The Warwickshire's Professional Huntsman'sTestimonial

The Warwickshire Hunt have been extremely fortunate to have had William Deakin as its professional huntsman for 22 seasons (1992 - 2014). He also whipped-in for the hunt for 2 seasons (1982 - 1983) making nearly a quarter of a century! During that time he has shown complete loyalty to the Masters and has been the ultimate professional. He started hunt service in 1974 at The Brocklesby and then returned home to work with his father, Dick Deakin, at the Essex Union. From there he went on to The Holderness, The Whaddon Chase and two seasons followed at The Warwickshire before taking promotion and becoming huntsman of The Holderness; totalling some 40 years! On Monday 3rd March, there will be a Testimonial Meet for William at Dunsden Farm, Todenham GL56 9NX at 11.45am, and on Sunday 23rd March the Warwickshire Hunt Testimonial Lunch for William at The Pavilion, Stratford Racecourse CV37 9SE.

The Old English Hound has been his passion and with Charmian Green he has bred and hunted these deep scenting hounds with enormous success. The mutual trust between William and the Warwickshire hounds have resulted in genuine sport for all those who have followed them and they have made together their name in the hunting world.

The modern huntsman's job is one of huge responsibility both in and off the hunting field and requires a complete combination of skills. While hunting these determined hounds William has provided leadership and set an example to both professional and amateur Whipper's-ins

After the 2005 Hunting Act William had to adapt to hunting within the law, which he did again with great skill. He continued to hunt hounds with professionalism and always made himself available throughout the Campaign for Hunting to give press interviews and comment. Whenever he was asked if we could bring a TV crew to the Kennels often on the morning of the opening meet or Boxing Day, he never let us down. For this we are forever grateful; he has made, along with other professional huntsmen a significant contribution to the future of hunting.

Since the ban he has never faltered from doing his job with 100% commitment despite the risk of prosecution and a criminal record, emphasising his loyalty and love of hunting and a country way of life.

Everyone now has the opportunity to give William, and Sue and his family, something for all he has done and for the enjoyment he has shown. He has enhanced the Warwickshire Hunt's reputation perhaps as much as any one recently. He leaves the Warwickshire with a wonderful pack of hounds and a great legacy to follow.

On Monday 3rd March, there will be a Testimonial Meet for William at Dunsden Farm, Todenham GL56 9NX at 11.45am, and on Sunday 23rd March the Warwickshire Hunt Testimonial Lunch for William at The Pavilion, Stratford Racecourse CV37 9SE. Tickets £45 each from Shona Westrope [email protected] 01926 632577 (please leave a message). Everyone is very welcome to both.

We hope that there are those who would like and feel able to make a voluntary donation to William's Testimonial Fund which will not only reflect his exceptional service to Warwickshire but also to hunting and to its future.

Donations please, either: -
Cheques made payable to William Deakin Testimonial c/o Rodney Style, Haines Watts, Sterling House, 19/23 High Street, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 2DH or,
Bank Transfer: Name: H W re.W.Deakin Testimonial
Account No.: 10792449
Sort Code: 60 - 50 - 94

Thank you very much indeed.