On Saturday 18 March 2017 the East Lincs Basset Hounds held a unique closing meet in the centre of Lincoln.
Keen supporters Liz and Clinton Slingsby hosted the meet at their beautiful home, the closest private house to Lincoln Cathedral. Following a sumptuous and well attended lawn meet hounds moved off to be paraded along the south side of the Cathedral before being exhibited in front the historic West Door, where hounds were well received by hundreds of tourists.
Here joint master and huntsman Mark Guy said a short prayer of thanks giving and blessing for the hounds, hunt and farmers. Hounds then moved to a recently carved pillar on the Cathedral's West Front designed to symbolise the countryside. The recently unveiled carving includes a hunting scene of huntsman, horse, hounds and fox.
After leaving the West Front hounds paused several times for photographs before being boxed up. An excellent afternoon's trail hunting was enjoyed by invitation of the Burton Hunt. A traditional hunting tea completed a day that will be remembered for many seasons to come.
Former Master and Hunt President Steve Little said, "In a 30 year connection with the East Lincs, this closing meet was undoubtedly the major highlight of those years."
Joint Master and huntsman Mark Guy added, "I will never forget the line of photographers at the top of the hill as we brought hounds on to the meet, nor the fantastic welcome we received in front of the Cathedral. It was a day I'll never forget"
[caption id="attachment_53857" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] East Lincs Basset Hounds hold final meet of the season at Lincoln Cathedral Close. Sat 18th May.[/caption]
The East Lincs hounds and staff in the Minster Yard of Lincoln Cathedral. L-R: Mr David Ash (whipper-in); Mr Alex Limmer; Mr Matthew Bowring; Mr Steve Little (President); Mr Robbie Jebb MH (Joint Master); Dr Mark Guy (Joint Master & Huntsman); Mr Dan Murphy (whipper-in); Mr Richard Crowhurst (Hon. Sec. & whipper-in); Mr Malcolm Capps.
Photos by Nick Robinson www.nickrobinsonphoto.com
Below is the recently carved pillar on the Cathedral's West Front designed to symbolise the countryside. The carving includes a hunting scene of huntsman, horse, hounds and fox.