Hunt with no hounds
SUPPORTERS AND PROTESTERS AT NEW YEAR’S DAY MEET
AN ANNUAL New Year’s Day Meet attracted supporters and protesters alike as it returned to a new venue in Uttoxeter.
The Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt was this year held at Lower Loxley Farm as people gathered to watch the horses and the owners gather.
The traditional event is usually held in Uttoxeter Market Place and was cancelled last year due to Covid.
Supporters gathered inside the farm as the horses arrived, with protesters standing across the road with placards reading “trail hunting is a lie” and “shame on you”.
The hunt was greeted to cheers from the supporters and chants of “hunt scum” from the protesters. It was only the horses taking part this year as organisers said the hounds were resting after their previous exercise.
David Brookes, who owns Lower Loxley Farm, said: “I’m pleased that people are keen to get out on New Year’s Day and to see so many people here. I’m overwhelmed by the turnout. We’ve done it here this year as we have the space.
“The Market Place has the memorial garden and I’ve got a large farm that’s available to us. I’m happy to see so many people. We’re also raising funds through catering for the Staffordshire Young Farmers as they have been hit bad by Covid.”
One of the protesters, who wanted to be known only as Sue, said: “It’s always a peaceful protest and we are absolutely exercising our right to protest. It’s about everything to do with the hunt, it’s wrong and they are parading around.
“They do this to make it into a celebration. This is our right to protest.”
Eggs were reportedly thrown at the protesters after the horses had left the farm.
Peter Southwell, joint master of the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt, said: “Mr Brookes has gone to a lot of trouble today and we’re very happy to be meeting here. There’s a hell of a lot of supporters and we’re shocked by how many people have come to see us and support the Meynell and South Staffordshire Hunt.”