Hunting campaigner

Ed Swales calls on “all hunting people” to unite, as he works to defend hunting and find justification to revisit the ban

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I grew up in Alnmouth in Percy country when the Duke of Northumberland was master and Don Claxton was huntsman. Hounds met in the village one day when I was 10 and I was amazed and fascinated by the sight. It was epic. After that I used to go on my bicycle and hang about with the foot-followers.

On the odd occasion I would fluke it, turn left when everyone else turned right and see the fox cross the road followed by the hounds. Don would give me a nod as if to say, "Well done, son".

I learned to ride soon afterwards and have wonderful memories of hacking home in the dark over the Alnwick moors on my 14.2hh Connemara, Sailor. We would get back to the castle and whoever I was with would say, "Now, do you know the way home?" I'd say yes, then head off to the nearest phone box to ring my mum and ask her to come and collect me.