‘This hunt lives on goodwill'

Inclement weather fails to dampen the spirits of the Dulverton Farmers, known for their camaraderie and diligent hounds

- REBECCA JORDAN

THE reporters’ curse befell yet again. This time: dense fog. A thick layer of moisture carpeted Exmoor and there wasn’t a wisp of a breeze to disperse the cloud hovering just above the field at Five Cross Ways near Dulverton.

As was the case elsewhere on Exmoor, the Dulverton Farmers’ meet was fairly protracted in the hope conditions would improve. It didn’t take long to appreciate this hunt is in tremendous fettle. The backdrop of relentless banter was a sure sign there was a strong relationship between foot followers and riders.

Port and whisky were in abundant supply. Hot pasties, cheese, and ham sausage rolls, as well as roast potatoes, went a long way towards fending off the insidious damp. Only hunting folk can produce piping-hot food for more than 30 riders and a swarm of foot-followers in a field in the middle of nowhere. Hosts Steve Hyde and his partner Louise Barnett are to be congratulated.

TEAMWORK IS KEY

THE vibrancy buoying up this corner of Exmoor is founded on an exceptional team. Continuity at the helm is also fundamental. The core of its success is Bones (Anthony Allibone). I am happy to stand corrected, but with 27 seasons of hunting these hounds under his belt, he must be the longest-standing huntsman currently hunting hounds.

Bones’ wife Sue is also at the heart of the matter. Her kitchen is the hub where hot meals appear for the never-ending flow of helpers and supporters as plans are hatched, problems solved and hunts relived, aided by a whisky or cup of tea.

Banger Milton has been in the mastership since 2008. She and Bones benefit from an exceptionally sound professional relationship. Beneath their obvious strong friendship and mutual respect is a solid foundation that enables them to enjoy their hunting — the latter often sacrificed as soon as the title MFH is bestowed.