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Huntsmen raise a glass to tradition
"WE'RE just keeping the tradition alive," was the message at this year's Boxing Day Hunt.
James Swanbury, master and huntsman of Colne Valley Beagles, which has existed for more than 100 years, said there was a strong turnout for this year's hunt, which met at the Jack O' Mitre pub, New Hey Road, Scammonden.
Mr Swanbury said: "There's a strong local position with good community support."
The Government banned hunting hares, foxes and deer with hounds in 2004.
But there have been suggestions the ban would be lifted if the Conservatives come to power at next year's General Election.
Mr Swanbury said he was hopeful the ban would be repealed. "I want to see it overturned. It's been an enormous drain on resources, both for the police and for us.
"I don't like having to go out with hounds and be accused of being a criminal when all I am doing is something that has gone on for many, many generations."
The group completed a hounds exercise with 23 hounds at Worts Hill, Scammonden. Around 100 people turned up for the "hunt".
"We went through the motions without actually hunting. It's a bit of a sham version and markedly different to before the ban.
"We're just continuing the tradition," said Mr Swanbury.
Graham Thorpe, from Halifax, joined the club two years ago. He said: "It's one of the many traditions in society that is falling away and it's important to keep it alive.
"For me it's not to do with chasing or killing animals. For a lot of people it's about keeping the tradition going."
The Countryside Allia-nce said 49 per cent of people wanted the Act repealed or Parliament given a free vote.
More than 300 hunts met on Boxing Day.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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