There will be no Boxing Day Hunt Meet on the Crown Meadows in Blandford this year, or in the future.


Following last year’s confrontation between hunt supporters and protesters which potentially put members of the public at risk, an indication was given to Blandford Town Council that there would be no gathering in town this year. Confirmation was sought by Dorset Police, who say due to covid the hunt decided not to hold the traditional meet this year, but also that the cancellation is permanent.

Town clerk Linda Scott Giles said the police asked the hunt to apply for road closures, provide marshals and take greater responsibility at the event, but it appeared the hunt would likely meet elsewhere on private land. Police last month investigated an allegation a fox was chased by hounds across the B3092 road between Sturminster Newton and Hinton St Mary during an organised trail hunt on November 3.

Despite the restrictions of Coronavirus the Blandford Fashion Museum’s annual Christmas raffle raised £700, a much needed addition to their depleted funds to help their 25th anniversary celebrations in May and facilitate the conservation of precious costumes.

The top prize was £100 in M&S Vouchers, with a second prize case of 12 bottles of wine, and third, half a lamb, together with a Christmas hamper from Morrisons, a bottle of champagne and plenty of chocolates and other delights. Deputy Mayor Lee Hitchings drew the winning tickets in front of a much reduced, socially distanced and masked gathering of staff and supporters, and a number of prize winners were present. It was a boost, not just to the museum’s finances but to everyone’s morale to see the support and loyalty still strong. Mr Hitchings was given a guided tour of the museum, and they hope to see more of him in the future after hearing him admit it was his first visit.

Rebecca Pride with a magnificent hamper prize

It is currently hoping for success in a grant application to restore and display a very fragile silk chiffon 1920s wedding dress recently donated, and is also seeking volunteers to sew replica costumes of some of its originals for its 25th anniversary celebrations.

For information see blandfordfashionmuseum.co.uk.

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