Stop press, Herefordshire Life Magazine are attending the Hunt Ball!!!
General Information
The Sixty Sixth AGM of the Golden Valley Hunt will be held on the 30th January 2012 in the Baskerville Arms at 8.00pm. Documents relating to the AGM will be available in a hard copy format at the meeting, an electronic copy will be posted here shortly after the meeting has taken place.
Please note: Landowners & Farmers whose land is within the GVH Country and over whose land hounds are permitted to hunt and who have registered to vote with the Hon. Secretary 7 days prior to the AGM are also welcome to vote.
Hunt Ball reservation card can be downloaded here.
The 2011/12 Meet Card is password protected, please ask a member of the committee they will be able to help.
Autumn 2011 newsletter can be downloaded here.
Event Reviews
Breakfast Meet 2011:
The annual breakfast meet took place at its usual venue, Painscastle Village Hall. The morning although bright brought a shower of snow which fortunately cleared as fast as it came. Nearly 75 breakfasts were served which is a tribute to Evelyn’s catering team.
It was very pleasing to see so many visitors from different Hunts, one couple from Cheshire were staying with our Chairman and wife. A field of 30 riders left the village, hounds were following a trail to Mill Lane, then crossing the Painscastle to Newchurch road heading to Bryngwyn Hill. The field were taken towards the Lundy Gorse, bearing right to above Goblean House. From there they crossed the road at New House heading towards Bryngwyn Hill when on the top they turned right handed, returning to New House and back to Hounds were seen in the gorse above the B5494. The field were heading towards Rhosgoch, I am afraid at this point my companion and I decided that it was time to return the horses to their stables.
Hunt Auction 2011:
The Supporters Club held its Auction on the 4th December raising nearly £4,500 this is a fantastic sum and a record for the event. I have been asked to pass on the HSC’s thanks, to all for the lots offered, and to those who made purchases. We are indebted to Percy for his hard work during the evening, also to the landlord and his staff at the Basky, and our thanks also go the younger supporters who acted as runners for Evelyn and her team. It was a wonderful evening and very pleasing to see such a supportive crowd.
Lamb Sale 2011:
The 1st December brought with it the Annual Lamb Sale organized by Cherry and John H. Lambs came forward from many of the farmers within the GVH country which as usual raised much needed funds for the Hunt. As in the past Dave and Norman along with Margery were helping with the sale for which the Hunt are very grateful. The Chairman and Committee would like to thank all that donated their lambs and the donations of money that were receive where lambs were not able to be donated.
Bingo Night 2011:
This years Bingo Night was once again held in the Masonic Hall, Hay on Wye. Jean, Katie and Dave ran a very pleasing and entertaining evening. The ladies of the Hay and District Bingo Union were very willing to aid the novices, which in the main were the GVH Supporters with advice and the correct Bingo pens. Our SC Chair won a very useful Christmas pudding complete with cream, unfortunately the remaining GVH contingent were not so lucky even in the raffle. I am sure you would like me to give our thanks for the support and hospitality shown to the GVH during the evening. If you would like to attend a further bingo night one has been arranged to support St Mary’s Church Bryngwyn at Rhosgoch Golf Club, further details can be obtained from Evelyn.
The Brecon and Talybont visit the GVH.
Our friends from the B&TH made their now traditional visit to the GVH country meeting at the home of the Chairman we share. John and Sue as usual provide a very warm welcome to us all, providing some wonderful food and warming mulled wine. The meet was well supported from both countries and it was pleasing to see some younger members amongst the field. The day started well with the hounds following the trail to the hill crossing over the Painscastle to Hundred House road, they then headed down into Painscastle village along the road to Groesvaen, heading back up to the Lundy and turning left handed along Llanbedr Hill heading towards the Cradle rocks. The trail finished short of Llabwchllyn, at this point the evening was drawing in and hounds returned to the meet.
Quiz Night. The Pandy Inn, Dorstone 2011:
The first quiz night was kindly hosted by the Landlord and his wife at the Pandy Inn Dorstone. We had 12 teams entered with participants travelling from as far afield as Brecon. The evening was organised by Gill M. with the questions being supplied by our Chairman of the Point to Point Committee, David P. Some of the questions proved very taxing but fun to answer, and even better to find the answers to the question not known.
During the evening each team was supplied with a mini buffet which was most welcome. As always one team proved too well educated for most of us and sailed away with a score to be envied, our winner was simply named as the Corner Table, they were presented with bottles of wine and a perpetual tankard which will be available for next year.
Opening Meet 2011/12 season:
The weather for the traditional opening meet was wonderful, as was the greeting we had from our hosts Rob and Revel. With nearly 50 mounted followers the day commenced well, our new Hon. Secretary aided by her daughter were on duty collecting subscriptions and caps from those in attendance which are always welcome by our Hon Treasurer. It is always flattering to see new subscribers to the GVH as was the number of Pony Club members, it was particularly pleasing to see the pony clubs DC mounted accompanied by her son. Steve gave a short speech which sadly notified us of the death of Dave and Norman’s mother, our condolences go out to them.
Hounds moved off shortly after the alloted time, following the laid trail crossing the road and heading towards the cover below Chapel Farm, the trail then led them towards Lower Bettws, Pentwyn, Crowthers Pool then along the road towards Penycae, Crossway Farm Tump Farm and Upper Bettws. The trail then led Will back over the hill to the Rhosgoch to Newchurch Road.
A few photographs can be accessed here.
Social evening 13th October 2011:
The Supporters Club arranged a pre season social evening with the prime purpose of introducing Darren F. who is joining Steve in the Mastership, along with question and answer session with Alun Thomas who has expressed an interest in joining the Mastership for the 2012/13 season. Mr Thomas was for 10 seasons Master and Huntsman of the Taunton Vale Harriers. David Brian Plummer, is his 1985 publication, ‘Hunters All’, describes Alun as having ‘an enviable reputation as a terrier man and hunter’. Alun’s fascination for terrier work and breeding started as an 11year old boy at the side of Tom Prosser, Huntsman of the Llangeinor. Ensuing decades brought appointments as terrier man at the Glamorgan, David Davies, Middleton, and Chiddingfold Leconfield and Cowdray. Alun describes time spent in the 1990’s as kennel-huntsman to Robin Cursham as ‘the best apprenticeship I could have served’. In 2000 he and Jackie moved to Somerset to take on the Taunton Vale Harriers. Alun was instrumental in the introduction of West County Harrier classes at Peterborough in 2006, where he has won two consecutive dog hound championships. Once the questions had finished Mr Thomas along with his wife were able to circulate amongst the GVH supporters adding a personal touch.
The evening was well supported and it was very pleasing to see represenatives from the committee of the GVH Branch of the Pony Club. Evelyn and her team were with the aid of donations of sandwiches, cakes etc. provided a wonderful buffet which rounded off the event.
Fun Ride from Tregoyd 2011:
Our first fun ride from the riding centre was organised by Gill and Lorraine, kindly assisted by the members of the Supporters’ Club, Evelyn was in her usual role of selling hot dogs, beef burgers’ etc. The weather was on the side of the riders and their horses, the brief return of the summer cooled for the day which made it easier for all concerned. It was pleasing to see friends from the South Hereford country and riders from the Ross on Wye area. It was disappointing not to be able to take part and therefore see the route first hand, I am informed that the course was around 10 miles being mostly on stubble or grass with very little road work, optional jumps were available to suit all levels . It was pleasing to see several young riders with their respective parents taking part.
Annual Horse Show 2011:
The Golden Valley Hunt Supporters Annual Horse Show was held this year on Sunday September 4th at The Green Farm, Clifford, by kind permission of HSC President David Morgan and his father Trevor.
With 43 classes in the schedule our hard-working Judges and Stewards to whom we give our thanks were kept busy well into the afternoon, fortunately for us all the weather remained fine throughout the day being not too hot nor or cold. There was a very high standard of competition, with lots of local faces amongst winners. The Pony Champion was Seren Lloyd riding Smartie; the Working Hunter Champion Stacey Williams riding Pengarreg Athos; & the Showing Classes Champion was Becky Adlam with Mosaic Law. The overall Supreme Championship (sponsored by Hay Veterinary Group) and winner of the Chris Gibbons Cup was Richard Jones’ mare Josie, ridden by Ellie Smith they also went on to win the Chase-me-Charlie at 5’2”! (Richard was the course builder for the Working Hunter ring). The Reserve Supreme Champion was won by Sharon France’s in-hand foal Marley, by Steve Lloyd’s coloured stallion Dylan.
There was also a large turnout for the Novelty and Gymkhana classes; the latter being a new venture ably organised by Kate & Sara. These classes are much enjoyed by the younger competitors & their small ponies.
Thanks are due to all the members of the HSC who worked hard at setting up and taking down the rings and jumps; organising the paperwork & sponsorships; running the BBQ & refreshments; along with Judges lunches; and generally making this a day to enjoy and remember.
Special thanks too go to our supportive Sponsors: Hay Veterinary Group; Golden Valley Ales; R. Jenkins & Son Ltd.; The Castlefield Inn, Clifford; The Pandy Inn, Dorstone; Tim Johnson; The Nags Head, Peterchurch; The Red Lion Hotel, Bredwardine; Jones Home Hardware, Hay-on-Wye; Vision & Sound, Hay-on-Wye; Bryngwyn Riding Centre; Mr. Percy Haines, Auctioneers; Hay & Brecon Farmers Ltd; Brightwells, Leominster; Goldsworthys’ Hay-on-Wye; Hamish Gibson-Watt; Alfie Davies; Ty-Llwyd Stables, Painscastle; Shepherd’s Ice Cream; Hannah Thomas Veterinary Physiotherapist; & Phillip Jones Financial Solutions.
Photographs of the day were taken by All Sport Photos, & can be seen on their website.
August Bank Holiday Dog Show 2011:
There was a good turn out for the annual Hunt Supporters Terrier, Lurcher & Novelty Dog Show – a popular Bank Holiday event – held this year on Sunday 28thAugust at Priory Field, Clifford by kind permission of Cherry Phillips. There were increased numbers of Terriers & Lurchers, as the Show is now a qualifier for both the North Wales Lurcher Champion of Champions and the Heard of Wales Champion of Champions Show. The champion small lurcher was Will owned by Tony Turner of Telford; & the champion large lurcher Gunner owned by Jane Price of Velindre. Jane and Neil Price also won the Arthur Phillips Cup for Champion Terrier with Storm.
The busy Novelty ring was this year ably judged by Roddy Lewis & Nick Bishop, who awarded the Championship and Shield to Cherry Phillips with Tyke. The Dog Racing following the judging classes was organised by Kevin Staley; & gave much amusement – perhaps next year we had better have a Tote!
There was also the Dog Agility Ring, organised by Katy & Sara; prize winners were Lya with Jakey; Will with Jake; & Will with Kika.
The Clay Pigeon shoot was run by Marjorie Phillips, & kept going well into the evening. A face-painting stand and bbq & refreshments helped to make a very happy afternoon, & to raise much needed funds for our Hunt.
Midnight Steeplechase 2011:
This was the first horse racing other than our Point to Point to take place in the GVH country. We were very lucky with the weather this resulted in a good turn out of runners and spectators, several of the races were divided for safety reasons, the first two winners qualifying to run in the final. The first race was a lead rein dash followed by a flat race for the younger competitors, an under 12 years of age was the first of the jumping races this was then followed by a senior class. A TOTE had been arranged to add a little more excitement to the racing. To finish the evening a race was held for humans accompanied by a dog. We were lucky that prizes were supplied by Canter Happy a tack shop from Brecon. Refreshments were available and prepared by John and Sue this continued well after racing had finished. Andrew, Angharad, Belinda, Colin, Dia, Evelyn, Gill, Lucy, Michelle, Peter, Steve and Will worked very hard to make the evening such a success, they were supported by several other helpers to which we give our thanks. We are also indebted to John L for supplying the straw bales.
