Farmer and councillor at odds over Feast hunt
A PRO-hunting farmer has vowed to scrap a traditional Easter boating event on his land in St Ives if town councillors vote to sever official links with the Western Hunt.
Simon Rogers says he will ban youngsters from sailing model yachts at Consols Pool after learning that a Green Party councillor wants to snub the hunt during Feast celebrations.
Cllr Paula Richards, who runs the Bean Inn vegetarian restaurant, says she finds the sight of horses and hounds 'offensive' and will try for a second time to persuade councillors to end the ancient tradition at a meeting on July 30.
Mr Rogers, an arable farmer at Breage whose father Philip used to be landlord at the Sloop Inn, said he regrets taking such extreme measures but has been left with no alternative.
"I am a great believer in tradition and I object to someone from Cheshire coming down here and saying what we should or shouldn't do," he said.
"I would regret very much having to do it but one must use the ammunition one has and people must expect a quid-pro-quo situation – if they ban hunting, I will ban sailing.
"This woman cannot expect to influence the council and everyone say 'that's that' – there is always a result to someone's action."
The threat will disappoint members of an action group which formed last month to preserve the Consols regatta after it was cancelled for the first time in more than a century.
Funding to clear tonnes of thick weed from the pond in time for the event was cut and a last-minute offer by an environmental group fell through after health and safety concerns.
Cllr Richards originally tabled the anti-hunt motion for a meeting on June 18 but a decision was postponed as a number of councillors were absent.
She says that Green councillors already avoid drinking the traditional stirrup cup with huntsmen on Feast Monday and thinks it condones the now illegal practice of hunting with hounds.
"Many of us were quite shocked on taking office when we found out it was part of the celebrations and I want to see if there is enough support to stop it." she said.
Cllr Richards added that her mind was made up when 12 hounds broke from the main pack after a Western Hunt meeting at Sennen in February before catching and killing a 15-year-old pet cat.
Town Clerk Louise Dowe said the mayor had offered a glass of punch to riders on Feast Monday every February 'since time immemorial'.
Master of the Western Hunt Ben Sparrow, said the issue was a matter for the people of St Ives.
"It is entirely up to them as we only go at their invitation," said Mr Sparrow.
"We don't hunt in the middle of St Ives so if it enhances their Feast celebrations we are delighted to take part – quite a lot of people seem to turn up so I assume they like it."
Mr Sparrow explained that since the hunting ban they practice trailing, hound exercise and hunting using a bird of prey.
"It's just a matter of treading water until the law is altered," he added.
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by Sarah, St.Ives
Friday, July 10 2009, 1:51PM
“I've lived in St.Ives all my life and I think that fox hunting is cruel and now its illegal too - Thank God. Most people I know in St.Ives want nothing to do with hunt and are deeply ashamed of this so called 'tradition' (wasn't burning women as witches a tradition!). What really worries me are these 'old boys' who own lost of land and lakes who think that they can bully everyone else. Good on you Cllr Richards for putting this on the agenda, we are all so ashamed of the hunt in St.Ives, lets not make them welcome here ever again”
by David, The dark ages
Thursday, July 09 2009, 11:18AM
“Sorry, was that shooting foxes or letting dogs rip them apart? Just so i'm clear.
I agree, I thinnk all traditions should be upheld no matter who ridicolous and outdated they have now become. I keep trying to bring back stoning of women and village hangings but keep getting shot down in flames”
by Fiona, Helston
Thursday, July 09 2009, 9:02AM
“All you whingers wait until foxes are desecrating (sorry Kate if my spelling is crap!) your properties, your bins, your pets. Then you'll be asking them to shoot foxes because of the mess.”
by Kate, Carbis Bay, St Ives
Wednesday, July 08 2009, 6:55PM
“If Will would like to discuss what is offensive, I would like him to know that I find poor punctuation and spelling offensive. I find people who live in New Forest telling locals what to do offensive. I find people who use the fact that hunting is a tradition, albeit an outdated, barbaric one, offensive; I find people who say, 'If you don't like it don't come", despite the fact that I live here and want to take part in the celebrations, offensive. I find people who say, "Don't force your opinions on other people", and then parade around town in hunting regalia, forcing their sick, pro-hunting opinion on me offensive. Finally, I find Simon Rogers' attempt to blackmail a council that was democratically elected, offensive.”
by Bilbo Baggins, The Lizard
Thursday, July 02 2009, 12:02PM
“Right on Simon, it's your pool up to you to do with as you please, just like those offended by the sight of hounds, if you don't like it, don't got to see them.
I'm not pro-hunt, but I'll defend the right of any one to carry on tradition, there's precious few left as it is as they're quietly banned in the name of PC or what ever flimsy excuse the serial whingers can find.
It's time we stood up for tradition not stamped it out.”
by Your mum, On Toast
Thursday, July 02 2009, 11:47AM
“I'm going to breed GM super foxes, that only kill humans affiliated to the Countryside Alliance, horses and dogs.
That would be awesome - I love the thrill of the chase...
Greens - stick to your guns, there are a million other ponds that kids can sail their toy boats on.”
by Dooby, Cornwall
Thursday, July 02 2009, 11:45AM
“Don't be a tool - I said jog on, as in, go away. But maybe you didn't quite grasp that.
Tally ho old chap.”
by Will, New Forest
Thursday, July 02 2009, 11:39AM
“Fine. Just don't force your opinion on all of us. and reckon you mean hunt on! haha.”
by Paul Carne, France
Thursday, July 02 2009, 11:33AM
“Well done Simon Rogers! It is with obvious regret Mr Rogers may have to take a "tit for tat" attitude but this constant chipping away of English/Cornish traditions has to stop. If you do not agree - simply do not go to the Feast meet! Don't try stopping something that has, by tradition, been welcomed in most Cornish towns.
Hopefully will continue to do so.”
by Dooby, Cornwall
Thursday, July 02 2009, 11:33AM
“I'm with the Greens on this one.
Hunting geeks - jog on!”