Avon Vale Hunt led by new master
10:35am Thursday 27th December 2012 in News By Adam Care
The Avon and Vale Hunt, led by new master Stuart Radbourne, in Lacock for the traditional Boxing Day meet
Thousands of supporters packed Lacock on Boxing Day for the Avon Vale Hunt, as the Government ruled out a free vote on repealing the hunting ban.
The village was full as 65 riders departed at 11am, led by new hunt master Stuart Radbourne.
Joint hunt master Mike Smith said: “We had a brilliant day, and it was lovely to see so many people out.
“I have been going for over 50 years, and I would think the turnout for the hunt was the most I have ever seen.
“There were around three-and-a-half thousand people there last year, and they tell me there was more this year.
“The support we are getting is fantastic.”
The hunt was the first to be led by Mr Radbourne, 28, who took over from Wiltshire councillor Jonathon Seed this year.
He said: “It was a bit daunting to go out there in front of so many people but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
“I have been involved with the hunt for 12 years. I first went out hunting as a teenager, and worked in a kennels in my gap year. “
Mr Smith said: “I think he is brilliant, I am 72 years old and it’s great to bring in young people like him, they are the future of hunting.”
As legal hunts took place across the country environment secretary Owen Paterson said the coalition government was not likely to repeal the ban on full hunting with hounds, admitting a free vote on the issue was not one that could be won by the pro-hunt lobby.
Mr Radbourne said: “They have promised us a free vote in the house, so we do expect that to happen.
“We accept it’s not a major priority, and they need to focus on the NHS and policing, but we would still like it to happen. We live in hope.”
Following problems with parking last year Wiltshire Council had sent four traffic wardens to Lacock to manage the supporters travelling to the village. During the day seven tickets were given out.
Comments(12)
bbzz
says...
1:16pm Thu 27 Dec 12
robin blue wig
says...
6:39pm Thu 27 Dec 12
bbzz wrote:I would say at least £600.00
how much has the 4 traffic wardens on a bank holiday cost us?? ....
Mrs Donnyfly
says...
6:52pm Thu 27 Dec 12
bbzz wrote:Probably an insignificant amount when compared to the figures spent on unnecessary, excessive bureaucracy.
how much has the 4 traffic wardens on a bank holiday cost us?? ....
beetawix
says...
10:06pm Thu 27 Dec 12
Nickthegreek
says...
7:28am Fri 28 Dec 12
NormanNormal
says...
7:54am Fri 28 Dec 12
Looks like more ill judged "class war" sending 4 parking officers to issue 7 tickets at the hunt.
merulius
says...
8:16am Fri 28 Dec 12
Smiley141
says...
4:35pm Fri 28 Dec 12
e they wouldn't be unfortunate enough to be issued with a ticket!
notscot
says...
10:33pm Fri 28 Dec 12
Smiley141 wrote:Introducing..... the voice of reason!
Actually the civil enforcement officers were not paid extra, & do not get a day off in lieu. This day was part of their normal rota. At the end of the day....everyone has a job to do, & if people could learn to park properly & adhere to parking times & restrictions....mayb
e they wouldn't be unfortunate enough to be issued with a ticket!
Nickthegreek
says...
8:39am Sat 29 Dec 12
e.gov.uk/search-and-
apply/details.aspx?n
PostingID=935&nPosti
ngTargetID=1259&opti
on=52&sort=DESC&resp
nr=1&ID=QBJFK026203F
3VBQB7VV78NOP&Result
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sk=wilext&utm_source
=Indeed&utm_medium=o
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Indeed. Start dishing out those ticket boys 'cos at £19k each you'll need to & not just "because you're worth it".
Smiley141
says...
11:42pm Tue 8 Jan 13
salt and vinegar says...
11:25am Thu 27 Dec 12