A new DVD featuring a Year in the life of The Duke of Beaufort's Hunt made during the current legislation.This two dvd set runs for 1hr 50 mins in total and shows a comprehensive look at life in and around the Kennels at Badminton. This film has been approved by the Joint Masters and includes a forward by His Grace The Duke of Beaufort, together with a full commentary by Mike Tucker. Plenty of jumping, hounds in full cry, hounds in kennels and in snow, puppies, Hunt Ball, Badminton Horse Trials and many other sections. Available from www.ttlvideos.com 01249 814869 or 07801 946571 Price £25 inc p and p. A donation will be made to the hunt for each dvd sold.

Brian Higham's Retirement
Brian Higham, after over 50 years service, is retiring as Stud Groom to the Duke of Beaufort and thus as Stable Manager for the Badminton Three Day Event as well as looking after the Hunt Horses for the Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt. Happily he is to enjoy his retirement living in Badminton and so we will all continue to see him frequently. Many competitors past and present as well as members of the Beaufort Hunt and others who have benefitted from Brian’s expertise have asked to be able to contribute to a present for him. We would be pleased to receive contributions, large or small, preferably by cheque made payable to Badminton Horse Trials at the Horse Trials Office, Badminton, GL9 1DF.

Will Smith of Badminton and his school friend Tom Heal, both just 22 years, completed the crossing from the Canaries to Antigua, in the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race 09, on 25th March after 80 days at sea.
They became the youngest pair to ever row across any Ocean when their 23 foot boat, Heritage Explorer, arrived safely in English Harbour, Antigua on the morning of the 25th of March, where the pair were greeted by their parents. They have been sponsored by the Beaufort Hunt who raised £3,000 for the boys’ chosen charity, The Special Boat Service Association. Among the reception committee in Antigua was the President of the SBS Association, Major-General Andy Keeling. Will and Tom survived many ordeals at sea including several breakdowns of their steering. They suffered extremes of weather – including head winds, 35 degree heat and 30 foot swells. They rowed in turn, one hour each in daylight and two hour shifts at night breaking the monotony with the occasional swim to cool off. They were accompanied for a large part of their journey by a pilot fish who they named Lenny. He became their mascot and companion on the 3,000 mile journey and made it to Antigua!
Their boat, Heritage Explorer, will be shipped back from the West Indies and sold. Proceeds going to their charity SBSA. They are very grateful for all the support and messages they received whilst at sea and to the Beaufort Hunt for fund-raising for their charity. Will is now back home at Cape Farm, Badminton to help his father on the farm.
Photo shows Will and Tom in their boat, Will is on the left, Tom is on the right. Further information at www.atlanticrowingrace09.com

200 Club winners drawn at the Point to Point

• £100 - Colonel Tim Hope, No 82
• £100 - The Duke of Beaufort, No 45
• £100 - Mrs P Collingborn, No 195
• £100 - Mrs S Hawking, No 190

Visit of The South Pembrokeshire Hunt
On Wednesday 10th February we much enjoyed seeing our visitors the South Pembrokeshire Hunt and their hounds. Beautifully hunted by Simon Jones, the hounds performed well in a strange country. More photos of the visit can be seen and purchased on www.ttlvideos.com

Rainbow Charity Meet
On Saturday 30th January the Beaufort Hunt held it`s annual charity meet. Once again due to the generosity of farmers Mr and Mrs Leslie Milsom, Hundred Acre Farm, Sopworth was the venue for this event which over the years has raised many many thousands of pounds for national and local charities. This year the chosen charity was the Rainbow Centre whose work helps children with cerebral palsy, adults with MS, Parkinson`s Disease and people recovering from strokes learn to overcome their motor impairment. The Centre uses a system called Conductive Education which becomes a way of life – it is not a cure, but can greatly improve confidence, independence and quality of life. The system was developed over 50 years ago at the world famous Peto Institute in Hungary. More information can be found on their website www.rainbowcentre.org After less than 30 minutes of bucket rattling the Beaufort Hunt supporters had dug deep and raised a total of £1547 for this wonderful cause.

Boxing Day Collection
The Collection for the Hunt Staff Benefit Society taken at the Worcester Lodge meet amounted to £3212.67. This is an excellent result. Well done and thank you to all who contributed. (There are still some Hunt subscribers who are not members of the HSBS (at £20 per year or £400 for Life Membership). Anyone who is ready to put this right can get the necessary forms from Michael Bromley Gardner - email address mrbg@cotswoldwireless.co.uk .)

Beaufort Hunt Christmas Meet in Chipping Sodbury
Christmas shoppers in Chipping Sodbury took a little time out from the present buying and enjoyed the annual meet of the Beaufort hounds in the centre of the town. Warm hospitality was dispensed from the offices of solicitors Beaufort Montague Harries in the form of sausage rolls, mince pies and a glass of port, much enjoyed by all and of course a chance to take a look at these famous and friendly hounds.