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Fitzwilliam Hunt meet in Wansford on New Year’s Day




Horses and hounds paraded through a village for a New Year’s Day hunt meet.

People lined the streets of Wansford yesterday (January 1) for the Fitzwilliam Hunt’s annual meet.

The hunt rode into the village and stopped at The Barn behind the Haycock Manor Hotel for people to meet the horses, hounds and bird of prey.

Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes

A spokesperson for the Fitzwilliam Hunt said: “We were delighted, particularly given the inclement weather, to see an exceptionally large number of people join us for our New Year gathering.

“We are grateful for the support of all those who came and hope everyone enjoyed meeting our eagle, hounds and horses.”

Last month we asked on our website, lincsonline.co.uk, if readers supported hunts.

Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes

Out of the 324 voters, 61 per cent believe it’s an outdated tradition while 34 per cent support hunts.

Eleven people were undecided and eight people only support them at Christmas meets.

These results were correct at the time of publication.

The hounds meet the public. Photo: David Lowndes
The hounds meet the public. Photo: David Lowndes

Readers have also been having their say, with mixed views on the subject.

Iain Fryer said: “Just because something has been going for over 300 years is no justification for its continuation.”

Paul Benton added: “Can't wait for the trail hunting ban and the closing of the loopholes in the Hunting Act.”

Falconer John Mease with his eagle. Photo: David Lowndes
Falconer John Mease with his eagle. Photo: David Lowndes

Holly Jerline argued in favour of hunting because it is ‘perfectly legal so should not be interfered with’.

The Cottesmore Hunt, which is based in Rutland, did not meet on New Year’s Day.

Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds and riders arriving in the village. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds and riders arriving in the village. Photo: David Lowndes
Will Armitage and his puppy meet the horses. Photo: David Lowndes
Will Armitage and his puppy meet the horses. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds from the Fitzwilliam Hunt arriving in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds from the Fitzwilliam Hunt arriving in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds and riders leaving The Barn behind the Haycock Manor Hotel. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds and riders leaving The Barn behind the Haycock Manor Hotel. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds and riders leaving The Barn behind the Haycock Manor Hotel. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds and riders leaving The Barn behind the Haycock Manor Hotel. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds and riders leaving The Barn behind the Haycock Manor Hotel. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds and riders leaving The Barn behind the Haycock Manor Hotel. Photo: David Lowndes
Falconer John Mease with his eagle. Photo: David Lowndes
Falconer John Mease with his eagle. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds and riders arriving in the village for the Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet. Photo: David Lowndes
Hounds and riders arriving in the village for the Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet at Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year's Day meet at Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Falconer John Mease with his eagle. Photo: David Lowndes
Falconer John Mease with his eagle. Photo: David Lowndes
Crowds attending the Fitzwilliam Hunt's New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Crowds attending the Fitzwilliam Hunt's New Year's Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David Lowndes
Labrador puppies Holly and Ivy at the meet. Photo: David Lowndes
Labrador puppies Holly and Ivy at the meet. Photo: David Lowndes

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.






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