THE Camelford Boxing Day hunt meet took place on Monday, December 26, with a large crowd gathering to send off the start of the North Cornwall Hunt in the centre of the town.

With new arrangements to help with safety for the horses, hounds and crowds in the town’s car park, the hunt set off onto Bodmin Moor towards Davidstow airfield.

There had previously been problem with health and safety issues, which could possibly have curtailed the hunt meeting in the central car park in the town.

However, the town came together and barriers were erected to satisfy concerns, and, with a slightly new route along Chapel Street to reach the main road, the hunt left the town eagerly watched by the crowds.

Among the crowds, some visitors to this year’s hunt had travelled a considerable distance to wave off the horses.

The family of Peter and Sarah Jones from Camelford were among the most travelled as they were joined by Louise Perry, who had come from Bristol, and Carla Perry, her partner Mark Hoffmann and their daughter Flora, who all came down from Denmark.

It was also announced after the meet that this year the longstanding North Cornwall Hunt honorary secretary and field secretary, Rosemary Meeson from Bolventor, would retire.

She will step down from her post from January 1, 2017, and will ‘hand over the reins’ to Amanda Carpenter, from Trerulefoot, Liskeard, as hon secretary.

Another change will be seen when current treasurer Ann Kent takes on the role of field secretary.