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New Caption Competition on Facebook - from Little Horstead Meet!!
Could not resist it after seeing Nigel's photo!

NEXT MEET

29th January
OXENDEAN, JEVINGTON
By kind invitation of Mr & Mrs S Carr

Quarry: Garth, James, Mathew, Dave

Please bring tea - sandwiches - a lovely beef stew (for the masters!) - cakes -
whatever you would like! We supply the hot cups of tea!

5th February
CROCKSTEAD FARM, HALLAND - YAY !!
(we used to hunt there years ago and it will be lovely to be back)
This is a proper hedge day for those that love hedges.
But Kieran says ALL the hedges can be got round so a fun day for all!!

Quarry: Garth, Mathew, Harry, Charlie

Please bring tea - sandwiches - a lovely beef stew (for the masters!) - cakes -
whatever you would like! We supply the hot cups of tea!

Nigel's Little Horstead Photos

On Sunday 22nd January hounds met at South Brockwells Farm, Little Horsted - the guests of Mr and Mrs Wells and Mr Douglas.

This is always a most inviting day, where the country sits in the shadow of the South Downs and is a mix of arable, pasture and woodland, well fenced with a mix of hedges and hunt timber.

A brisk hack behind hounds to the meet heralded the start of the day and it is always rather grand to arrive en masse to a waiting crowd. Well, so Miss Jorrocks thinks anyway. Our hosts organised our meet in their rather splendid outdoor school. This immediately aroused the suspicions of Miss Jorrocks' mare who thought she might have been tricked into dressage. During the summer Miss Jorrocks entertains herself by attending local dressage where she performs very badly at a smarting hunting pace. Having reassured her mare that it was indeed a hunting day Miss Jorrocks set about coffee housing with her friends and enjoying the excellent sausages, cake, and stirrup cup our hosts had so generously provided.

Soon, Kieran, who had arranged the day for us, was making our vote of thanks and providing clear instructions for the day. We started hunting almost immediately, the beginning of the three excellent hunts that comprised our day. Emboldened by her stirrup cup Miss Jorrocks opted to try to hunt up the front of what proved to be a fast running and competent field. She quickly marked out two visitors as good pilots and tucked in happily behind. Scenting was excellent and hounds, now halfway through the season, on peak form. Halfway through a long first hunt they took their quarry in the open and we had a pleasant check as the quarry were enlarged once more and given sufficient law to make their destination.

Hounds hardly missed a beat and the second half of the first hunt was every bit as thrilling as the first. Hounds took their quarry, captained by Garth, in full cry and at a good speed.

The second hunt of the day brought a number of challenging hedges. On Kieran's advice Miss Jorrocks took a place at the rear of the field. With a kindly smile Kieran pointed out that Miss Jorrocks veering off into gateways close to the jumpable element of the hedge would hardly be conducive to ensuring a good run up for the horses behind. It was sound advice and Miss Jorrocks enjoyed an excellent hunt, solely over timber, in lively company and in no danger at all from the hedges.

A long hack along the lanes took us to the third and final hunt of the day. We clattered along seemingly for miles such that Miss Jorrocks believed her rising trot must be surely much improved for her next dressage season. It was, however, a very worthwhile endeavour and a thrilling hunt followed, finishing over a solid and newly built hunt jump, which Miss Jorrocks hoped she jumped with sufficient flourish to impress the foot followers.

Miss Jorrocks was permitted to thank the Quarry and the Huntsman blew for home. The field were unanimous that Kieran had given us a thoroughly enjoyable day with something for everyone. It appeared seamless, the mark of much hard work and diligent preparation.

At Tea everyone was full of the excitement of the day. Everyone had gone well, even the tiny tot Miss Jorrocks had spied on the first hunt being led along on a tiny pony surrounded by a small contingent of supporters so that the whole thing looked like a royal progress. At the meet the tiny children had been beautifully turned out for the occasion, clearly mums and dads had had a busy morning and an early start!

Miss Jorrocks was very pleased to see Ann Derby at the meet and out on foot. Regular followers will remember that her horse, Alfie, suffered a kick and is off games for several months. Alfie, we were told, is 6 weeks into his 12 weeks in cross ties. It has been a trial for them both, but the prognosis is excellent and Ann is already looking forward to next season. It was lovely to see her.

St Idolph's Caption Competition Winners
Nigel clearly wins the best photo competition!

Thank you to those who posted some really great caption entries - check the Facebook page to see them all

Caption Competition Winner

Secret Poem Competition Winner

Carol Kay with 12 Facebook Likes:

Now thats what you call a woolly jumper!!

Jane Hollis Runner Up with 9 Likes:

Sean the Sheep had heard a rumour that lamb curry was on the menu for the hunt tea ...

Robbie Miles with 15 Facebook Likes:

Mary had a little lamb
it dreamt of being a horse
and when it grew to 8 hands
it went round a cross country course.

It's dressage score wasnt very good
it really was quite crap
but when it came to jumping
it could fly a tiger trap

Paul Blagg thought he would buy it
with thoughts to qualify
but when it lost the maiden
he put it in a pie

NEXT MEETS

29th January
OXENDEAN, JEVINGTON
By kind invitation of Mr & Mrs S Carr

5th February

CROCKSTEAD FARM, HALLAND - YAY !!
(we used to hunt there years ago and it will be lovely to be back)

Quarry: Garth, Mathew, Harry, Charlie

Please bring tea - sandwiches - a lovely beef stew (for the masters!) - cakes -
whatever you would like! We supply the hot cups of tea!

Nigel's Photos from St Idolphs

On Sunday 15th January hounds met at Stidolphs, Sevenoaks Weald - the guests of Mr and Mrs Lee.

This is another popular day in the Coakham calendar, and attracts many visitors to whom we put ourselves on show. On Sunday last the mounted contingent, including staff, numbered 66, behind 11 couple of hounds, hunting 4 Quarry captained by Garth.

Master of the day, Sally Mack, had her work cut out to manage such a large cavalcade and was assisted in the rear of the field by Master Jo Carr. On hearing that Master Jo would take on rear admiral responsibilities Miss Jorrocks imagined stately progress, perhaps some port, and a jolly day out. As a proud holder of the hunt button Miss Jorrocks at once appointed herself Master Jo's unofficial assistant, a role she embraced with all the enthusiasm of an over eager girl guide, and the competence of Blackadder's assistant - Baldric.

The country around Sevenoaks Weald is, as the name suggests, Kentish Weald - for the most part flat, a mix of pasture and arable, and fenced with hunt timber and hedges.

Announcements made and votes of thanks delivered, we set off to hunt. Three hunts made up the day and all seemed relatively fast paced, although headlands meant that being right up with hounds was often difficult, particularly as they were on song and swift. The only time they struggled being on the plough where Miss Jorrocks observed the whole pack with their noses hard to the ground, feathering their sterns in diligent concentration.

The day brought lots of variety, although it is the first time Miss Jorrocks has seen a sheep jump timber so fluidly!

At Master Jo's side Miss Jorrocks busied herself being "useful". She closed gates, even dismounting to fulfil her task. Twice. Regular hunters will be familiar with New Zealand gates, the ones made of wire, pulled across and secured. These somehow contrive always to be six inches shorter than they should be requiring much tugging and general huffing and puffing to put back in place. Having conquered one, Miss Jorrocks excitedly set about the others only to be told firmly by Master Jo to put them back as she found them as these were the farmer's tractor gaps. Crestfallen Miss Jorrocks remounted, but was soon bobbing along at Master's Jo side providing a running commentary on bitting, headlands, and the need to kick on at tiger traps. Master Jo rolled her eyes and said nothing.

As we gathered up stragglers Miss Jorrocks was heartened to see Master Clare Miles standing her horse firmly on the crop and exhorting the field to keep off. Miss Jorrocks thought this an excellent method of demonstrating what is crop and what is headland to the field.

Soon three hunts had been completed, the Quarry had been thanked, and the Huntsman had blown for home.

At tea Miss Jorrocks cornered long suffering Robbie Miles and told him all about her day. With a kindly expression Mr Miles remarked that if, like the girl guides, we gave out achievement badges Miss Jorrocks would surely have an armful. Miss Jorrocks felt obliged to list them. She had surely won badges for gate closing, hound counting, jumping, and headlands. Having one finger of five left, Miss Jorrocks scrabbled round for a fifth. "Toadying" came the suggestion from somewhere near the tea urn. Miss Jorrocks puffed with pride as Mr Miles affirmed that she is, indeed, one of the greatest toadies he has ever known in the hunting field. Clutching her cake tin to her chest Miss Jorrocks trotted off into the afternoon fit to burst with happiness.

Nigel's photos from St Mary's Farm

Nigel's photos from Nurstead!

On Sunday 8th January hounds met at Nurstead Court, Meopham, the guests of the Edmeades-Stern family.

This is one of the most northerly meets in our country and set in land that is a mix of crops and grassland, fenced with hunt timber and some fun, free standing jumps. Bordering as it does the conurbation of Gravesend, Nurstead is deceptively rural.

The day had been laid on for us by Martin Wright and encompassed three hunts, all of which were fast and action packed.

A field of about 60 assembled at the meet, many of whom were locals keen to see what we are all about. Quarry, hounds and Huntsman did not disappoint them and showed excellent sport, although some of the young entry found the many foot followers who marked our course to be of far more interest than Garth and his team, much to the chagrin of the whippers in. Miss Jorrocks did her best to help by calling out wrong names, generally getting underfoot, and explaining to onlookers that hounds should be going this way or that and hunt with their noses. People smiled indulgently. Miss Jorrocks grinned back widely and flourished her hunting whip to show what a seasoned hunter she is. Affronted that her rider should brandish her whip at either horse or hound without reason Miss Jorrocks' mare shot forward with such force that Miss Jorrocks' hat fell over eyes, destroying forever her facade of experienced elegance.

Thus the day progressed with a few empty saddles, including one belonging to Paul Blagg who now must, surely, top the leader board of fallers. Miss Jorrocks would not normally remark on such matters but Mr Blagg had spun poor gullible Miss Jorrocks such a yarn at the meet as to the height and width of the fences we would tackle that she was obliged to cling to her hunting flask for support.

Much credit must given to regular follower Peter, who gallantly led a lady's horse a very long way despite the fact that it was beside itself with excitement and all over the place.

The day drew peacefully to a close with a hack along the lanes and to Tea at the boxes.

It is usually over Tea that our senior Master and Huntsman tries to educate Miss Jorrocks. On Sunday last she learned that Bloodhounds don't "kill" their Quarry, they "take" them. This was an entirely new concept for Miss Jorrocks who mulled this over whilst enjoying a slice of excellent Victoria Sandwich and decided this was altogether a better description, although she had, up until then, quite enjoyed killing the Quarry on a regular basis.

On the subject of hats and whips Miss Jorrocks confesses to having had a bee in her bonnet for some considerable time!

Hat ribbons, unless attached to the hat of a Master, member of staff, or Hunt official should be neatly sew up and not left hanging down. No one, including the late Duke of Beaufort, knows why this is, but it's a fact.

Hunting whips, if carried, should be furnished with a thong and lash and carried with the crook end down. The crook end is generally made of horn and its primary purpose is the management of gates. Actually, the crook is at the end of the whip and not the top. Most whips are beautifully balanced and, if carried correctly in this manner, will be almost weightless.

Nigel's Photos from Street Farm 2!! A lovely day up on the sunny South Downs.

Nigel's Photo's of the first of the Jevington Festive Double Bill! It was a bit wet and windy at times !!

And congratulations to Nigel on the excellent photo in Horse & Hound's selection of the best pictures from 2011. He now officially part of the H&H team!

Miss Jorrocks Writes: On Wednesday 29th December and Monday 2nd January hounds met at Street Farm, Jevington, the guests of Miss Jo Carr and Mr Stephen Goldman.

These two days, spanning the new year celebrations, gave us ample opportunity to explore the majesty of the South Downs. We did this in all weathers - as befits the English countryside where all four seasons may be enjoyed in a single afternoon!

Jevington part 1 began in crisp sunshine, with a leisurely lawn meet taken on the drive at Street Farm. Within minutes of our departure hounds were streaming across the Downs in fine voice, and soon became ant like in the distance as they embraced their work with vim and vigour. The country, being chalk downland and ancient turf well fenced with good, solid, hunt timber, provided a combination of galloping and jumping and excellent viewing. Miss Jorrocks' heart sang as she tried her best to maintain a front running position amongst a well horsed and competent field. Master Jo had contrived the day so that hounds (and the gallant Quarry, captained by Garth) made wide loops for the field to observe. This is necessary in such fast hunting country as otherwise the horses would never keep up. Thus the first hunt progressed with none of us noticing the gathering squall clouds and heightening wind. As we breasted the final rise at the top of the Downs and hounds "killed" their Quarry the clerk of the weather treated us all to a lengthy and very icy shower powered by a gale force wind. Miss Jorrocks has to confess even her undergarments got wet such was the force of the downpour. The Downs lacking anything much by way of shelter in such conditions, Huntsman, staff, hounds and field soon found themselves huddled together like Antarctic penguins enduring a winter. We were, as one, thoroughly miserable but quite happy in that strange British, outdoorsy sort of way!

Having given the Quarry time to make their way in such challenging conditions the second hunt commenced. We set off slowly to let cold horses stretch their muscles and then we let them go and they galloped themselves dry and their riders warm as pale winter sunshine slowly lit up the Downs.

The third hunt took us home, where hounds on top form killed their Quarry in the open before the Huntsman enlarged the Quarry again giving them, what he hoped would be, sufficient law to complete the run. It was precision timing and hounds "killed" at the end of their run in magnificent voice and complete certainty of their noses.

As the Huntsman blew for home the heavens opened once again causing one and all to rug up, box up, and repair to Jo and Stephen's beautiful farmhouse where a chilli con carne, roast pork and sausages were taken in front of a roaring fire. So delightful and welcome was this that Miss Jorrocks wondered if her hosts would notice her holed up waiting for hunting on 2nd January!

Monday 2nd January dawned fine and dry, and a marked contrast from the rain storms that characterised New Year's Day. An early arrival at the meet Miss Jorrocks doggedly pursued both our Huntsman and Paul Blagg for a new year kiss. She was unsuccessful, although Robbie Miles rose gallantly to the challenge and pecked Miss Jorrocks gingerly on the cheek and made her day.

Jevington part 2 began with a meet on the Street Farm drive and brought again hot sausage rolls and stirrup cup, which were much enjoyed and appreciated by us all.

Soon we were off again and hounds showed themselves to be on tip top form. The first two hunts were melded in to one of nearly 5 miles, which brought galloping, jumping, and the most magnificent viewing in lovely sunshine. In so doing, as we climbed in to Friston Forest, we startled and entertained in equal measure more than one set of new year walkers. At Tea Robbie Miles informed Miss Jorrocks that hounds had dealt faultlessly with the puzzles set for them by our three Quarry, again captained by Garth. The music as hounds entered the forest was indeed spine tingling as forestry has the capacity to capture and magnify the sound of hounds in full cry.

Having caught our Quarry a long check was in order to rest horses and hounds. Miss Jorrocks was thrilled to be invited by Andy to join him for a ride in the woods. Her hopes of another new year kiss were soon dashed when she learned that we were to perform the entirely appropriate and proper task of trying to find a missing young hound. Young entry, Miss Jorrocks learned, if unable to keep up with their more experienced elders are minded to sit and sulk until collected. And so it was with Humble, a young bitch hound, eventually located by Sue and Linda in a Land Rover thoughtfully provided for the day by Robbie Miles.

Duty discharged Andy and Miss Jorrocks set about rejoining the field, which they did with surprising ease - finishing the second hunt at the same time as most of the others.

The third hunt took us off the hill and literally round the houses in the village of Wannock, where nothing distracted hounds from the matter at hand.

Master Jo, having proved a kindly and efficient Field Master for both her days, guided her field to a precise finish with all the nonchalance of an experienced pilot landing a jumbo jet. On both occasions she had arrived at the end of the day with her whole field pretty much up together, no mean achievement in such open and hilly country. Huntsman and staff had also excelled themselves as there was no doubt that hounds at each end of the age spectrum had tired as the days moved on. Knowing when to lift them out of the pack or cheer them on to greater effort is an art Miss Jorrocks feels she would never master.

A tired Quarry thanked by all the field, the Huntsman blew for home where we washed off as quickly as we could in anticipation of our Tea! This time it was a spicy stew, roast pork, sausages and a chocolate and cherry cake. New year resolutions temporarily on hold we all tucked in with great enjoyment. Miss Jorrocks made sure she thanked Mr Goldman in particular for his efforts as for, as far as she could see, all he had derived from our multiple visits was lots of work and washing up! He was indeed a most gracious host.

Nigel's Iden Park Photos

On Friday 23rd December hounds met at Iden Park, the guests of Mr Glenn Wassall and Mr Neven Znaor.

This is a particular favourite for Miss Jorrocks as she feels as if she steps back in time when sweeping up the drive to Iden Park, which dates back to 1866. Mr Wassall and Mr Znaor also host a lawn meet of Victorian era opulence, with elegant glasses of stirrup cup, mulled wine, and all manner of sweet and savoury delicacies, which circulate endlessly in copious abundance. Miss Jorrocks was pleased she had taken but a light breakfast before setting out.

This was our annual fancy dress meet, which Miss Jorrocks attended cunningly disguised as Miss Jorrocks. She thinks she got away with it! In the field was a very fetching scarecrow modelled by Carol Kay, several jesters, reindeer, a winged fairy (Master Clare Miles), a jockey (Paul Blagg) and founder member, Miss Caroline Richardson, sporting a "Bah humbug!" hat. It made for a very colourful ensemble.

Our hosts, as ever innovative and hospitable, had arranged for carol singers to perform throughout the meet. Always one for a sing song and getting in to the spirit of things Miss Jorrocks was minded to join in, singing lustily to "Ding Ding Merrily On High" until she noticed her mare's flattened ears and cringing demeanour and shut up.

Parish notices issued clearly by Master Alex Wheeler we set off to hunt. Four hunts made up the day behind three Quarry captained by Chris Wheeler. This meet is aimed primarily at children, particularly the younger ones, and is beautifully tailored to give them a proper hunting experience in miniature proportions. This is something at which the Ramus and Wheeler families excel and our Huntsman and his staff spare none of the formalities and theatre that make up the day so, hopefully, everyone went home to Christmas happy and excited by their day out. Miss Jorrocks did feel a degree of sympathy for the mums on their feet with leading rein ponies - they just can't run fast enough!

The hunts of the day stepped up gently in complexity as the day progressed, so that the fourth and final hunt gave the more able and experienced children a full and proper run. As the Huntsman blew for home there were some very proud children (and no doubt parents as well) returning to the boxes.

Tea was at Baron's Grange and followed its time honoured pattern of hot sausages, cream meringues, and a truly delicious fruit cake.

Miss Jorrocks sang carols to herself all the way home safe in the knowledge that only her dog could hear and he, thankfully for him, was fast asleep in the back.

On Sunday 18th December hounds met at Montague, Hankham - the guests of the Glessing and Hole families.

Despite a very frosty start to the day, which had put hunting in question, the weather was kind to us and stayed fine and dry.

The Bloodhounds are quite regular visitors to Montague and its environs, and Miss Jorrocks is always interested to see the changes to the farm. On Sunday, whilst chatting with our host Martin Hole, Miss Jorrocks learned that the winter visiting birds are well established on the Pevensey Levels, which are just beginning to flood. On the farm itself the cattle are in for the winter and these enormous Simmental Sussex crosses are due to calve in February. Meanwhile, the last of this year's crop of lambs will soon be off to market before the farm hunkers down for winter.

A sizeable contingent of regular followers and visitors assembled for the meet, which brought port and sausage rolls and lots of chit chat on Christmas plans. Master for the day, Clare Miles, gave a vote of thanks to the several landowners we would cross, and a no nonsense briefing to the mounted field. Miss Jorrocks, feeling honour bound to promulgate these instructions, circulated amongst the field dispersed around the small yards that characterise Montague, delivering these messages with a varying degree of accuracy and a lot of self importance. She was treated by her fellow hunters with the benign indulgence more usually reserved for the village idiot, and beamed happily to one and all as she embellished Master Clare's instructions for the benefit of our visitors.

Suitably vitelled we set off to hunt behind three Quarry, captained by Garth. The day brought several tumbles, which always benefit the coffers of the Fallers' Club. The most interesting fall, however, was by Garth who (he informed Miss Jorrocks at Tea) had tried multi tasking by walking backwards at the same time as reading the map. He promptly fell over a hound and was mobbed by the pack. Miss Jorrocks will not descend to commenting on men and their ability to multi task. She does wonder however if the faller's fine applies to Quarry.

Four very fast hunts made up the day, with lots of galloping and jumping over solid hunt timber and a few hedges. Hounds were accurate all day and the country excellent for watching them at their work. Master Clare set a good pace for those of us fortunate to secure a place up front and kept us up close to hounds. At Tea Miss Jorrocks asked our Huntsman if this was welcome from his perspective. He confirmed a well disciplined field was always welcome close to, and Miss Jorrocks believes we are one of the few packs in the South East where the field are encouraged to gallop up with the pack. Miss Jorrocks considers this a great privilege and tries hard to be mindful of her manners (no riding off, cutting up or "thrusting") lest she be relegated to follow at a distance. Being a lady of a certain age she doesn't always remember, but she tries!

And so to Tea in the Hole's lovely farmhouse, where beautiful ham partnered hard boiled eggs and bread and butter washed down with lots of tea.

Miss Jorrocks hopes to be out on the 23rd and wishes everyone a very merry Christmas.

Nigel's Firle Pictures

On Sunday 11th December hounds met at Firle Place, the guests of the Rt Hon the Viscount Gage.

Firle Place has been in the Viscount's family for many generations and we were fortunate indeed to enjoy a lawn meet in front of this truly imposing and spectacular house.

Lord and Lady Gage were not at home on Sunday last but Penny Woolgar, who cares for the house, provided hospitality of sumptuous proportions. Now, Miss Jorrocks is very fond of a stirrup cup and was soon embraced by a rosy glow brought on by a very large whisky mac. Suitably emboldened she worked hard to meet Mrs Woolgar's exhortations that we try to eat as many of the delicious savouries as we could manage for fear they would go to waste.

Appropriate thanks delivered by Master Clare Miles to the several farmers we would cross, some of whom had kindly moved stock to accommodate us, we set off to hunt.

The day took in three hunts, two long and one short. The country around Firle is steeply undulating chalk grassland, well fenced with hunt timber.

Hounds were in exceptional form and the Downs provided a magnificent and natural viewing gallery as they fanneds out below us. On more than one occasion Master Clare was able to take advantage of the excellent grassland, spread us out, and bring us up so close to our Huntsman that we, too, were hunting the hounds. It was a most exhilarating experience.

The end of the second hunt brought chocolates, home made mince pies and port. As she enjoyed these Miss Jorrocks observed that the post and rail fence to start the third hunt was angled towards us and, in her opinion, all wrong and not cricket. She was promptly advised that we were not playing cricket and to get a grip. In the event, despite Miss Jorrocks' reservations, everyone sailed over and we were soon once more up with hounds.

By the end of the day the steep climbs and equally steep and tremendously fast descents saw a field of tired horses and very tired Quarry. Four Quarry, captained by Garth, ran for us on Sunday. Miss Jorrocks was full of admiration for their stamina and good humour, as the wind at the top of the hills had a biting cold.

The day finished at Firle Beacon where the Huntsman blew for home and we began the long descent back in to the village and thence to the boxes. Tea was a jolly affair taken in fading light at the Fields' lorry.

Miss Jorrocks was a very happy hunter indeed as she wended her way home.

Nigel's Larkin's Photos

On Sunday, 4th December, hounds met at Larkin's Brewery, Chiddingstone, the guests of Mr Bob Docherty.

This is one of Miss Jorrocks' favourite days and marks, for her, the opening of the festive season.

The country around Chiddingstone is Kentish Weald and a mix of arable and pasture, well fenced with hunt timber and hedges.

The meet was hosted at the brewery, where Mr Docherty had kindly provided a barrel of porter for us to enjoy. This proved very popular with the gentlemen of the company. Miss Jorrocks stuck to her regular stirrup cup in the hope it would fire her up to take on the hedges. It didn't, but it did give her a warm glow and induced general bonhomie towards her fellow hunters.

Master Sally gave our unanimous vote of thanks to Mr Docherty and the several landowners who had so generously allowed us to gallop about in their "offices" all afternoon.

Three quite fast hunts followed as hounds were both in good form and accurate, despite the several and well used footpaths which crisscross this very picturesque part of Kent.

The first hunt took in timber and hedges and finished on Mr Stephen Gribble's farm. Mr Gribble has been a supporter and host of the Bloodhounds for over 20 years and Miss Jorrocks was delighted to see him in the mounted field.

We checked after the first hunt amongst Mr Gribble's magnificent Ayrshire cows, who stood and contemplated us in ruminatory silence as if we were an everyday occurrence and rather minor inconvenience.

Thanks to Mr Gribble's directions Miss Jorrocks was able to enjoy all his famous hedges from a safe distance, and in no danger of leaving the ground. Not only was she able to observe hounds at their work but she was well to the front at the end of the second hunt and feigned such nonchalance that most would have believed she had hunted up front all the way, blazing a trail for others to follow.

The third hunt was a rather jolly gallop to finish the day. Quarry thanked, the Huntsman blew for home and then we hacked back through the pretty village of Chiddingstone. As we trotted along en masse Miss Jorrocks was able to indulge in one of her favourite pastimes of calling cheerful greetings to passers by and waving at people looking out of their houses. For Miss Jorrocks there was a surfeit of such pleasure to be had on Sunday last.

Horses washed off and Tea at the boxes completed Miss Jorrocks trundled off happily into the fading afternoon and home to write her Christmas cards.

Anne Derby - the new cover girl for the Coakham Bloodhounds !!

On Sunday 27th November hounds met at Pickney Bush Farm, Newchurch, the guests of Mrs Link and Mr and Mrs Langrish.

Miss Jorrocks approached the day with some trepidation, as it has a history of inclement weather and Newchurch is practically in France! She need not have feared. The weather was more than clement and a truly memorable day was had by all.

Hunting was preceded by a leisurely meet taken, for the most part, dismounted in the barn.

Suitably fortified, and thoroughly briefed by Master Roger, the mounted field set off accompanied by a sizeable contingent of vehicle followers, in road vehicles, and our host, Mr Langrish, and his handsome Collie sheepdog riding together on his quad bike.

Mr Langrish and his dog stayed with us for much of the day. Mr Langrish clearly enjoyed having us. Meanwhile, his dog kept a watchful eye on us lest we try to rustle any sheep or make off with the quad bike.

The country around Newchurch is the Romney Marsh and flat. It is a mixture of pasture and arable with the fields bisected by huge drainage ditches, known locally as sewers. It is well fenced with hunt timber.

The day took in four hunts. The first two were fast and furious as our hounds sped along in pursuit of solo Quarry, Chris Wheeler.

The third hunt challenged the field as we were obliged to tackle the "sewers". Despite looking as if they would swallow a horse whole everyone's mount made a super job of them - even little Connie Wheeler on her tiny chestnut pony who pretty much disappeared from view on the scramble down. Connie and her pony tackled the sewers, and indeed all the fences of the day, with a serious aplomb and no small degree of style.

The fourth hunt really challenged hounds as the scent seemed to have dissipated as the afternoon wore on. At one point they hunted heel and eventually, after several casts in the immediate vicinity, our Huntsman lifted them up and laid them on again further along the field. This was a shrewd move as they were clearly becoming despondent as they tried their best with little success. In the interim they put up several hares, which were of little interest to them but cheered Miss Jorrocks' heart as she is particularly fond of these beautiful creatures. With hounds once more owning the line we hunted back almost to the meet where, as the dusk enveloped us, the Huntsman blew for home. A long and happy day for the field across some of England's most beautiful countryside.

The ground being so dry there was little washing off to be done and soon we were all happily at Tea enjoying sausages from Master Roger's local butcher, some excellent homemade bread pudding and plenty of hot Tea.

As she drove home along the M20 Miss Jorrocks reflected on her day and decided she could not have wished for better.

Nigel's Frankham Photos

Nigels Barons Grange Photos

Nigels Ball Photos

On Saturday, 19th November, Miss Jorrocks put on her party frock and attended the Hunt Ball.

This glamorous event is a major fixture in the Coakham calendar and much enjoyed by all.

Miss Jorrocks was very privileged to be seated on Master Sally Mack's table where, over an excellent dinner, she discussed the collapse of the Eurozone with the gentleman on her right, and the treasures of the Hermitage museum and St Petersburg with the gentleman on her left. She also enjoyed conversation on hunting, shooting, fishing and sailing. Apart from some high jinks with the balloons we were a very grown up table indeed.

Dinner over, and the auction of promises and tombola completed, Miss Jorrocks took to the dance floor to strut her stuff before leaving for home way past her bedtime.

Miss Jorrocks had indeed had an evening to remember.

On Sunday, 20th November, hounds met at Baron's Grange, Iden - the guests of the Ramus and Wheeler families.

The first to arrive at the meet, Miss Jorrocks had the choice of the parking and was soon billeted happily in the field.

Miss Jorrocks had a very special role to play in the day's events having been asked to assist our President, Mr James Ramus, in his field master duties. Miss Jorrocks' chest swelled with pride at her appointment as she checked and re-checked the expectations of her. Miss Jorrocks, along with Carol Kay and Robbie Miles, were to act as out riders to James in order to allow his new horse room to manoeuvre. Miss Jorrocks has not had such a responsible position since she was appointed hat monitor at her grammar school. She took her responsibilities very seriously, calling back instructions on headlands and holes in clear, ringing tones, and trying to provide exemplary hand signals to the following field. Often she did this all at once, and sometimes incorrectly, but no-one seemed to mind very much.

Matters were progressing splendidly until we came up to the local sawmill. Just as we arrived a tree was fed into the machine giving off a blood curdling screech. James's horse, convinced he was next for the chop, turned tail on a sixpence and endeavoured to return at once from whence he came. Those in the immediate vicinity made a sharp intake of breath as, with one accord, they tried by force of will to return James to his saddle from which he had been dislodged by the speed of his horse's turn. Sadly, gravity prevailed and James plopped none too gently to the ground to a collective sigh of disappointment from those around him. A bevy of "ladies of a certain age" all rushed to assist James and in a few minutes he was back on board his rather abashed horse. However, the jolt had taken its toll and our President decided to hunt another day.

Master Roger stepped in to fill the breach and James's outriders resumed their places in the field. Master Roger acquitted himself admirably, keeping us up with hounds - despite limited knowledge of the country.

Hounds were in tip top form, and in excellent voice, and flew along much of the day in full cry. At the Hunt Ball the night before our Huntsman had sought to educate Miss Jorrocks in the hunting methods of hounds. Bloodhounds always follow their noses, but some hunt body scent with noses raised, and others hunt the foot scent with noses to the ground. Miss Jorrocks tried very hard to see this in action but things happened rather quickly and she was only marginally successful. For Miss Jorrocks this will be a work in progress.

Master Alex, who organised the day, had arranged events to provide maximum viewing and picturesque checks. We rested at one point with Rye town on its hill in the distance and checked later in an orchard, where the landowner kindly explained that the trees still holding apples were the pollinators for next year's crop. Our host was gracious enough not to remark on the copious amounts of apple juice dribbling down Miss Jorrocks' mare's chin as she chomped happily on her second stolen Golden Delicious of the day.

We hunted home through the Ramus orchards finishing over the drop hedge, which remains the preserve of the brave and the bold.

Quarry thanked, the Huntsman blew for home and we returned to the boxes and thence to Tea. Earlier in the day we had enjoyed a Lawn Meet of sausage rolls, potato wedges and excellent stirrup cup. Tea brought hot sausages, cake, and the famous Ramus cream meringues. Miss Jorrocks was not quick enough for the meringues but was more than content with her slice of strawberry and cream cake.

After a long day Miss Jorrocks left for home in the dark, happy indeed with her Coakham weekend.

Miss Jorrocks' guide to wooden bridges:

As we reach the "slippery season", now is the time to be mindful of wooden bridges. A wet or frosty bridge is extremely hazardous to iron shod feet and horses can so easily slip over with sad and disasterous results for both horse and rider. Wooden bridges are best tackled at walk, preferably one at a time. When reaching the far side it is safer for those following on if the rider most recently across the bridge pauses until the next horse is safely over. This helps to prevent excited horses rushing to catch up and risking life and limb. If you have an impatient mount let those around you know, you will almost certainly be allowed to go first or be tucked in behind an experienced horse who will buffer you both from a headlong scurry. If you think you will be unable to wait on the other side it is prudent to ask those around you to put a steady horse over next. Once everyone is safely over kick on and enjoy!

Nigel's photos for Attwood Farm

On Remembrance Sunday, 14th November, hounds met at Attwood Farm, Bodle Street, the guests of the Petrides and Godwin families.

Miss Jorrocks found herself out on foot. The reasons for this were twofold. Firstly, she had clipped her horse for the occasion. Miss Jorrocks has never clipped before. Everything went swimmingly until the mare was inspected in good daylight when she looked, well, as if she had been clipped by somebody who had never clipped before! Overnight Miss Jorrocks' mare contrived to achieve a fat leg thereby saving them both the embarrassment of a public appearance until some coat has grown back.

Being a foot follower brings a whole new perspective to a Coakham day. Some fifty five horses made up the hunt, and that's a lot when viewed from the ground. Miss Jorrocks was quite relieved when Master Clare Miles called for order and began the proper formalities of the day. First, as is our tradition, she led us in a brief act of remembrance in which we thought of our many heroes - human, equine and canine, and then called upon us to fall silent for a minute as a mark of respect. Despite the odd fidgety horse it was indeed a poignant moment as stillness descended upon us.

Proper observance completed the field set off to hunt. Miss Jorrocks and founder member, Miss Caroline Richardson, also on foot, fell in behind Nigel Goddard our photographer. Poor Nigel, we dogged his footsteps for the rest of the day with Miss Jorrocks offering helpful hints on how he should take his photographs. Camera angles and lighting mean nothing to Miss Jorrocks - she merely wishes to be portrayed as bold and dashing, and preferably looking size 8.

The benefits of following Nigel and the map so thoughtfully provided by Master Clare meant Caroline, Nigel, and Miss Jorrocks had beautiful countryside to themselves and saw first hand the route of Quarry, hounds and field. Hounds, Miss Jorrocks can warrant, were accurate when she saw them, even demonstrating the gentle drift of scent buffetted along by the slight breeze. They shot straight past within a few feet of Miss Jorrocks and Caroline as they perched comfortably on tree stumps and followed their noses as if these extra curricular humans were invisible. Which is just how it should be.

Having leisurely pauses to themselves Miss Jorrocks and Caroline mulled over the history of the Coakham and discussed proper dress. Miss Jorrocks holds white gloves and a white hunting tie to be correct. Caroline contends gloves should match breeches and hunting ties should be cream. Miss Jorrocks cited Willy Poole on hunting. Caroline trumped her with the Duke of Beaufort, the leading authority on hunting. Miss Jorrocks lapsed in to silence mumbling to herself about looking it all up when at home. Nevertheless both were in accord that a smart and orderly turn out is paramount.

Viewing completed and marks awarded a la "Strictly Come Dancing" for the jumping, Nigel, Caroline and Miss Jorrocks returned to their vehicles and Miss Jorrocks went off in search of her Tea. She was not disappointed, The Godwins had laid on the most magnificent spread for us including homemade soup, roast chickens, cakes and lots of hot tea. It was delicious. Miss Jorrocks trundled off in to the dusk suitably fortified and smug in the knowledge that she had no tack to clean.

On the subject of glove Miss Jorrocks has been promising for some time to provide her guide to hunting hand signals:

Whether white or fawn, light coloured gloves assist visibility in the hunting field.

An arm raised to shoulder height with the elbow right angled and the palm facing forward means "the horses in front of me are slowing/stopping". It is useful when hacking between hunts on the roads.
An arm raised straight upwards with the palm facing outwards when looking back through a gateway indicates to those following at a distance that the gate must be closed. This must be acknowledged with an identical signal from the approaching rider(s) which indicates he/she/they have seen the signal and will close the gate. This only works if the gateway can be left open temporarily. It is not practical if stock are hard by and likely to slip through and must be a two way process to avoid mistakes.
A hand placed in the small of the back with the palm facing outwards says "please keep off my heels". This is useful when the field is crowding, or if a horse is likely to buck on the first run of the day.

Thank you to Sally for a Barnstorming Bassetts Manor - and to Garth and George for all their help with the Quarry Academy - we had five new quarry come for the day (from as far afield as the USA and Russia!), and after an introduction to hounds and the art of being a quarry, including Garth's welcome pack, all got to run one of the hunts. We hope to see all out again soon.

If anyone out there also wishes to come and learn what being a quarry involves, please email me - Jo Carr

Nigels's Bassett's Manor pictures

On Sunday 6th November hounds met at Bassetts Manor, Hartfield - the guests of long standing supporters, Mr and Mrs Francis Whetstone.

An early arrival at the meet Miss Jorrocks spent a few minutes coffee housing with Master for the day, Sally Mack. Master Sally told Miss Jorrocks that a long and interesting hunting day lay ahead. Given the number of landowners we would cross Master Sally had spent nearly 10 days arranging matters and walking the country. Miss Jorrocks resolved at once to enjoy Master Sally's efforts to the full.

A leisurely meet enjoyed, and landowners thanked, we set off to hunt.

Miss Jorrocks is very familiar with Bassetts Manor and opted to take the shortest routes in order to watch hounds at work. This meant she was perfectly placed when poor Paul took a tumble at a hedge and, in so doing, denuded his horse of its bridle. Clearly startled to find itself partially naked the horse took off as if pursued by satan himself.

Now, Miss Jorrocks is always happy to add to a crisis and soon found herself galloping downhill beside Paul's errant and bridleless horse before she managed to herd it into a gateway and secure it by slipping the thong of her hunting whip through its breastplate. Brimming with pride at her achievement Miss Jorrocks made a mental rummage through her coat pockets. As a matter of standard when hunting Miss Jorrocks' pockets always contain two lengths of bailing twine, a brand new vetwrap, a folding hoofpick, a small embroidered handkerchief and a lip salve. Could, Miss Jorrocks wondered, a makeshift bridle be fashioned from these items?

She was sure this was not beyond her abilities but, on further reflection, thought this may require getting down from her own horse. Miss Jorrocks never dismounts out hunting unless there is any one of a stile, large log, farmer with heavy lifting gear, or team of boy scouts in the immediate vicinity. So she abandoned that idea and waited for Paul to arrive with his bridle.

Once Paul and horse were reunited he, Master Roger, a lady on cap and Miss Jorrocks set off at brisk hunting pace to rejoin the field.

Miss Jorrocks spent the rest of the day in the main body of the field enjoying the galloping and jumping Master Sally had laid on for us.

The Huntsman had brought a mix of entered hounds and new entry, and they flew along at a terrific pace and in excellent voice. It is one of the particular pleasures of following the Coakham Bloodhounds that our expert masters always try so hard to keep us up with hounds so we can enjoy them close to.

By the end of the day we had completed five hunts and had covered many miles. We had certainly enjoyed Master Sally's and our gallant Quarry's, captained by Garth, tireless efforts to the full.

And so to Tea at the boxes where the field enjoyed reliving the day and fallers' money was collected. Miss Jorrocks insisted Paul pay his £2, particularly as he had declined to act upon our Huntsman's suggestion that he give Miss Jorrocks a big kiss for catching his horse!

Nigel's Excellent St Hubert pictures

On Thursday 3rd November Miss Jorrocks was once again an early riser in order to make ready for St Hubert's Day.

St Hubert's Day is a long standing fixture in the Coakham calendar and one of Miss Jorrocks' particular favorites. taking in as it does some of our most beautiful country. It has been held at Montague, Hankham, by kind invitation of the Glessing and Hole families for as long as Miss Jorrocks can remember.

The day followed its time honoured tradition. A field of about 30 and the Huntsman and 13 1/2 couple of his hounds assembled at the steps of Montague, which dates back, Miss Jorrocks believes, to 1072 and the time of William the Conqueror. Reverend Albert Ginno, splendid in priestly vestments, stood above us on the steps to bless the hounds, horses and followers, and lead us all in prayer before we set off to hunt. This meant a longer than average meet during which Stirrup Cup and sausage rolls circulated in generous quantities whilst the field buzzed with the excitement of this joyous occasion.

"Parish Notices" having again been delivered with firm authority by Master Clare Miles we set off for our four hunts of the day behind three Quarry captained by Garth. And what a day we had! Hounds were in spectacular form, and fairly flew along as if lifted by the hand of St Hubert himself. This brought lots of galloping as Master Clare pushed hard to keep us up and in touch.

Montague, on which much of the day took place, is well fenced with both hedges and timber. Miss Jorrocks is particularly grateful to Martin and Gundrada Hole for their fence building skills, which provide hunt jumps that are both solid and inviting - even if built to size for stock retention purposes. We went on to have a very jolly time across land belonging to Katie Miles, which also had excellent jumping and galloping.

Miss Jorrocks was delighted to see Ann Derby in excellent form tackling walls and hedges with verve, vigour and professionalism. Ann and her mount, Alfie, have clearly found their mojo. Miss Jorrocks is not entirely sure what a mojo might be, but she understands that everyone has one and they are capable of being both lost and found. Miss Jorrocks has made a note to look under her bed to see if hers might be lurking there.

Four hunts completed we thanked our Quarry and the Huntsman blew for home.

Washed off and boxed up we went in to Tea in the Hole's lovely farmhouse, where a homemade beef stew and all sorts of delights awaited us. The stew was meltingly tender and unctuous and Miss Jorrocks restricted herself to one small portion in order to leave room for cake and other sugary delights.

Miss Jorrocks left for home once again at one with her world and was most grateful to St Hubert that he managed to hold off the very torrential rain that came in with the evening whilst his followers were enjoying their sport.

On Sunday 23rd October Miss Jorrocks was up even before the larks in order to make ready for the 2011 Opening Meet.

Great excitement heralded this much anticipated day, particularly as a bout of kennel cough had called it in to question. Fortunately, the cough had gone and the sun shone for us all day.

The first to arrive at the Meet, Miss Jorrocks went in to greet our host, founder member and long standing supporter Miss Caroline Richardson, and to deliver up her plate of sandwiches for Tea. Being a ham fisted plaiter of manes, but a reasonably dexterous plater of ham sandwiches, Miss Jorrocks hoped her dainty plate, with the crusts off, would excuse her mare's absence of plaits. It was a faint hope as the field, once assembled, was an array of beautifully turned out hunters both human and equine. Loose manes are in our Constitution, muttered Miss Jorrocks feebly, but it was a poor excuse.

With Caroline's picture postcard farmhouse for a back drop, and the majesty of the South Downs presiding over events in the far distance, we stood in beautiful sunshine drinking our first Stirrup Cup of the Season to an air of tangible excitement.

"Parish Notices" delivered with firm authority by Master Clare Miles we set off to hunt. The day brought four hunts carefully designed by Master Clare to give hounds a good first "proper" day, whilst allowing a large field on fresh horses room to enjoy themselves on very hard ground. The hard ground brought minimal jumping, for which all the horses were doubtless very grateful.

The country around Herstmonceux is mostly arable and flat, providing excellent viewing for both mounted and foot followers alike. Hounds were in exuberant form but settled quickly to their work and fairly flew along behind our three Quarry, captained by Garth. Master Clare kept her field up close to hounds so that we could watch them work. Miss Jorrocks was greatly impressed by how easily they worked in harmony, and what a timeless picture they made as they sped along just feet from their Huntsman. Our Huntsman, as many will know, has previously been admired in no less a publication than Horse and Hound for his horsemanship, but on Sunday last there cannot have been a more classically elegant rider to hounds in all of England.

Having enjoyed a most excellent day, thanks to the generosity of several land owning hosts, the Huntsman blew for home and the field returned to the boxes brimming with the excitement of yet another Season. For a few precious moments each of us had been a thread in the rich fabric that makes up English rural life, and it was glorious.

And so to Tea in Caroline's lovely farmhouse which brought all manner of delicacies including hot sausages, quiche, and a delightful home made lemon Victoria Sandwich.

Suitably fortified Miss Jorrocks left for home very much at one with her world.

Miss Jorrocks will not be out at Stone as she thinks she should stay home and practice her plaits for St Hubert's Day!

Footnotes:

Miss Jorrocks is pleased to report that the young hound who lost the scent was duly found. And Gundrada Hole, who had a nasty fall when her horse slipped over on the road, was shaken but uninjured. Miss Jorrocks understands the same to be true for the poor horse.