Two Very British Events

I have lots of photos for you today. In the past week I have been involved in two very traditional events for this time of the year.

The first was the annual village children's Christmas party. We are fortunate that the local Christmas tree farm donates one of their biggest trees for the hall. This always looks wonderful but it's always a bit of a struggle to get it up - we tie it to one of the beams so it doesn't fall over!




The tables are decorated & set & each child receives a pretty party box filled with tasty treats to eat & drink.




There is always a raffle too - a nice Christmas hamper being the first prize.



Mulled wine & mince pies for the adults.



Ah! They are here! Tucking into their treats & waiting for a visit from someone special....



Who is that we spy coming through the door?



Yay! It's Santa with a sack full of selection boxes.





All the children lined up politely to shake Santa's hand & to receive their gift.
After Santa left the entertainer arrived with music & plenty of party games.
A great time was had by all!


This time of year is also the beginning of the hunting season with all it's tradition, dress codes & etiquette & of course Miss Cottage & Dylan were in the thick of things.
Dylan was brushed & plaited, tack polished & shiny, Miss C & friends were kitted out in their jackets, shirts, stocks & long riding boots & off they went. The meet started at the local pub so not far to ride.


The hounds arrived in an excited & friendly mass.






Ah! Here they come....




Port is available for the adults & Ribena for the younger members. I noticed quite a few hip flasks doing the rounds! Dylan looks very small next to some of the huge hunters there.


Notice the chap in the background in his top hat? Very dapper!



All ready to set off - I can tell you that they weren't this clean when they returned a few hours later! Great fun was had by all!


Just a note - this was drag hunting!