Haydon Hunt marks its bicentenary with morning hunt

Nov 26 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

Francis Templer, joint master with over 50 years in hunting, said: “It is a momentous day in the sense that it is 200 years to the day, almost to the hour that we have positive proof that the Haydon existed.

“The evidence is a fox caught 200 years ago by the celebrated Haydon hounds. Then the Anchor was the headquarters of the Haydon hunt, and both the Haydon and the Anchor are still going strong.”

One major difference between the 1809 hunt and yesterday was that owing to the 2005 ban, no foxes were involved and instead the pack followed artificial trails.

The Haydon is backing calls for the Hunting with Dogs Act to be repealed and members have attended Countryside Alliance anti-legislation marches.

A hunt spokesperson said: “Membership, from all ages and across all walks of life, remains solid and deeply committed to safeguarding the traditions of hunting and the people and animals whose livelihoods depend on it.

“All look forward to the day that this unfair and unworkable legislation, which does nothing to benefit animal welfare, is repealed.”

Heather McDonald, another joint master and over 50 years with the Haydon, added: “I think it has made people almost think, well we must go out and do this. I think that is reflected across the countryside.”

The pack 200 years ago hunted both hare and fox and met twice a week.

The hunt currently goes out three times a week, with one day usually on foot.

Membership runs into the hundreds, with a fair amount of young blood.

Mrs McDonald said: “The hunt is in great heart at the moment, it is thriving.

“We are getting lots of children out which is the next generation.”