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.”