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
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
Out of the 324 voters, 61 per cent believe it’s an outdated tradition while 34 per cent support hunts.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
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
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 LowndesHounds and riders arriving in the village. Photo: David LowndesWill Armitage and his puppy meet the horses. Photo: David LowndesFitzwilliam Hunt New Year’s Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David LowndesHounds from the Fitzwilliam Hunt arriving in Wansford. Photo: David LowndesHounds and riders leaving The Barn behind the Haycock Manor Hotel. Photo: David LowndesHounds and riders leaving The Barn behind the Haycock Manor Hotel. Photo: David LowndesHounds and riders leaving The Barn behind the Haycock Manor Hotel. Photo: David LowndesFalconer John Mease with his eagle. Photo: David LowndesFitzwilliam Hunt New Year’s Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David LowndesHounds and riders arriving in the village for the Fitzwilliam Hunt New Year’s Day meet. Photo: David LowndesFitzwilliam Hunt New Year’s Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David LowndesFitzwilliam Hunt New Year’s Day meet at Wansford. Photo: David LowndesFalconer John Mease with his eagle. Photo: David LowndesCrowds attending the Fitzwilliam Hunt’s New Year’s Day meet in Wansford. Photo: David LowndesLabrador puppies Holly and Ivy at the meet. Photo: David Lowndes
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.