North Cotswold Hunt leads Queen's Jubilee Pageant in Broadway

The North Cotswold hounds took centre stage in Broadway for the Queen's Jubilee pageant on 4^th June, leading the parade through the Worcestershire village where the spectacle was enjoyed by over 1,000 people on Broadway High Street.

The cheers resounded around the village as the hounds and mounted followers made their way down the village before spending some time on the green. Onlookers not only enjoyed meeting the hounds, but Lydia French (wife of North Cotswold kennel huntsman) coordinated the hunt float for the parade, which was judged to be Supreme Champion. The float was inspired by all aspects that create a hunt community and even included hounds onboard.

Using a tractor and trailer generously lent by local farmers and driven by keen supporter James Phillips, star hounds Rainfall and Roguish had a marvellous time surveying the crowds. Also joining hunt staff on the display were a local farrier, veterinary nurse, several members of the Pony Club and a life size carbon fibre horse. Not to mention a cheeky pantomime horse who helped coordinate proceedings.

Thousands of locals and visitors to Broadway for the event, were delighted to watch the hound parade through the beautiful and famous High Street. The hound parade is usually held on Boxing Day and the Jubilee festivities allowed for attendees to take in this historic parade in the warmth of the sunshine.

Joint-master Oliver Dale said of the celebrations: "The Joint Masters of the North Cotswold Hounds felt honoured to be invited to join in Broadway's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The whole event was a wonderful success for everyone involved and the community."

Polly Portwin, director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance welcomed the news that the North Cotswold had taken centre stage at the event: "It is wonderful to see hounds playing such an integral part in the recent celebrations. Hunts play an important role within rural communities and it is fantastic to see the benefits that hunting provides being recognised and cherished in Broadway where the North Cotswold hounds are kennelled."

A spokesperson for Broadway Parish Council said: "We are very grateful to the chairman, masters and staff of the North Cotswold Hunt for their wholesale buy-in when we were planning the community village celebrations for the Queen's Jubilee". He continued: "Not only did the hunt produce a first prize-winning float, but joint-master and huntsman Oliver Dale led a 'Hunt Cavalcade' in full fig through the village with the hounds, staff and a field of 15. They were rewarded with a very large crowd of appreciative well-wishers lining the High Street and well beyond. The support given to the Parish Council by the Hunt helped significantly in making the whole weekend a very successful community event."