URGENT - First ever Mounted Squirrel Hunt in London - Sunday, 17 September 2006, c. 12.45 pm - REPLY NEEDED
Connaught Square Squirrel Hunt
Oh yes, dear supporters, it's true!
The Connaught Square Squirrel Hunt is holding the first ever Mounted Squirrel Hunt on Sunday, 17 September 2006.
For those unaware of the CSSH and its purpose, please see our website at www.csshhq.org.uk. Actually, even hardened supporters should give it a go, as we have now had it professionally redone.
Do join us for this extraordinary and unique event. As far as we know, it will be the first hunt to take place in Hyde Park since Tudor times and the first time that huntsmen will have ridden to hounds in central London since 1926 (we have the photograph but are not quite sure why they came).
We are extremely grateful to the Joint Masters of the Old Surrey, Burstow and West Kent Hunt for lending us a pack of their superb foxhounds together with the services of their excellent huntsment and whippers-in: http://www.mfha.co.uk/hunts/old_surrey_burstow_and_west_kent_hunt.html.
We are also grateful to the City of Westminster, the Royal Parks and the Metropolitan Police for their assistance.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
1. If you want to bring a horse to be a Mounted Follower, please call Duncan Macpherson, JM, on 07798 818432. We are strictly limiting the number of Mounted Followers for reasons of safety and decorum. We must discuss with every intended follower individually their level of riding skill and the roadworthiness and steadiness of their mount. We are able to offer unboxing areas but only if you give us your details in time. YOU MUST CALL TO RESERVE A PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We shall turn away anyone who does not follow this procedure.
2. We require a number of supporters to act as Stewards in Hyde Park. If you would like to act as a Steward please e-mail us at css...@gmail.com as soon as possible.
3. We very much want our regular foot-followers to be in attendance - so please come along as normal and bring your friends, children, dogs (on leads) etc. As this is going to be a highly subscribed event, please e-mail us at css...@gmail.com so we have an idea as to how many are coming.
4. Press. Any press enquiries should be directed to Sara at our press office on 020 7243 9992 or email css...@gmail.com. There will be a phtocall - exact details and location tbc.
It is most important that this event proceeds safely and smoothly. Please do not try anything other than that set out below without specific permission of the Joint Masters. This event is organised by Connaught Square Squirrel Hunt Limited.
THE PLAN - 17 SEPTEMBER 2006
10 am onwards: Unboxing in North Carriage Drive, Hyde Park, for Mounted Followers. Please note that only vehicles with specific permission to park in North Carriage Drive will be allowed to unbox there.
12 Noon: The famous Horseman's Sunday at St. John's Church, Hyde Park Crescent, W2 2QD. This event started in 1968 to highlight the need to maintain stables north of Hyde Park. These days, up to 100 horses now parade past the vicar to obtain a blessing. It is a colourful and enjoyable event, which we hope the Mounted Followers will join us in attending: http://www.stjohns-hydepark.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=71. It is preceded by a full service at 10 am for those who are interested.
PLEASE NOTE: Horseman's Sunday is NOT our event. It is a public event, which is why we are entitled to attend. We do not wish to swamp it nor to make ANY political point at it. All supporters are welcome to come but please do NOT spoil it for the many tourists, local children and adults for whom it is a traditional celebration.
c. 12.45 pm: The Meet. Once the majority of the horses and crowds have dispersed, we shall hold our Meet in Hyde Park Crescent. Supporters will hand out sausage rolls and glasses of Squrrel Port.
c.1.15 pm Move Off to Hyde Park. There is a set route which the horses take from Hyde Park Crescent into Hyde Park. Unfortunately, it does not pass the Prime Minister's front door in Connaught Square but close enough. Stewards and Police will assist with the traffic. The Hunt will make its way over the Serpentine Bridge to the legendary Rotten Row.
c. 1.45 pm Hunt down Rotten Row. The Stewards will ensure that the area is safe and empty. Then a "Squirrel" trail will be laid down Rotten Row. The hounds will speak and, controlled by the Huntsmen and Whippers-in, will hunt the drag-Squirrel followed by the Joint Masters and the Mounted Followers. This should be an unforgettable sight.
c. 2.15 pm Blow for Home. Once arrived at Hyde Park Corner, we shall blow for home (after a photo-call). Mounted Followers may continue around Hyde Park in the riding area beside Park Lane to the boxing up area in North Carriage Drive. The Huntsman and Whippers-In may dismount and take their pack for exercise across the park.
c. 2.45 pm Hunting Tea at the Duke of Kendal. Once again, The Duke of Kendal, Connaught Street, W2 2AF has kindly agreed to welcome all supporters for a Hunt Tea, to be ordered individually on the day: http://dukeofkendal.tripod.com/. We personally recommend the Thai Food. After all, this is a 21srt Century Hunt!
OTHER NEWS
You will remember Billy Franks, the outrageously talented lead singer who made us all dance into a frenzy at our 2005 Ball and will do the same this year. Anyhow, he is performing at the Reason2Rock Festival on Saturday, 16 September 2006 at Hurtwood Park Polo Club, Ewhurst, Surrey: www.reason2rock.com. For more on Billy, see www.tributethis.com. There is even a competition for free tickets, just text PLAY to 81106.
And don't forget the Second Annual Hunt Ball: 6th October 2006 in Banqueting House
Last year was a triumph. This year's ball will be even better: on a Friday, better wine, more entertainments and music till 2.30 am. Tickets are selling fast, we're glad to report, so book your table now. Details and booking form here: http://www.csshhq.org.uk/images/ball_2006.pdf.
See you next Sunday, we hope,
Tally Ho!
Duncan Macpherson
Edward Seyfried
Joint Masters
This e-mail is sent to you by the Connaught Square Squirrel Hunt Limited