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HORSES and huntsmen gathered near Peterborough to continue the tradition of the Boxing Day Hunt.
HORSES and huntsmen gathered near Peterborough to continue the tradition of the Boxing Day Hunt.It is almost three years since fox hunting was banned, but supporters of the Fitzwilliam Hunt, in Stilton, were determined not to let the tradition die out.
The meet continued with an artificial scent for the hounds to follow.
Huntmaster George Bowyer addressed a large crowd of more than 200 spectators, and welcomed everyone to the hunt.
Speaking after the event, Mr Bowyer said: “It just goes to show that British people are proud of their tradition, and we will all be gathering again at Wansford on New Year’s Day.”
VIllagers handed out warming mince pies and drinks, and children played among the hounds, who remain a key part of the hunt.
According to hunt organisers, more people than ever turned out to ride with their local hunts three years after hunting with dogs was made a criminal offence.
Some 314 hunts set out across the UK, attracting many women and children on what has become the busiest day in the hunting calendar.
The Countryside Alliance said the attendance figures showed that far from discouraging the sport, the Government’s ban on hunting with dogs had raised its profile and encouraged more people to take part.
The 2004 Hunting Act made hunting with dogs a criminal offence, although hounds can be used to follow a fox’s scent and to flush it out of hiding.
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Weather for Peterborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
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