Set in the glorious backdrop of Leighton Hall, an 18th Century Manor House on the south side of the Wrekin near Wenlock Edge, was the very first Shropshire Foxhound Show on the 30th June 2021. Glaze & Gordon sponsored the show, provided the prizes for the two Championship classes and took a trade stand to show our support for the hunts in the local community.
Leighton Hall, with the Hound Show set on the lawn.
Hosted by the generous Corrie family, there could not have been a more perfect backdrop than Leighton Hall with incredible views over the Shropshire hills. The Shropshire Foxhound Show was brought about to celebrate the packs of Shropshire; Albrighton & Woodland, Ludlow, North Shropshire, South Shropshire, Wheatland and United.
Generously given as much space as we needed by the organisers (see previous Countryside Conversation with Edward Foster), we arrived early and started on the set up for the trade stand. This is our first show since the pandemic began so a little rusty at the start, but luckily had whirlwind Mum on hand to make sure everything was spic & span in time for the punters to arrive!
The Glaze & Gordon stand, photograph supplied by Sara Cork
We had glorious weather, lovely customers and hounds to watch throughout the day. The morning was the Dog Hounds, with the Championship before lunch and the Bitch Hounds in the afternoon (with Payment, a puppy that we have walked being placed in the afternoon as a fantastic bonus!).
The organisers invited us into the ring to present the prize in the Championships, so we nominated Dad with that task - presenting to The Wheatland in both. Huntsman of the Wheatland Derek Hopkins, and Whipper-In Jack Weedon, cleared up on the day with some stunning entries.
A very dapper Dad presenting a prize in the ring. Photo supplied by Sara Cork.
You really cannot beat a Hound show for atmosphere and enjoyability when taking a trade stand, we had such a lovely day selling and catching up with friends that we haven't seen through the pandemic. Hopefully this show will become an annual event - it was certainly a popular day!
Unfortunately we are having to miss The Festival of Hunting in Peterborough this year. We are seriously disappointed as it is one of our very favourite days but hopefully we will be back next year - bigger & better than before!
Our next event is The Game Fair at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire from 23rd to 25th July - we sincerely hope to see you there.
Kate x
