BUMPER crowds turned out for an annual Boxing Day hunt near Uttoxeter which saw numbers soar due to the unseasonably good weather.
Organisers of the Meynell and South Staffs Hunt Boxing Day meet said the crowds could have been the biggest ever as riders and enthusiasts enjoyed the sun in the wonderful setting at Blithfield Hall.
Last year the full hunt was unable to take place because of treacherous under foot conditions due to the big freeze.
However, there were no such problems this year as Master Huntsman Richard Parrott told the Advertiser after the event.
He said: “It went very well. We had the most people we have had for many years.
“We had about 79 people who mounted which is considerably up on recent times — more than I can remember actually. I think there were probably the biggest crowds ever as well.
“It was a big relief to have some decent weather and it was actually a lovely day and it is a lovely setting there.
“We had a nice canter round and people got home safe and sound, as did the horses which will always be important.
“We always get good support from the locals and we got more support again this year. It is a real boost to see so many people attending.” Attention now turns to New Year’s Day and the second year running the hunt will meet in the centre of Uttoxeter.
Mr Parrott said: “We are looking forward to it. It was a very good meet last year for us and we hope to repeat the same this year.
“We do like once a year to meet in a town to try and strengthen that bond between the hunt and the local area and with Uttoxeter being very much a country town it’s perfect.”
