Cotswold Hunt returns to old stomping ground
History was made as a hunt returned to its old stamping ground after 36 years.
Hunters, horses and hounds of the Cotswold Hunt met at the Colesbourne Inn, midway between Cheltenham and Cirencester, to ride out yesterday at 10.30am.
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The Hunt rides out
A picture of the last known meet, in 1974, hangs in the hostelry and the proprietors wanted to replicate the sporting occasion.
About 30 riders, with 30 followers, turned out to take the stirrup cup at the 1827 coaching inn.
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Manageress Jacqueline Wasley said: “It’s a historic occasion for the pub and really lovely to see them.
“We have photos in the bar which show the Cotswold Hunt here in 1974 and, as far as we know, we don’t think it’s met here since.
“It met all round the village, but not at the pub.
“It was probably down to particular landlords as people have to park their lorries and horseboxes, which can be big luxury things with living accommodation.
“The Cotswold Hunt used to meet at The Frogmill, Shipton Oliffe, but that shut down for two years and we tried to get them here.
“They wanted to meet next week for the Gold Cup, but we’re busy doing breakfasts for our guests, so they came a week earlier.”
The hunt enjoyed a traditional stirrup cup of hot mulled wine as well as sausage rolls and chocolate brownies, with extras to line their pockets for later.
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Jacqueline said: “We support country pursuits and local things.
“It’s our heritage – I don’t agree with some aspects of fox hunting, but it’s a lovely spectacle.
“The hunt has its AGM here, so we wanted to thank them for their support, and also it was a farewell for our landlord and chef Richard Johnson, who’s leaving.”
Hunt senior master, Rosemary Vestey, said: “We had wonderful hospitality and were pleased to go as it’s always nice to revisit a place.”
51 Comments
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by Bonanza Jellybean, Burford
Saturday, March 13 2010, 5:44PM
“Same old bloodthisty rhetoric and boring cliche. People who hunt are vile and cruel and morally stunted.”
by Jenster, chelt
Friday, March 12 2010, 11:22PM
“Ok so, Its ok to hunt foxes for fun but its not ok for the fox to kill more chickens than it can eat?? Great logic there. You pro hunters are so incredibly stupid, selfish and cruel.
I think it says a lot about humanity that people do this as a hobby. Foxes eat chickens because its the food chain, would have thought you lot would have been all for that!
P.s I'm from the countryside and know all your arguments. They are just so self serving they are not worth listening to.”
by Hugh, Cheltenham
Thursday, March 11 2010, 4:55PM
“well said seigfried!”
by Siegfreid, Cheltenham
Thursday, March 11 2010, 3:53PM
“Please leave the class nonsense out of hunting. Lots of hunt followers and supporters are just ordinary working people like myself. My Dad loved hunting and point-to-points and worked on building sites every day of his adult life. As for the fox, it has no natural enemies and kills for pleasure. I still believe it gets a better break than battery chickens but you don't see sabs parading outside Tescos. Any chance of letting people make their own moral choices or do we want to be dictated to on every thing?”
by Jessie James, FOD
Thursday, March 11 2010, 1:47PM
“Looks like this is one issue we can use to separate Labour and the Tories.”
by Amanda, Cheltenham
Thursday, March 11 2010, 1:33PM
“"Fox hunting is illegal, they will follow a pre-arrange scent."
Elsie, Cheltenham
When was the last time you hunted Elsie??? UNFORTUNATELY since the hunting ban nothing has changed, hunting is still as it always was, a group of people gather on horses with a pack of hounds and chase foxes to their deaths, the foxes don't stand much of a chance, I have witnessed two foxes trying to hide in a field of crops, the riders were then instructed to ride around the outside of the field shouting and yelling to keep the foxes from escaping, the pack of hounds were then sent in to kill the foxes, whichever way you look at it this is not humane behavior!!!
As for the idiots who have brought up bull fighting, pheasant shooting etc. the article we are commenting on is about fox hunting!!”
by Hugh, cheltenham
Thursday, March 11 2010, 12:13PM
“great to see a big field out mid week at such a great location. wish i could have been there. happy hunting!”
by GlosBob, Gloucester
Thursday, March 11 2010, 10:46AM
“Joe K, if you think the most humane and efficient method of fox control is for hounds and horses to chase it across the countryside until exhaustion and then for the hounds to rip it to pieces then I'm afraid we'll have to disagree.
However I have no objection to "toffs" (not a word I would have chosen) having a good day out if it doesn't involve animal cruelty.
I would suggest that your apparent support of fox hunting is more because Mr Cameron is in favour of it and Mr Dhanda against.”
by Dave, Rissingtons
Thursday, March 11 2010, 9:27AM
“Oh yes...thanks for reminding me why none of us should be voting Tory at the election!”
by RICH EVANS, cheltenham
Thursday, March 11 2010, 8:45AM
“What a brilliant sight to see the dogs and horses gathering around the Colesbourne Inn again. May it continue for alot longer!”