Having been asked to take on the responsibility of Country Sports Editor of a Newcastle based magazine, my first assignment was to visit Bishop Auckland and report on an historical Meet of the South Durham at Auckland Castle.
Gary Watchman, Master and son Gareth, Huntsman of South Durham
It was with the great support of the new owner of the Castle, Jonathan Ruffer that this was made possible. So with Joint Master Gary Watchman in charge, and his son Gareth hunting the hounds, all the arrangements that had been made paid off, and very busy and active day took place.
Tennyson's Babbling Brook
As well as a large crowd at the Meet many from the town of Bishop Auckand also enjoyed following the Hounds for the day, making people more than aware that hunting in whatever form it takes at present is managing to keep going. It was in his poem, the Babbling Brook, Alfred Lord Tennison says, “Men may come and Men may go but I go on forever”. The South Durham who operate in Tony Blair’s former constituency have every right to be proud in saying, “Babbling Politicians may come and Babbling Politicians may go but hunting will go on forever”.
Well done the South Durham!
South Durham Hounds on their bed.
James Barclay