The 2008 show was again very successful with 18 packs of Foxhounds entered on the Thursday and 13 packs of Beagles on the Friday.
The increase in attendance by supporters and members of the public was noticeable and the Grandstand and Ringside were full, which was great to see. Please help to keep this going by renewing your membership next year and also encouraging others to do so and become Vice Presidents – especially Joint Masters of Packs that enter! As I have said before, a Vice President's subscription offers tremendous value with admission and car parking for all three days of the South of England Show.
The Hound Show website, www.soehoundshow.co.uk is flourishing and we are grateful to its sponsor, Norman Bryant and to Nick Onslow who manages it. Up to date news and information will be available as it occurs. If you would like a link to the site, please contact Viki.
Ro Jennings and Sarah Subtil made a welcome return following their brief retirement (!), providing refreshments outside the hut and packed lunches for the Hunt Staff. Thank you to them and indeed all who help prepare, on the show days and after the show especially Viki and Gary Lee. Without their input, the Hound Show would not be what it is.
Our new caterers, Picnic Anywhere, were a success and we look forward to working with them again next year. The new system of lunch tickets being available pre-show only, seemed to work well and will continue next year. Hunt Staff of packs showing will continue to be allocated two packed lunches in 2009.
Robin Mackenzie again organised three days of Hound displays in the main ring of the South of England Show, culminating with the cavalcade of the nine South East packs of Foxhounds on the Saturday, when we also lend our Hound Show area to the Countryside Alliance for their various field sports displays. Our thanks go to them for their continued support.
The Accounts show a slightly healthier situation than last year with nearly all listed receipts up on last year. They do however show that we continue to operate within a tight budget. Sponsorship showed an increase of nearly two thousand pounds and Sponsors are invaluable to us in keeping the show running. Thank you to you all for your support. Whilst on the subject of Accounts, thank you again to Robin Barber for his support, patience and advice in compiling our Accounts.
The following have agreed to judge at the Show in 2009:
Foxhounds: Dog Hounds: Vyvyan Eames and Mrs Carolyn Humphrey
Bitches: Richard Sumner Esq MFH and Robin Vestey Esq MFH
Beagles: To be confirmed in the New Year – look at the Website.
I very much look forward to seeing you on the 11th and 12th of June 2009 and take this opportunity to wish you a very happy Christmas and great sport in the New Year.
APS
