Centenary of the Masters of Basset Hounds Association

Supporters of basseting are enjoying a week of events to mark the centenary of the Masters of Basset Hounds Association (MBHA).

The Centenary Hare Week, which started yesterday (8 February), sees different packs hunt each other’s country.

On Sunday (12 February), 100 hunt staff and supporters will have a celebratory lunch at the Bell Inn, Stilton, Cambs.

David Hindle, chairman of the MBHA, described the week as a “hunting festival”.

He told H&H: “We’re having seven meets in total and I am looking forward to being able to see all the subscription packs within a week.

“I don’t think this has been done before in our 100-year history.”

On Saturday, the Westerby will hunt the de Burgh and North Essex country, while the following week the Four Shires and the Barony hunt the East Lincs country.

Edna Philp, huntsman and joint-master of the de Burgh, is looking forward to playing host.

“Because there aren’t that many packs, the only time we get together is at our annual show at Peterborough so it’s nice to meet and watch each other’s packs,” she said.

“We are a small association and that we’ve been able to keep going is a terrific accolade.”

Mr Hindle agreed. “The most important thing is to have a healthy new entry – and we are seeing a lot of young people coming along,” he said.

For details, please contact the secretary of the host pack.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (9 February 2012)

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