You are cordially invited to the inaugural and opening meet of the Connaught Square Squirrel Hunt at 3pm on Sunday 3rd April 2005 at the Duke of Kendal, Connaught Street, London W2. We believe that this is the first hunt to be set up in England and Wales since the ban on hunting with dogs came into force on 17th February

It is now illegal to hunt squirrels, even with 1 dog (see below), but "the Nutkins" will hunt legally by drag hunting. The "squirrel hound" will chase a sock on a string and if any squirrels are chased, this will be an error beyond our control. We shall follow the Countryside Alliance advice and notify the police of our intention to hunt legally through Connaught Square (where our Great Leader has bought a home) and Hyde Park.

The intention is first to have a good time and secondly highlight the absurdity of the Hunting Act, a law that the Government allowed 700 hours of Parliament's time, compared to the 7 hours with which it allowed Parliament to debate going to war. We have great pleasure in announcing that Felix the Fox will be the guest huntsman for our opening meet. See www.fighttheban.com for information on Felix.

We will to meet at the pub at 3 o'clock (adoption of constitution and election of officers at 2.30) and draw our first covert in Connaught Square gardens at around 3.30. The hunt will proceed to Hyde Park to draw further coverts until we get bored, unless the Squirrel Hound chases a squirrel in error in which case the day will end immediately. We are likely to be finished by 5 latest. Then back to the pub for those so inclined.

The huntsman and joint masters will be wearing hunt coats: please join them if you feel inclined. The Nutkins intend in due course to adopt our own hunt colours (midnight blue velvet tails slashed to reveal shocking pink lining) and buttons (squirrel rampant). All subscribers may sport the Nutkins' colours or our buttons.

Whereas the Nutkins will be happy to welcome visiting packs in due course, we intend to use our own specially trained Squirrel Hound on 3rd. He's a bit of a fighter so please keep visiting hounds on leads.

The Nutkins will hunt on Sundays and off throughout the summer months. Please contact either of the Joint Masters if you would like to follow on any day. We shall hold a subscribers dinner and, more importantly, a hunt ball. Details TBA. The longevity and frequency of the hunt will depend on its popularity. If a success, we shall seek to register as a hunt with the Masters of Bloodhounds and Draghounds Association: see www.draghunting.org.uk.

We think that this is an important event in its own way and would be glad to see as many people as possible, especially at the meet and first draw. Children are welcome.

Tally Ho,
Ed Seyfried & Duncan Macpherson
Intended Joint Masters