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MEET US

Who you can meet on this page :

Click on names to see profiles :

Click on thumbnails to enlarge photos

Graham Coker

Hi, I’m Graham Coker, one of the quarry for the East Anglian Bloodhounds. Currently age 37 and I’ve been running with the bloodhounds for just over a year, so have now been to most of the venues. My day today hobbies are running and cycling, so it’s great for me to have a purpose to my running, to see such wonderful countryside whilst doing it and more often than not some company to have a chinwag with.

For anyone that has never seen the hounds working, it is one of the truly wonderful sights in the world as far as I am concerned. I got into hunting as my wife, Rosemary, has hunted with the Bloodhounds off and on for 3 seasons and suggested that I use my running skills to good use. I’m pleased she did, plus we also now get to see each other on Sunday’s!

If you have ever fancied helping out the EABH, but don’t have a horse, then I would recommend becoming one of the quarry. We will always run at the pace of the slowest and help with tips etc. – despite what some of the others might tell you about me.

While away from the hounds, I spend the week as a Commercial Manager with NatWest and when not running and cycling must confess to being a petrolhead, having previously competed in rallying (as in Colin McRae) and currently have two motorbikes for use on and off the road.

Graham

Charlotte Hodgson

Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am 28. I am a runner for EABH, as well as writing the webpage about the antics of the Quarry.

I live in Manningtree with my younger brother Thomas and commute to London every day, where I am the picture editor of The Folio Society.

In my spare time I love to cook, walk my dogs Mick and Rosie, keep fit via running and yoga and spend time with my boyfriend James, who I hope will join us later this season!

EABH has opened up a new world to me and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a sense of adventure.

Christine Punter

Age: 28

First time hunting: My first day was at a hound ride at Shelley Hall in 1994 when Bertie, my trusted steed, was six. We have been out most seasons since, when university, working away and travelling haven't got in the way, that is.

What was the first day like: I think I got away with my niavitivity very well. Bertie was a green six year old who didn't (then!) know how to pull and I brought him out in a cavesson noseband, plain rains, no martingale and a loose-ring snaffle. Apart from rearing up at the start, he was an angel but I wouldn't be nearly so lucky now if I tried hunting in that tack!

Favourite meet: Has to be Boxing Day. Just great to be out with so many friends, in festive cheer and a tonne of tinsel to boot. If you haven't been out on Boxing Day make sure you come, it's always a great day.

Hunting likes: Getting to see some fantastic countryside, allowing Bert to really gallop at least one a meet and meeting so many nice people, even if certain witty comments make me blush every Sunday (Lewis, Graham, Roger....)

Hunting dislikes: The drive home. Having often cleaned my tack Sunday morning as well as Bertie, then with so much fresh air and adrenalin, I am often seen yawning away driving home... oh for a man to drive for me ;o)

My Horse: Mollies Son aka Bertie

Age: 17- don't tell him but I am currently looking for a younger model (will try to make it a mare Bert so you can have some fun in your old age)

His hunting likes: Seeing his friends every week, having a good gallop and showing his impatience by reversing into the rest of the field at any little halt.

His hunting dislikes: All standing around

Kim Lewendon

Hello, my name is Kim and I am one of the happy band of runners, out being chased by the hounds each Sunday.

I am 42 though feel much younger and live in Ipswich with my partner Jon, and 2 pet rats Boggle and Ginge. Until moving to Ipswich 5 or so years ago I was a fully-fledged country bumpkin, living for a time in the Thorington Rose just down the road from Weylands. (Living in a pub is great!)

I am gainfully employed by Suffolk Constabulary (although I will keep quiet about which department!) as a Team leader, a job which I love.

I am fortunate to have a pony on part loan, a 14.2 Irish cob called Willow, whom I ride most evenings, she used to Hunt in Ireland and I may take her on some hound rides next season, at the moment we find it hard to get out of ‘dobbin gear’ but we’ll get there!

This is my first season running for the Bloodhounds and I’m loving it. Can’t think of a better way of spending a Sunday than with such a friendly bunch of people in lovely countryside, and I’d recommend it to anyone.

Clare Simper

I am a schoolteacher but myself and husband Jonathan are doing a property development in Bawdsey on the River Deben,12 new builds and 10 barn conversions, this means less time for hunting! We have 2 children Harry is 10 and Sara is 7 both love our menagerie of animals but neither are as obsessed with horses as me!

I started hunting with the EABH 7 years ago and have had a variety of steeds in the hunting field including my best beloved horse Bill who carried me out hunting until I was 7 months pregnant. We only stopped as I couldn't get back on after the many pee stops!!

I am lucky to have two great horses Mouse with whom I started to ride side-saddle 4 years ago, she is a real princess! but loves her hunting my ambition is to get out side-saddle this season my only difficulty with Mouse is she likes to do airs above ground at the start which is a little unseating when sideways! She is 12 and we have had a great season this year in the show ring with her qualifying for many national championships etc. My new steed is cobweb he is an exceptional hunter with great speed but no ABS braking system like his mate! He is 7 and we plan to show him under both saddles and have fun while Mouse has a foal.

I would urge anyone to come blood hounding as not only do you get to ride in the most fabulous country around East Anglia, but it is a real joy to meet so many great people who are all like minded, helpful and good fun! I do not think that there is another hunt like it and I think all members and followers are justly proud of those splendid hounds when they see them in action.

Thanks to all the team who make our hunting days possible and so brilliant,

Matthew Sewell

Age: 16

First time hunting: My first time hunting was this season at Manor Farm, Semer.

What was the first day like: My first day hunting was really exciting as I didn’t really know what to expect. I had no idea what reaction my horse would have as it was her first ever day hunting day too.

Favourite meet: I think my favourite meet so far has to be Euston Hall, wonderful scenery and excellent grounds. Although every meet is really good!

Hunting likes: My favourite things about hunting are watching the hounds work and riding over all the wonderful countryside.

Hunting dislikes: Having to clean a very impatient horse who now knows what is going on and all the muddy tack afterwards.

My horse
Name: Ellise
Age:6
Her hunting/home likes: The long gallops and jumping, she also thinks its good to try to put me through as many low branches as she can.
Hunting/home dislikes: waiting at the yard before we set off to the meet.

Nikki Lancaster

For those who don't already know me, let me introduce myself I am Nikki Lancaster and my horse is Mabelle, she is 17`2"hh chestnut IDX thoroughbred, a seasoned hunter from Ireland and a perfect field master horse!!!

My partner Alan Reason rides O`Malley a 16hh dark bay Irish cob. Last season was O'Malley's first season hunting and I have to say he is settling in well to his job. As most of you know Alan was Master of foxhounds with the Essex & Suffolk hunt for a few years and is one of the founder members of the E.A.B.H.

I should mention that I am an amputee, at first I was rather nervous, however everyone was so kind and helpful I started to relax and really enjoy the sport. For the first few seasons I had my "Old" leg which tended to slip and twist so at the end of each run I would jump off and find a hiding place to put my leg back on properly! Now I have a great "New" leg and can hunt all afternoon without having to get off.

Since Barry sadly lost Vinnie and decided to hang up his boots Alan has been trying to teach me the art of Fieldmastery. I consider it a great honour and a privilege and I intend to give it my best shot. Unfortunately Alan has had a nasty fall and has been unable to return to the saddle as yet so I guess I was rather thrown in at the deep end. Everybody has been very kind and helpful, Holly keeps me company up front acting as a second pair of eyes and gradually I hope I am finally finding my feet although you may want to check with everyone else on that!!!

Archie Seager

Hi ya, I am Archie Seager, the age well just a bit younger than Lewis but not as good looking, I have been a police officer for 26yrs serving in the Suffolk Constabulary, I have followed the East Anglian Bloodhounds for as long as the wife, also known as lavenham Lynda.

In the early years my only involvement would be to help Lynda prepare for the day and then follow the hunt across the different parts of country so kindly provided by the farmers and then assist Lynda at the end of the day.

In 2001 I was asked if I would stand for the position of chairman of the supporters club, I jumped at the chance to get involved and so at the AGM I was voted in, there wasn’t a lot of choice the other nominee withdrew and I’m not sure they could get someone else at such short notice.

We hold several meetings normally 1 per month but not always, we try and get them started at 8pm but not always. Those there give their attention but yes you’ve guessed it not always, the meeting splits into three, smokers , non smokers and Jay bless her she has at least two senior moments during the meeting but I wouldn’t be without her.

Lots of business is sorted out re fund raising and spending, the main objective is to support the East Anglian Bloodhounds which I believe as a supporters club we do admirably thanks to you all.

Getting Back to hunt days, owing to the fact there is not a horse in the world that I would get on I make do with helping as much as I can on the day this varies from helping a road crossings, serving up soup and doing the bar b que when the weather is right, dishing out the port at halfway point and taking money off the master , sorry selling straws to raise funds.

I also enjoy meeting the people each Sunday, it never ceases to amaze me just how many different people turn up each time, I have lost count of the number of new faces that appear each week perhaps never to be seen again.

I really admire the Saga group that I seem to have adopted, Harry is not happy until he has had his kiss, Chris until she has been told to keep her dog under control and of course Brenda and Dora, the day would not be complete without them, if you are not sure who is who Brenda is the one who sometimes goes missing for a few weeks to travel abroad and Dora is the one that continually gets on the line even though we tell her not to, and collects the cap at most meets, oh yes will occasionally have a little accident if out too long or she gets worried.

My only dislike would be the people that tell me my dogs are fat, but I can live with that. And Wendy Brinkley for beating me to the Thorrington meet after I took the wrong turning.

Long may we continue to meet as a group and support the East Anglian Bloodhounds, long may the dedication of the Masters and people like Lewis the whips, field masters and the runners continue, and long may everyone that supports the club continue to do so life on a Sunday would not be the same

Thanks to you all for all the pleasure you give to me.

Archie

Pip Hogsbjerg

Takes care of EAB website and can be seen in funny woolly hats creeping around taking photo's of you all.

Mother in law is Ann Hogsbjerg , Uncle Barry was field master.

Age.... 29 forever.

I started hunting on foot in 1993, and came out for the first time on Dougal in 1994 on the first ever puppy ride and that was from Weylands.

First day .."Out of control" comes clearly to mind. Dougal tried his best to knock me off on every gate post we pasted.

My best day on horse back has to be at Kelvedon Hatch, the day we lost the hounds over the river and far far away after deer on the start of the first run, not to be seen again that day, but the field had a great time cantering around that estate.

Hunting dislikes... Fast down hill with a corner at the bottom. 'Ditches' climbed out from the bottom of to many. People that do not respect others, and car followers that get in the way of or insist on following the HSV, they don't seem to think that it is there to do a job and with out it the hunting would not happen.

Hunting loves.. Friends, horses, hounds, and Lewis, he is my mate I love spending the day with him he gets me in the right places to takes photos for this site and he is a lot of fun. I suffered a huge loss when I was 18 in 1993 it took a few years but the bloodhounds ,friends and Matts family got me through it . Couldn't thank you all enough!

Horse....Dougal, ( hi ho Tonto to some)

He is 12/13 years hunted for 10 years loves being field masters horse on training days, food , hay, mud, food, puddles the bigger the better, food and a full feed bucket.

He 'hates' being clean, Others over taking is not on. Empty food buckets, people that are nice to him (remember that one ) and those pesky pet dogs that dare to try and cross his paddock.

Ann Hogsbjerg

(aka Auntie Ann)

Past soup dragon, Fieldmaster. etc

Hon sec/ Treasurer to supporters club.
Aged but younger than my brother Barry the field master.

I started hunting 15 years ago when youngest son retired from hunting, and didn't want to sell horse so suggested I hunted her.

What was your first day like? Cannot remember but must have enjoyed it.

Best Meet. At my age every day is a best day- just getting horse and me there and home again safely is a major achievement.

Hunting dislikes... Setting of on first line and finding a one in 4 descent. People not paying attention to what's going on and not passing messages back through the field.

Hunting likes..... Making lots of friends and the general camaraderi in the field. Watching the hounds work and listening to them cry across the countryside.

Best of all..... The generosity of the farmers and landowners allowing us to ride through their beautiful gardens which we would not know existed.

Horse... Katie flea bitten grey 15.3 hh very white but worth her weight in gold.

Age hunting how long?.... She is 13 and had been hunting a little before I got her last September to take over from Lucy who has retired aged 23 after hunting with the EAB since 1992.

Katie loves going hunting- is very angry if left at home. Loves watching hounds but is happy with her own company. She is very laid back and easy to do and of course loves being washed as it means a party.

She 'Hates' Vinnie, whips and spurs.

Wendy Brinkley

My name is Wendy Brinkley, I am 40 something years old and a midwife from Bury St Edmunds. I have two sons age 19 and 15. Charles is away at university and Ed is still at school.

My horse is a 16 year old TB/ID called Charlie. He loves hunting; a chance to socialise and really stretch his legs, and my arms! He never seems to tire! It is about my fifth season hunting with the EABH and I really enjoy it. It is a chance to meet up with some great people. I have made some lovely friends.

I have seen some lovely countryside and parts of Suffolk, some of which I did not know existed. To be able to ride over some of the land and different terrain is I feel a real privilege.

There are still many venues I have yet to explore as there are several meets which I have not been to yet.

I find everyone really friendly at the meets and we have a great laugh both between runs as well as during them. The "port stops" are most welcome! There is always a fellow rider to help reunite you with your horse if you unfortunately happen to part company on the runs.

I least enjoy the drive home, cleaning muddy tack at the end of the day (in fact it often has to wait until the next day!), but I do enjoy tucking Charlie up his stable, leaving him munching on his hay on our return and going home to a warm bath and a glass of wine!

Wendy

Barry Squirrell

Both sides of my family have been closely connected with hunting and equine activities. I started riding when a pony arrived for my sister and of course whatever she could do so could I. Rugby and other activities took over and horses were neglected for several years.

E.A.B.H.

Once again sister is to blame, well not really as the Bloodhounds were just starting in 1992 when my father died, he and sister Ann had become involved. At this stage I thought it time to find another interest, so along I went. Not one to stand around with hands in pockets, we were soon involved helping with road crossings, lost hounds etc. By the end of the first season I'd been offered a horse and keeper. During this time I have acted as quarry (when horse is not available), whipped in and now look after the field.

Preferences
Longer runs, reasonable vertical challenges all at a good pace over the most scenic parts of East Anglia.

Lynda Seagar

My name is Lynda Seager ( wife to Archie the EABHSC chairman)

My age is 50 going on 16.

I first started hunting with the bloodhounds in 1993 I remember it well as it was at Polstead, I had my Mavis then, she had a bit of a screw loose as well so we went together perfectly, I had never been so scared in all my life going flat out up and down hills I felt physically sick and was never going to do it again! but ten years and 3 hip replacements later you just can't get rid of me.

Tannington Hall was always good it was flat had no jumps (Mave didn't like jumps, ditches yes jumps no) and there was always yummy food there too. Euston is also very nice lovely countryside, but there is always lovely country where ever we go. I hate cleaning the muddy tack after hunting.

I love everything about hunting with the bloodhounds, the rides are excellent, the people are friendly and we have a lot of laughs and the masters are good fun as well so all in all it makes for a brilliant day out. As most people know I like a drop of port so that's an added bonus especially if you need a bit of dutch courage!

The horse I now ride is called Jake as sadly I lost Mavis last August 23rd it isn't the same without her as at one time it always being shouted Maves loose Lyndas off again! Jake is a gelding and is seven he is very kind. I have hunted him for 3 seasons but with foot and mouth and my health we haven't managed a full season yet, so I'm aiming for that this season. He just loves sleeping he snuggles down in his straw and snores loud enough to keep the whole yard awake (just like Arch actually). He's not that keen on schooling and he hates wheelie bins especially if they've got the pink bags hanging out of them. That's all for now Love Lynda x

Toni Scales

AGE. 41 & a bit!!

WHEN DID YOU FIRST GO HUNTING? I started hunting at the age of 28 - 9 months after starting to learn to ride.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DAY LIKE? My first day was terrifying and exciting all at once (once I got home!). It was a children's meet with the Suffolk Fox Hounds, 90 in the field, a whole pile of optional jumps and some compulsory ditches! I rode for 51/2 hours (my longest ride to this date had been 11/2 hrs) and I ached for a full week!!

YOUR BEST DAY / FAVOURITE MEET The meet that always sticks in my memory is the one at Polstead, we hacked home from Newton Green in the snow and Alan Reason lead the singing of Christmas carols all the way back to the boxes.

HUNTING DISLIKES? Cleaning really muddy tack when I get home.

HUNTING LIKES The privilege of riding across the most beautiful countryside imaginable.

BEST OF ALL The comradeship among those who follow Bloodhounds, we would never leave someone alone or in need of moral support - we are always ready to give a lead or provide an ample bottom to stop behind!

YOUR HORSE
NAME Rowley - I think he is officially legendary.
AGE 19 1/2
HUNTING OR HOME LIKES Out hunting he both loves and expects Dora, Brenda & Chris to feed him polo's when he arrives!
HUNTING OR HOME DISLIKES He hates having his ears clipped or Bertie (his new companion) getting any fuss and he loves to be able to snuggle down in a nice cosy bed at night.

The Young Ones 1994

I thought you all might like to see a photo of a training meet "somewhere near Stowupland in 1994" Pip was obviously too young to drink then. I'm the one on the lorry (probably got a bottle of port in there) the others are The Master Roger Clark, Toni Scales, Sue Barrie, Gill Roberts, Nigel Ingleton, Michelle? and Archie Seager is behind the girl on the left but I can not remember her name CAN YOU?

Can anyone remember the names or the girls either side of Pip ?

By Lynda Seager.

Yes Lynda I know who the girl is in the middle very light jacket, its Beth Gladwell (now Mrs Bailey) use to work for Ann Hogsbjerg, she is my best friend, she moved to New Zealand and married a Kiwi called Waka . I was old enough to drink you cheeky thing I was 19 in that photo. Look at Rogers sideburns ..........HUGE!!!

Pip.

Lewis Mander.

Age : 50 years young.

Started hunting with E.A.B. Lewis ran the very first line for the E.A.B. on their very first days hunting back in the winter of 1992. Since then he has done just about everything from being runner to driving across country to pick up runners and lost hounds to deliver them to where they need to be. He enjoys all hunting with hounds not just bloodhounds. In his own words 'Its a joy to watch hounds work'.

His twin sons Adam and Jonathon have been E.A.B. runners for years and are out most Sundays treading the dirt for us. He spends a lot of time at Weylands Farm, home to the Masters Roger and Fiona Clark and the hounds, helping with just about anything- sheep, cattle, pigs, hounds but NOT horses 'they bite at one end and kick at the other' an exception can be made in desperate times or if you beg enough. And don't forget " Its an honor and a privilege".

Hunting Dislikes; Worming and toenail cutting, hounds that is not himself. People that get in his way. Horses ........ all his hunting is done on 4 wheels or two feet.

Hunting likes; Lewis is very lucky, he's been out with many hunts and says he's able to see and use some of the best countryside most people can't get near, plus he loves the way all the hounds have very different characters.

Best of all; He likes following up behind, seeing who has the biggest arse on horse back !! .................. and no he didn't tell me who does.

Thanks Lewis for all your time and help, we know you love it but we thank you anyway.

MASTERS

RJ Clark , MH. tel; 01206 337283

Mrs Fiona Clark, MH. tel; 01296 337683

Kennels; Weylands Farm, Stoke by Nayland, Suffolk, CO6 4SR

Tel / Fax ; 01206 337283 / m. 07767 758227

Committee : LEWIS MANDER , PIP HOGSBJERG, CHRISTINE PUNTER, GRAHAM LUSH, TONI SCALES, HOLLY FARRER, NIKKI LANCASTER, MATTHEW HOGSBJERG

Chairman : ARCHIE SEAGER.

Vice Chairman :

Secretary / Treasurer : ANN HOGSBJERG

Website : MATTHEW & PIP HOGSBJERG

Quarry : CHARLOTTE HODGSON, GRAHAM COKER, KIM LEWENDON, SUE BARRIE, DID (STEVE WRIGHT) CHRIS FEATHER AND NOW AND THEN LEWIS MANDER.

Whip : GRAHAM LUSH AND FIONA CLARK

Fieldmaster : NIKKI LANCASTER

Hunt Support Vehicle : LEWIS MANDER