunter and one of the friendliest chaps you could ever wish to meet. He will be sadly missed. Matthew Windross, although only with the hunt for the last 6 or 7 years, made an impact that would suggest he had been with us so much longer. Ever willing and ever present, helping at the many events, and always there with a smile and a great joke on his lips. We will all miss his enthusiasm and his dedication to the hunt. Other sad losses recently have been Elsie Swinbank and Mary Poole, also not to forget Fred Spooner and Marylin Hawkins who unfortunately passed away last year. They will all be sadly missed.

We showed hounds at the Farndale show on June 29th. This provided great practice for our visit to the Great Yorkshire on July 9th. Once again we did well winning 15 rosettes and two cups! These included Best Foxhound Pack, Best Fellhound Pack, Best Foxhound Bitch, Gracious, Best Fell Bitch, Cinder and Reserve Show Champion, Cinder! It was hard work for David, Ben and Stuart but satisfying to be supporting the Farndale and also winning so many classes. Mind, winning show classes is one thing and hunting is another, so you can rest assured that nothing has gone to our heads. Off to the Great Yorkshire on July 9th with Bushman, Bugle and Bunting up against some of England’s finest foxhounds. Whilst they have done well at local shows we felt that they would find it extremely difficult to get a place given the quality and number of hounds from the large shire packs. David and Ben showed the hounds exceptionally well and we managed a 7th (out of 55 entries) with Bushman in the Unentered Doghound class. It was a great day and we all learnt a lot. What was most pleasing was that we didn’t look out of place when up against professional full time hunt staff.

Next day saw us parading in the main ring with the West of Yore, Airedale Beagles and Goathland packs. What a fabulous sight with over 50 couple of hounds and 20 mounted Masters and Hunt Servants. It was difficult unloading and gathering hounds with so much going on and with such little space. On the way to the collecting ring our hounds behaved impeccably and we were even able to hoover up the stragglers from some of the other hunts. We had to hold up for over an hour which tested both horses and hounds but bodes well for upcoming meets. On entering the ring we were able to keep our hounds tight together and enjoyed a particularly loud cheer as we galloped past the saluting area!

The large crowd were fantastic, holloaring and cheering our progress around the main parade ring and this was from “joe public” which demonstrates the overwhelming support for hunting in Yorkshire. We were furthered honoured by the presence of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at the show who I am sure were as impressed with the Bilsdale Hounds as we most certainly are!

During July the committee agreed to our hounds being inoculated to help prevent kennel cough. This is an expensive process and does not guarantee them being cough free but should go a long way to reduce the risk. Hounds were on lighter exercise routines for a week or so and kept looking well during this period.

The next show was Lowther in the Lake District on August 9th. Despite the rain the show went on. Sadly after the show some packs contracted kennel cough whilst we remained free, vindicating the committee’s previous decision. Our hounds were once again shown well and Bushman was placed 2nd in the Unentered Dog, Hill Hound Class, with Criminal picking up a 6th in the Entered Dog Class. David Wood now has enough rosettes from this summer to make a quilt!

We have now put together a meet card (enclosed) that tries to make full use of our country, both lowland and moors. There are some new meet locations as well as your old favourites. I would encourage you to come and try the higher country that hasn’t been extensively hunted in recent times. It is beautiful and challenging in a different way to the lowland, and we have combined the days so that we can do both high ground and lowland to appeal to all tastes.

Autumn hunting will take place this year at the master’s invitation as it is primarily a training session for our unentered hounds. For those who wanted to reacquaint their horses with hounds, or indeed to introduce new mounts or new friends to hunting we held 2 hound exercise rides in early October. These provided a focus to bring horses up to fitness and ease the field in towards the opening meet which will be at Ravensthorpe on November 1st. More details of these events will be in the What’s On Guide sent out by Gary Howes via email. (I do encourage you to get on his list to ensure you have the latest updates) You can call him on 07979534555 or email him at garyhowes@swainby.com

Some of you will have hung up your boots in April and had nothing more to do with hunting until now. Others like David Wood, Stuart Allen, Ben Rheinberg, Keith Balbach and Des Clarke have been incredibly busy exercising hounds four days per week, preparing for shows and displays and walking the country clearing land and planning routes. Many, many thanks to you all for all the hard work that you and others have put in, in order to make our forthcoming hunting season a great success. Finally, some words that I hope can lead to some old friends of the hunt coming along to our many social events or to our meets. Over the past five years there has been disagreement between old friends and neighbours that has caused much upset. Not being involved in past disputes, what went on is not my business. I am concerned with getting more of us hunting folk together to enjoy our common interests which should unite us rather than divide us. After all there is a bigger enemy of hunting out there.

Together we can be stronger and I look forward to the day when past issues are just that, in the past, and we can move forward again and build on the fabulous history that has been entrusted to us.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Opening Meet at Ravensthorpe on November 1st, if not before.

Nigel Clack MFH

Hunt Supporter’s Club - BHSC Chairman’s Report

I feel we had a good start to the year under the leadership of the old chairman. I was recruited (mugged) and became involved as you will probably know around March of this year, working along side Nigel and actually became Chairman in early May of 2008.

The first real event that I got involved with was the Champagne breakfast & Gallop, both Nigel and I jointly organised and helped run the event. Although numbers were slightly down on the previous years, we managed to make a healthy profit and we had lots of good feedback on the whole day. Next year we are looking at the possibility of changing the format slightly and having a team chase, inviting local hunts to take part, this idea is still in its initial stages, but we have already received some positive feedback on the idea.

We organised a pleasure ride in June, again numbers were down, but all involved enjoyed the ride and we realised a small profit. I would like to say a huge thanks to all those who helped especially to Des Clarke, Desmond & Stella and Jen & Pete. The proposed ride for next year is from Boltby Bank top, by kind permission of Mrs Sue Cornforth.

Mr Eric Brannen has kindly offered us the use of his Cross Country Course, at Bishopton, where we will be holding an annual Spring and Autumn Hunter Trial. This year’s spring Hunter Trial was a resounding success for a maiden event and unfortunately Eric had to cancel the autumn event due to unforeseen circumstances. I’m sure this event will only grow and turn in to a fantastic source of income for the hunt. Many thanks to Eric and Jena for all their time and effort in organising the spring event.

The Terrier show ran very smoothly, Kevin was the man in charge and as per usual his expertise was greatly appreciated. A lot of people helped on the day, many thanks to you all. It is proposed that next year we incorporate a Hound and Terrier show, this is expected to make the whole event a lot bigger and attract a wider audience “better start making some plans now then Kev!!!”

The fund raising target set at the BHSC AGM was £20,000 for the year 2008 and I feel that we will be able to achieve this target comfortably, as funds raised to date, are in the region of £17,500.00, I would like to congratulate the supporters team on their success to date, you all know who you are without mentioning names.

We have recently created a “Hunt sponsorship team” These guys will be responsible for contacting existing sponsors and helping them to decide what package they would like for the coming season. They will also be targeting some new prospective sponsors (so be very careful when answering the telephone) but on a more serious note, If you would like to be involved in the team or indeed would like to here about the available sponsorship packages, please contact Andrew Smith on 07894 930203.

Finally, we have a lot of new blood in the supporters, which is really encouraging and in all, I think we make a decent team, however it’s very comforting to know we still have the support and experience of the likes of Anne, Col, Sheila, Sue, but to mention a few. “We may have the technology, but they certainly have the knowledge & experience, which is priceless”. All have been very supportive of me in my first year as Chairman and it is very much appreciated.

I would like express our gratitude to all our landowners, for their kind permission to use their land on which we hold our events, without you we would not be able to function, thank you!

A Word from the Treasurer

In the hunting world, the year begins on the 1st of May when Masters and staff assume their responsibilities and preparations for the coming season are very much in hand. For most members, recovering from the season just finished, summer is a time to take a pull and a break from the calls of the stable. Therefore matters such as subscriptions slip from mind. However, it was ever thus, that subs for the coming season are due on the first day of May! Seriously – and those that know the form have already obliged. How about you?

At the AGM it was agreed that there would be no change to our subscription BUT those paying by standing order (s/o) should ensure that the s/o is in place from May because when compared with a sub paid promptly, the s/o already enables payment in arrears. Starting a s/o in October is unfair on those paying up front, therefore those starting late will be expected to make an initial up front payment in order to bring their s/o in line.

Please be so kind as to consider how you wish to pay your subscription this year and then make contact with me as soon as convenient. It is important s/o’s are set up to meet the new arrangements.

Only a few weeks now – those early mornings are beckoning. Hunt horses are on the roads already.

M. Heywood

Season 2008 / 2009 Subscriptions

Full Subscription (Individual)	£350
Family Subscription	£450
Farmer's Subscription	£230
Farmer's Family Subscription	£320
Ten Day Subscription	£250
Three day Subscription (Newcomers only)	£ 75
Junior (under 17 years)	£ 50
Foot and car followers Minimum	£ 10

Caps

Individual compounded cap for the season	£84
Day cap - all subscribers	£  5
Visitors	£45
Visitors on limited earnings	£20
Visitors (17 - 21 years) & Students	£15
Visitors (juniors – under 17)	£10
Lead rein	Donation (raffle ticket)

Pre Season (Autumn Hunting) Caps

Visitors	£10
Unpaid subscribers	£  5
Juniors (under 17).	£  5

Subscriptions are due on the 1st May each season.

Please remit to – M Heywood, Chapel House, Knayton, Thirsk, YO7 4AZ, tel/fax 01845 537878.

For membership enquiries and meet information ring the Hunt Secretary, Mrs Catherine Windross, 01609 776462 or 07891 202459.

For BHSC membership and the newsletter please send a subscription of £10 per individual or £15 per family to the SC treasurer – Ms Alison Westwood, Five Acres, Low Paradise, Boltby, Thirsk, YO7 2HS.

Key Dates for Your Diary 2008 & 2009

November 1st - Opening Meet Ravensthorpe

November 28th - Knayton Supper

December 19th - Hunt Carol Concert, Leake Church

January 1st - New Years Day Meet Manor Farm Silton

February 7th - Des and Lynn’s Race Night, Knayton

March 7th - Buckingham Ball

March 28th - Champagne Breakfast and Team Chase Mt St John

April 19th - Spring Hunter Trial Bishopton

May 9th - Point To Point Day at Easingwold

Also time to Pay your "new season" subscriptions and Hunt Supporters subs

May 25th - Your Hounds showing at Duncombe Park

June 14th - Pleasure Ride

June 21st - Puppy Show

July 5th - Bilsdale Hound andTerrier show

July 15th - Your Hounds showing at the Great Yorkshire Show

August 8th - Your Hounds showing at the Lowther Show,

August 29th - Masters Ball

September 13th - Autumn Hunter Trial Bishopton

September 27th - Newcomers Day

October 11th & 18th - Pre Season Exercise rides

November 7th - Opening Meet Ravensthorpe

November 27th - Knayton Supper

December 18th - Carol Service Felixkirk

December 22nd - Childrens' Meet

December 26th - Boxing day meet Cowesby

Plus of course all the Pubs of the Month dates

The best way to keep up to date is of course to buy a Bilsdale Hunt Calendar with all these dates plus the Pub’s of the Month pre-printed on them. They are on sale soon and will sell out quickly so please reserve your copy by contacting Nic Wilson or Anne Goodall.

On the subject of merchandise, we have a stock of Polo Shirts, Rugby Shirts, Fleeces and Ties all with the distinctive Bilsdale Hunt logo. There is also the chance of ordering some rather splendid black Bilsdale Hunt aprons with matching tea towels. The perfect accompanyment for any self respecting AGA or Rayburn! If you would like to order something please telephone Jane Clack on 07754459191

Finally you can expect another edition of this newsletter at the end of the year.

Good hunting, Nigel Clack MFH

Newsletter Summer 2008 Your New Hunting Team

Firstly, many thanks to Harry and Judith for their fantastic contribution to the Bilsdale. They have worked tirelessly and have been responsible for many innovations and developments ably supported by subscribers and supporters.

Taking over the reins is therefore very daunting but also an incredible challenge. As you may know this is my first time as a Master although I have supported the Bilsdale over the last 5 seasons as a Fieldmaster, Chairman of the Hunt Supporters, puppy walker and general dogsbody!

I live in country, at Boltby, with my wife and daughter, who both actively support the hunt having recently retired from a business career in Insurance where I was the Chief Executive of a Yorkshire based group of Companies. I was schooled at Richmond Grammar and have had an association with Yorkshire Hunts through my school friends, since the late 70’s. I suppose what I am trying to convey to you is that I am used to communicating with people from different backgrounds and that I am a Yorkshire lad heavily committed to the Bilsdale Hunt.

This season the team that will be hunting our hounds, and providing sport for you, contains both old and new faces.

Our new Amateur Huntsman Mr David Wood is also passionate about our hounds and hunting. He lives in country at Cowesby (soon to move to Boltby) and is a local lad with the Bilsdale in his blood. You will all no doubt know his father, Frank, who in the past devoted many years of time and effort to the Bilsdale in various roles including being the Chairman of the Hunt. David has been hunting since he could walk and has recently been Whipper-In at the Hurworth. Over the last 6 weeks he has hunted with us and our hounds and since April 1st (with the kind permission of Harry and Judith) has been exercising our hounds from kennels in order to get to know them better. David has an excellent knowledge of our upland country which will enable us to provide more variety to our ds in the field. He has the benefit of being supported by our current Whipper-ins who of course know our hounds well. Stuart Allen has been our 1st Whipper-In for many years now and has proved himself skilled and able. Stuart knows the country well and has formed a great practical relationship with David.

Our 2nd Whipper-In, Ben Rheinberg lives in Thimbleby and has enjoyed his first season with us. His family have been keen supporters for many years and currently help us through their business, the Fauconberg Arms at Coxwold. Ben is young, enthusiastic and skilful having learnt from Harry, Stuart and of course Joe Townsend the Hurworth’s professional Kennel Huntsman.

Joe continues to look after our hounds at Kennels in West Rounton. This ensures that there is always a professional on hand 24/7 to look after our hounds, to feed them a meat diet and to exercise them when our Hunt Staff are not available. Joe is also able to offer help and advice on kennel management and breeding.

Part of the Hunting team who tend to remain out of the spotlight are the terrier and country men . Col Richardson continues his role of some 30 years bringing his vast experience to the job. Des Clarke also continues to work unstintingly as he has done for the past 10 years. Lots of their work goes unnoticed in trail laying, fence building and in the field, however, they are vital to our sport and to the success of our hunt.

Whilst the hounds are of primary importance, the subscribers and supporters run a close second! Our mounted field has varied goals from the committed hound followers, through to adrenalin seeking “thrusters” and those who prefer not to jump. Everyone’s needs have to be catered for and this provides a challenge for our Fieldmasters. This year I am pleased to confirm that Keith Balbach has agreed to lead the fieldmastering team building on the hard work that he has put in over the last 3 seasons. Keith was a Master with the Hurworth and has a long and successful reputation as a hunter and as a skilled horseman, competing in such prestigious events as The Cock of The North at the Great Yorkshire Show. He knows our country and is supported by field secretaries who help him liase with all the local landowners.

Nicki Wilson continues in her role as a Fieldmaster supporting Keith. As you may know Nicki is a skilled horsewoman with detailed knowledge of our country and is a keen supporter currently as Secretary to the Hunt Supporters.

Anne Goodall has kindly agreed to be our “non-jumping” fieldmaster to ensure those members of the field who choose not to jump are able to keep up with hounds. Anne’s knowledge of the country is legendary as is her capacity to maintain our tradition of being one of the friendliest hunts in the country. You will all be aware of Anne’s various Hunt Supporters roles.

Without the generosity of our landowners we wouldn’t have a hunt and Keith and his team check that we are cleared to cross land and ensure that landowners wishes are respected. It goes without saying that they should all have your full support if you are given specific instructions in the field both mounted and on foot.

So as you can see we have a blend of old and new, young and old, with shared and differing skills spread across a team of 10 people who are all passionate about the continued development and traditional values of the Bilsdale Hunt.

I hope you will all enjoy the coming season both in the field and at the many and varied social events. I would encourage you to tell your friends, neighbours and acquaintances about the great fun we all have and to invite them to become subscribers and supporters of the Bilsdale.

Happy Hunting

Nigel Clack