King Henry VIII, Hever
Sunday 19th January 2003

In memory of Christine Scott

A large field of visitors assembled after a night of heavy rain where the sad news of Chris Scott's fatal accident was announced and a minute's silence was held. In a sombre mood we set off for the first hunt of a day held in her memory at a meet she always enjoyed.

We were pleased to welcome members of the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds (below), including Master and Huntsman Bill Kear, guests of Master Nigel Dean. Hounds were laid in the grass field by the road and overshot the line, but picked it up near Swan's Nest Island. They hunted over the wire fence onto the bridleway crossing the very swollen River Eden they set off into the large field below Whistlers Farm and took their quarry up by Moorcocks.

As we waited for the second hunt in the sunshine, our Chairman, James Ramus, spotted one member of the field trying to hide in their wet weather clothing - (Caroline knows who we mean!). The second hunt was taken over the railway line. Hounds were laid onto the corn fields hunting towards Four Elms. Crossing the numerous footpaths they turned towards Roodland's Wood where the field enjoyed the hedges. Hunting out of the woods the hounds took the field right the way round the edge past Homewood Place Farm to take their quarry behind Roodland's Farm after a brilliant hound hunt with some challenging fences for all those who followed, finishing with a large hedge.

After a wait in the sun hounds were laid on near Piggots Cross where they hunted down past the fishing lake and as always surprised the numerous fishermen. They raced on into Chittenden Wood hunting in and out the woods numerous times, giving the field some challenging fences, one of which meant jumping almost onto a slippery wooden bridge. They finally left the woods and hunted on to take their quarry just below Furness House Farm, again finishing with a big hedge taken in style by the field, with the Kent and Surrey and drag hound visitors adding to the pleasure of hunting with a knowledgeable and skilled field.

As we allowed the quarry enough law for the next hunt, a barn owl was quartering the field we were about to hunt. Once the owl had finished hounds were laid on and hunted through the stream on the edge of Clinton Wood down towards the Four Elm's Road. Turning back on themselves and crossing their line they eventually took the quarry by the stream. This was a very fast hunt with lots of jumps - the hedges coming quick and fast and it was very wet

While waiting for our quarry Coakham Members were entertained by Bill Kear, already sporting a bloody eye thanks to his horse earlier in the day. This time the horse decided to execute a near perfect piaffe, followed by a rapid decent into the mud! The hounds were laid on for the fourth hunt just beyond Owl's Court. They hunted through the sheep, where some jumped out (many thanks to Andrew Siggs who went back after tea to get them back in). Hunting under the railway line they raced behind Whistler's Farm. Crossing the bridleway they took the quarry at Polebrook Farm.

A hard day for the horses on wet ground but, as usual in wet conditions, the hounds flew. Quarry for the day were Adrian and Adrian and Mike from the Kent and Surrey.

Many thanks to the pub for an excellent tea of chicken, chips and sandwiches.