Scores of fans show for Coniston New Year's Day hunt (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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Scores of fans show for Coniston New Year's Day hunt
3:00pm Saturday 1st January 2011 in News
PACK: Huntsman Michael Nicholson
NEARLY 100 supporters turned up for the traditional New Year’s Day hunt around Coniston and Ambleside.
Eager enthusiasts from as far away as Ireland, London and Anglesey turned up at the Drunken Duck after the hunt on Monday, December 27 was postponed due to bad weather.
Last year’s event was also hit by the big freeze.
People were served free bacon sandwiches and mulled wine as they gathered outside the pub to see 25 hounds and dozens of pets take up the trail.
Michael Nicholson came out of retirement to perform the role of huntsman for the afternoon after Eoin Balding was struck ill.
Organiser and master of the Coniston Foxhounds Roger Westmoreland said: “It’s an excellent turnout and the weather couldn’t be better - especially after some tough times with it recently.
“The Drunken Duck provides great hospitality and they are very kind.
"We'll take the hounds out until 2pm and then retire to the Duck for a drink!"
