A Message from the Chairman of the Trustees.

Redcar Farm Dear All,

We wanted you to be aware that an opportunity has arisen to establish kennel huntsman accommodation alongside kennels at Redcar Farm in the valley near Ampleforth. After some initial discussions the Ampleforth Abbey Trustees indicated to us just before Easter that it may be possible for us to take on a lease for Redcar Farm although we should stress there is a long way to go before any final agreement is reached. Such an opportunity to establish a home for the hunt staff and hounds will provide us with a long-term stable arrangement around which we can plan our future and look towards the bicentenary. We will try to keep you informed as and when we can over the next few months. Should any of you have particular expertise/knowledge/ability in respect of the various issues which will arise such as planning or the building work that will be required we hope you will make yourselves known to us as we would be grateful for any assistance over the coming months. We should stress this is only an opportunity at present but, we hope you will agree, it is a very exciting one for the future of the Hunt.

Regards, Michael Spencer Toby Pedley parades hounds at Exhibition 2016. L - R Ben Sanders, Henry Kirk, Xavier Wain-Blisset, Toby, Georgina Eglinton, George Crowder

Forrard-on into the The Point to Point which Bicentenary! was first started in 1922 was won this year by Edward Plowden (D), in just 21 minutes, equalling the course When Paddy Dunne Cullinan’s mother sent record of James Channer D12 who four couples of over from Ireland to was Captain of Beagling in 2010-11. Ampleforth in November 1915 people would have been thinking more about when the war would end rather than how long the new pack of beagles would last. So here we are at the end of our first season after our centenary in good heart and looking forward to the future. Links with Ampleforth College remain strong and Hounds paraded under new Huntsman Toby Pedley’s direction at Exhibition 2016 before a large gathering of students, parents and friends. College Hunt officials at the time were Henry Kirk (J), Capt. of Beagling, with Benedict Sanders (D), George Crowder(O), Xavier Wain-Blissett (J), George Boyle (J) and Georgina Eglinton (B). This year the team comprises Benedict as Captain of The Greenwood Point-to-Point Trophy modelled by Beagling assisted by Xavier, George Boyle D. H. Clarke in 1929 and presented as a silver trophy and Deaglan Hunter Blair (D). by Mr Herbert Greenwood. The Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles

This is our parent body whose principal role is to act as the governing body of by packs of harriers and beagles in and Wales. Despite the the Association and its members remain resolute in their commitment to amend flawed legislation and to promote the management, welfare and conservation of the hare. Membership is open to all those who support hare hunting and wish to be involved in the Association. The AMHB welcomes young people under the age of 21 wishing to encourage greater involvement by the young in hunting and in order for them to share the knowledge, experience and skills of more experienced members, in the art of venery and the management and handling of a pack of hounds.

Members of the Association receive:

• a copy of the annual Association Handbook • a set of rules • an AMHB badge • access to the members section of AMHB website • regular newsletters and invitations to:

• the AMHB Annual Conference • the Harrier and Show at the Festival of Hunting at Peterborough • Hunting seminars and events throughout the year, some especially designed for young hare hunters.

The cost of membership of the AMHB for those who are not Masters of Hounds is £30.00 per annum, payable on 1st May. For those aged under 21 on May 1st, the subscription is £15.00. Young members also receive discounts on AMHB merchandise.

All those wishing to apply for membership of the AMHB must be nominated by two people who have been members of the AMHB for at least two years. All applications must be approved by members of the Joint Committee. Application forms and direct debit instructions can be obtained from Hon. Secretary Claire Thompson at [email protected] and applications for membership should be accompanied by the annual subscription either by cheque or by completion of a direct debit instruction. “The first season’s always the worst.”

Toby Pedley writes:

A sentence I’ve heard numerous times throughout the course of what concludes my first season as Huntsman. The first time I heard it I almost felt put out, as though it suggested that once we got this first season out of the way then we could put it behind us, crack on and have some real sport! I’ve come to realise quite quickly that this isn’t the intended meaning at all! Rather that when you’re involved so deeply within the hunt it’s impossible not to learn on hand and upon reflection, notice areas for improvement. Whether it’s the preparations made in the late summer months leading up to the opening of the season or even in which direction to draw to get that run we are all hoping for, it all comes down to past experience, something hard to call upon in your first season! I’ve been extremely lucky to have such fantastic support from all the supporters, subscribers, friends and family throughout the entire hunting year not just on hunt days. Coming back to a few smiling faces at the hound trailer at the end of a blank day in bleak December weather and hearing, “Well done, you did everything you could.” means as much as the positive comments at the end of a successful hunt and for this I’m very grateful. I've been very pleased with how hounds have gone all season. They've hunted well throughout some testing times with hot days, poor scent and patches of fog that have really disrupted any momentum we seemed to gain. This is a credit to Mark Campbell’s thorough hound breeding, Tom Cranage my predecessor’s hard work and effort and to Brian Marshall at kennels It’s been good to see so much enthusiasm from the young college whippers-in and followers this season. They’ve provided some excellent information that’s helped keep hunts going during poor scenting days and they’ve put up with some foul weather to help see hounds safely back to the trailer at the end of a long day. A fine example of this was at the Oak Tree near the start of the season where, after a fast paced opening hour, hounds feathered away from a check left handed when Xavier Wain- Blisset and George Boyle ran over to tell me that not long before hounds had arrived at the check, a had run the left hand line that the young entry where beginning to feather on. With this hounds were quickly laid on the correct line and it was only through this information that the hunt was kept alive and I hope that as the students continue to involve themselves within the hunt their confidence will grow and allow them to have a more active and enjoyable time out hunting. One particular day that stands out in my memory was the meet at Cote Hill, Farndale early-February. A beautifully clear day that was both cold and crisp did the meet justice and this was reflected by a strong turnout of both regular subscribers and visitors. After the initial climb to the first draw we found well, getting things under way within 10 minutes of leaving the meet. 13½ couple flew downwards back towards the meet, giving those that were taking the hill at a more civilised pace a good view before swinging tightly back on themselves to climb up once more. Despite scent appearing to be red hot, hounds had to come down a gear to negotiate the line through the maze of field followers as they continued to travel up the hill. This was a blessing in disguise as it gave both me and Morgan Campbell (who was on peak form after a hugely successful debut hunting hounds at Lastingham just a week before) time to get to the Blakey road to see hounds safely across. Russell Yardley selflessly did a fantastic job all day, staying on the road stopping traffic numerous times keeping the pack’s momentum going. Hounds crossed the road without a check and rumbled on still tight up together despite the testing ascent. As they hunted on out of sight and deeper into Rosedale, Morgan and I were only just within earshot as we arrived at the brow of the hill to see hounds at a check just above Thorgill. It looked as though this might be a tough test for hounds with fresh lines emerging close to the check. It delighted me to see a first season hound doing the majority of the heavy lifting in getting the pack away again on the original line, back up the hill just aside from where we stood. We ran with them trying to keep well on terms as we neared the Blakey road. Again Russell had things well under control and we crossed without hesitation, keeping the pressure high. The pace seemed to quicken once more as a long twisted line was taken back to where we had started. They drove on hard still as one, back over the brow of the hill back towards the meet. As I neared the edge of the hill I looked down to see the hunt had concluded just in time for the college students to make it off the bus and onto the field and ended under the nose of the captain of Beagling Ben Saunders. This hunt lasted almost precisely an hour from start to finish and hounds were in their glorious full cry for the vast majority of it. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first season as huntsman and would like to take this opportunity to thank all that have helped and supported me throughout, especially to Mark Campbell who has done a fantastic job keeping things in order as sole Master. I will miss his help and advice massively on his resignation at the end of next season. Toby Pedley

The Year in Retrospect

The centenary year ended with the final dinner, described in the previous newsletter, and the closing meet at Lastingham,Tom Cranage’s last before leaving for the Zetland to be 1st Whipper-in. Toby took hounds to Wenslydale hound show at Hawes the day after parading at Exhibition. The Farndale Hound,Terrier and Lurcher show, organised and run by Muriel Tinsley, provided the ideal warm-up for the puppy show the following weekend. A number of other local packs attended and there were classes for terriers, lurchers and gun dogs, all of which were popular and had plenty of entries. Our Puppy Show at Kennels saw over 80 people attending; the weather managed to stay fine and the sun even managed to make an appearance. Kennels looked superb thanks to the hard work of Toby and Team. The young entry showed extremely well and the main pack looked in top form. The tea, as always, was splendid and enjoyed by all. Results

Dog Hounds 1st Mountain walked by Mr & Mrs Raper 2nd Badger walked by Mr & Mrs Cook 3rd Beckford walked by Mr & Mrs Wood

Bitches 1st Message walked by Claire Thompson 2nd Music walked by Muriel Tinsley 3rd Bilberry walked by Mr & Mrs Swiers

Champion Hound: Message Res Champion: Mountain

Couples 1st Badger & Barmoor 2nd Mountain & Musket 3rd Message & Maypole Best working hound from last season went to Frolic walked by Muriel Tinsley.

The Great Yorkshire Show Toby Pedley receives the Stowe Challenge Trophy for the Best Brood Bitch with Progeny from Adrian Dangar The Great Yorkshire Show hosts one of the top Hound and Beagle shows. Team Ampleforth had a very successful day with various prizes in the both the dog and bitch classes. One of the highlights was Dainty ‘11 taking a first in the progeny class with her daughters Agile and April and going on to be awarded Reserve Champion Bitch. Former Master Ian Kibble was appointed President of the AMHB for the ensuing year. The Kendrew Family once again generously allowed us to use their wonderful house for The Barns Lunch Party, with over 40 people enjoying a delightful meal. A trip to Cumbria and the Lowther show in August provided even more rosettes and trophies for The Ampleforth. The support team provided plenty of cheers and hollas every time another rosette was won. The Couples Championship was an all Yorkshire battle with Ampleforth taking the Champioship and Hunsley Beacon taking the Reserve Championship. The Champion Beagle went to the Blackcombe Wonder, with Ampleforth Beckford awarded Reserve Championship, the Blackcombe beagle then went on to win the overall Hare Hound Championship. The oldest doghound in the pack Birkdale ’07 won the Veteran class.

Marc Ellis and Morgan Campbell helped Toby Pedley at Lowther Hound Show.

The summer BBQ at Costa Mill was superb with the sun managing to shine.The children had a great time both playing with the beagle pups, and in the boat and everyone managed to stay dry. Toby displayed all the rosettes and trophies for everyone to see and they looked fantastic. Everyone's generosity on the day allowed us to make two donations of £300 each to the Air Ambulance and Scarborough Mountain Rescue, both are very worthy causes. BBQ at High Costa Mill

As usual hounds paraded at Farndale Show at the end of August, a time when hunting folk start looking forward to the next season and gamekeepers are hoping for a good Grouse season. We had not long to wait and the Opening Meet was at Ousegill on 24th September. The colder weather is a good time to have a wine-tasting lunch party and once again we have to thank the Kendrew family for allowing us to come to the barns in Coxwold in October where Chris Harbach, having carried out much research, (what a lovely job) presented us with a varied and interesting selection of wines that made lunch a very enjoyable occasion. Muriel Tinsley excelled in getting a record number of people to the Farmers’ and Keepers’ supper at the Happy 50th Mark. Tony Pedley, left, and Mark's end of January. son Morgan who hunted hounds on the day. Without their co-operation and tolerance we simply would not exist. On the morning before the supper the meet at Lastingham was a celebration of Mark’s 50th birthday. We assembled in the car park of the Grange Hotel where Hillary had prepared a mountain of food and a birthday cake that was so original that it was a shame to cut it up and eat it. It was a mini hunting scene with hounds, and a hare hiding behind a wall and Mark flat on his face in pursuit of a rabbit. Needless to say we ate the lot. It was a great day for Morgan Campbell too for with Toby’s support he was to hunt hounds. And to record the occasion for Horse & Hound was Frank Houghton Brown who, as Master of the Middleton Hounds in 1994, had provided board and lodging for the beagles when they left Ampleforth. They remained at Birdsall for the next fifteen years.

Alice O’Neill is a great supporter of the beagles; she walks puppies, whelps bitches, raises litters, organises BBQs, beagle teas and pleasure rides and her latest fund-raising success was a bridge party in Hutton-le- Hole village hall in February, Lunch followed by bridge raised almost £900. Hunt officials were again invited to Ampleforth for supper with the students in the Refectory. Hillary and her team catered superbly for the End of Season Dinner. Local Roe Deer was provided by Mark and Morgan Campbell. Special guests for the evening were Head Keeper Paul and his wife Ally Wilson who are leaving the Bransdale Grouse Moor for Scotland. Paul was presented with a copy of Ian Kibble’s book as a small reminder of the Ampleforth and a mark of our appreciation for his support over the seasons.

College supper L-R Hugh Ramsey, Gerard Lamarche, Frances Channer Ben Sanders, Christian Laczko-Schroeder, Josephine Aldous-Ball, Imogen Wood. Hon. Treasurer’s Update by John Richardson

As I approach the end of my first full financial year for the Ampleforth Beagles, I am looking back at twelve months of good progress towards our targets and looking forward with greater optimism for the future. We started with a lot of uncertainty as Ian Kibble, Senior Joint Master retired and Tom Cranage, Amateur Huntsman moved on to pursue employment in . At that stage we envisaged that our costs would rise substantially if we had to replace an amateur huntsman with a professional. Plans were then put in place to work towards a sustainable solution to meet this need and obviously we still need to work towards that but we have been very fortunate that Toby Pedley agreed to become Amateur Huntsman. Although our costs increased substantially through providing accommodation for Toby due the great support we have received we have managed this year to keep our heads above water. Notable results have included a wide range of fund-raising events that are described elsewhere but our biggest source of income is from our subscribers and visitors paying a cap. The Hunt Executive Committee agreed to increase the Subscription rate for the 2017/18 season by £25 for an Individual with a pro rata increase for a Family. This is the second step in a four year programme of similar increases. The new rates are in the table below. The Cap will remain at £10.

Reduced Subscription is for anyone paying in full or starting a Monthly* Standing Order before the Opening Meet.

For subscribers old and new you can pay by cheque to Ampleforth Beagles and send to me at the address below, or by bank transfer to A/c 60871601 Sort Code 60-16-30 ref: subscription. The option to pay Subscriptions by monthly standing order is available. If you choose this option then ideally it would be 12 equal payments starting in May through to April next year. If started after May but before the Opening Meet, the initial payment would include the missed months followed by the standard payment for the remaining200 Club months. My contact details are below.

Please continue to support this useful fund-raising effort which has been very successful. There is still time to contribute before the results are announced at the Puppy Show on 11th June if you make contact with me. For further information on subscriptions and 200 Club please contact me: John Richardson, Hon Treasurer, 20 Low Mill Close, York, YO10 5JN Tel 01904 423863 Email: [email protected] WHERE THERE’S A WILL…

When Paddy Dunne Cullinan’s mother sent over four couple of beagles from Ireland to Ampleforth College in 1915 while war raged in France their future must have been uncertain. However, looking back over the history of the pack during the last one hundred years, seventy-nine of them, despite two world wars, were a period of stability and continuity because the beagles were under the control of Amplefor th College.

In 1994 that was to change and the ownership of the pack was vested in new trustees and hounds moved from Gilling Castle in August of that year to rented accommodation at the Middleton Hunt kennels at Birdsall near Malton where they remained for fifteen years. In 2009 they moved again, this time to the former kennels of the Farndale Hunt at Stape. So our last twenty-three years have seen considerable change in location and staff both amateur and professional. And of course our independence means that we have to be self- sufficient and pay our own way. One way that will help us do this is by means of bequests to the Ampleforth Beagles. By leaving a gift to the Hunt you will help to ensure its future for the young people who are following on so that they too can enjoy the sight and sound of hounds in full cry across the moors that generations have enjoyed for the last century.

It is always prudent to examine one’s Will from time to time as events in our lives unfold and it is not difficult to make changes with some professional advice. The example of the codicil shown here has been approved by a solicitor and is the simplest way of amending your Will. All you need to do is sign it in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries under your will and then keep the codicil together with your will in a safe place.

If you were to make a gift to the Hunt in this way you would playing your part in maintaining a sporting tradition and a fine pack of hounds that that now moves into its second century. Our plan is to build up a fund over the next year or two including promises made through wills so that we can be sure that the pack's future can be assured by having a firm capital base. Codicil Please complete in capital letters

I full name Of address

postcode Declare this to be a first / second / third Codicil to my will,

Dated and made the day of month year in words I bequeath to the Trustees of the Ampleforth Beagles enter amount In all other respects, I confirm my will and any other codicils thereto. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand to this day of month 20 year

Signed by testator full name

As a first / second / third Codicil to my will in our presence:

testator’s signature

And then by his/her presence: First witness signature Full name Address

Occupation

Second witness signature Full name Address

Occupation Email addresses

We can get a message instantly – well almost – to many people who have an interest in the beagles. So useful if a meet has to be cancelled at short notice, for example, and this newsletter is an attachment to an email, but we still have to post about sixty so please let the Hon. Secretary Clare Thompson at [email protected] have your e-mail address particularly as the cost of postage stamps has gone up again.

Hunt Calendar

Our calendar has remained popular over the years and we are grateful to our sponsors whose generosity has reduced production costs. If anyone would like to sponsor a page in the calendar please make contact with our Treasurer: John Richardson 20 Low Mill Close, York, YO10 5JN Tel 01904 423863 Email: [email protected]

Dates for your Diary

Further details will be disseminated nearer the time of each event

Sunday 28th May Barbecue lunch at Wytherstone House, Pockley. Sunday 11th June Puppy Show at the Kennels Sunday 25th June Hound terrier & lurcher Show at Harland Farms Tuesday 11th July Great Yorkshire Show. Wednesday 19th July Peterborough Hound Show. Sunday 23rd July Family Lunch at Low Northholme Farm - a family event with use of the swimming pool, tennis court, boules pitch, croquet, table tennis. Sunday 13th August Lowther Hound Show. Saturday 25th November Hunt Supper at the College. A Poem

We hardy beaglers are used to the North-east wind that sweeps across the moors. Charles Kingsley knew it despite having grown up in the soft South West. He knew about hunting too. Ode to the North-east Wind.

Welcome, wild North-easter. Chime, ye dappled darlings, Shame it is to see, Down the roaring blast; Odes to every zephyr; You shall see a fox die Ne'er a verse to thee. Ere an hour be past. Welcome, black North-easter! Go! and rest to-morrow, O'er the German foam; Hunting in your dreams, O'er the Danish moorlands, While our skates are ringing From thy frozen home. O'er the frozen streams. Tired we are of summer, Let the luscious South-wind Tired of gaudy glare, Breathe in lovers' sighs, Showers soft and streaming, While the lazy gallants Hot and breathless air. Bask in ladies' eyes. Tired of listless dreaming, What does he but soften Through the lazy day: Heart alike and pen? Jovial wind of winter, 'Tis the hard grey weather Turn us out to play! Breeds hard English men. Sweep the golden reed-beds; What's the soft South-wester? Crisp the lazy dyke. 'Tis the ladies' breeze, Hunger into madness Bringing home their true-loves Every plunging pike. Out of all the seas: Fill the lake with wild-fowl; But the black North-easter, Fill the marsh with snipe; Through the snowstorm hurled, While on the dreary moorlands Drives our English hearts of oak Lonely curlew pipe. Seaward round the world. Through the black fir-forest Come, as came our fathers, Thunder harsh and dry, Heralded by thee, Shattering down the snow-flakes Conquering from the eastward, Off the curdled sky. Lords by land and sea. Hark! The brave North-easter! Come; and strong within us Breast-high lies the scent, Stir the Viking's blood; On by holt and headland, Bracing brain and sinew; Over heath and bent. Blow, thou wind of God!

by Charles Kingsley