Hunt membership votes no to merger

THE proposed “joint venture” between two of Britain’s most famous packs, the Quorn and the Cottesmore (news, 25 October), is off the table.

Those associated with both hunts voted on the future partnership last Thursday evening (29 November).

While the Quorn vote was passed with a “massive majority”, according to senior joint-master Joss Hanbury, a minority of Cottesmore voters were in favour.

Joss told H&H: “It is deeply disappointing this project has come to nothing after so much work has been put in on both sides and despite being endorsed by both hunt committees.

“I think there is an underlying belief it will have to happen at some stage, but unfortunately not at this moment in time.

“The Quorn has a few options, despite this setback, which we will consider carefully.”

Andrew Osborne of the Cottesmore said although Cottesmore membership voted against the plan, the matter has been “talked about for a number of seasons and I imagine will continue to be”.

“This doesn’t rule out a merger for the future,” he told H&H.

“From the Cottesmore’s point of view, we’ll continue to get on very well with our neighbours, the Quorn. A number of subscribers subscribe to both hunts, and long may that association go on.

“Sometimes it can be difficult to persuade people change could secure hunting in Leicestershire for future generations, but we believe future generations will look at this again.”