Update - the meet will now be on foot. 

Another first for the CSSH! We thought drag-hunting squirrels was absurd. The Antis have gone one further: they wish to protest against it. What clever people they must be.

As you know, we had planned a spectacular meet for you on Sunday involving hounds, huntsmen and mounted followers. The CSSH was to have its first ever Mounted Meet and drag-hunt squirrels down Rotten Row.

Unfortunately, it seems that this meets with displeasure in some circles. Various agencies have warned us that anti-Hunt protesters intended to picket the Meet. On their advice, we have had to transform our spectacular event into a more traditional Meet on foot. It's a bit odd that where someone is threatened with violence the authorities take the side of the violent, but there we go.

We shall meet at 1 pm at the Duke of Kendal Pub, Connaught Street. Please do join us there. It seems that quite a lot of the world's press will!

For those who are newcomers to the Hunt, the Joint Masters and Secretary will be in the colours of the CSSH: midnight blue velvet with shocking pink collars and lining.

As usual, all our supporters are invited to wear hunting kit, either in traditional form (as we will be, sort of) or whatever mix of hunting kit, general riding kit and normal clothes.

Please do join in if you can and help make this a spectacular and newsworthy event

See you on Sunday!

Oh yes, dear supporters, it's true! The Connaught Square Squirrel Hunt is holding the first ever Mounted Squirrel Hunt on Sunday, 17 September 2006.
Do join us for this extraordinary and unique event. As far as we know, it will be the first hunt to take place in Hyde Park since Tudor times and the first time that huntsmen will have ridden to hounds in central London since 1926 (we have the photograph but are not quite sure why they came).

We are extremely grateful to the Joint Masters of the Old Surrey, Burstow and West Kent Hunt for lending us a pack of their superb foxhounds together with the
services of their excellent huntsment and whippers-in: We are also grateful to the City of Westminster, the Royal Parks and the Metropolitan Police for their assistance.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
1. If you want to bring a horse to be a Mounted Follower, please call Duncan Macpherson, JM, on 07798 818432. We are strictly limiting the number of Mounted Followers for reasons of safety and decorum. We must discuss with every intended follower individually their level of riding skill and the roadworthiness and steadiness of their mount. We are able to offer unboxing areas but only if you give us your details in time.
YOU MUST CALL TO RESERVE A PLACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We shall turn away anyone who does not follow this procedure.

2. We require a number of supporters to act as Stewards in Hyde Park.
If you would like to act as a Steward please e-mail us at csshunt@gmail.com as soon as possible.

3. We very much want our regular foot-followers to be in attendance - so please come along as normal and bring your friends, children, dogs (on leads) etc. As this is going to be a highly subscribed event, please e-mail us at csshunt@gmail.com so we have an idea as to how many are coming.

4. Press. Any press enquiries should be directed to Sara at our press office on 020 7243 9992 or email csshunt@gmail.com. There will be a photocall - exact details and location tbc.

It is most important that this event proceeds safely and smoothly. Please do not try anything other than that set out below without specific permission of the Joint Masters. This event is organised by Connaught Square Squirrel Hunt Limited.

THE PLAN - 17 SEPTEMBER 2006

10 am onwards: Unboxing in North Carriage Drive, Hyde Park, for Mounted Followers. Please note that only vehicles with specific permission to park in North Carriage Drive will be allowed to unbox there.

12 Noon: The famous Horseman's Sunday at St. John's Church, Hyde Park Crescent, W2 2QD. This event started in 1968 to highlight the need to maintain stables north of Hyde Park. These days, up to 100 horses now parade past the vicar to obtain a blessing. It is a colourful and enjoyable event, which we hope the Mounted Followers will join us in attending.

It is preceded by a full service at 10 am for those who are interested. PLEASE NOTE: Horseman's Sunday is NOT our event. It is a public event, which is why we are entitled to attend. We do not wish to swamp it nor to make ANY political point at it. All supporters are welcome to come but please do NOT spoil it for the many tourists, local children and adults for whom it is a traditional celebration.

c. 12.45 pm: The Meet. Once the majority of the horses and crowds have dispersed, we shall hold our Meet in Hyde Park Crescent. Supporters will hand out sausage rolls and glasses of Squrrel Port.

c.1.15 pm Move Off to Hyde Park. There is a set route which the horses take from Hyde Park Crescent into Hyde Park. Unfortunately, it does not pass the Prime Minister's front door in Connaught Square but close enough. Stewards and Police will assist with the traffic. The Hunt will make its way over the Serpentine Bridge to the legendary Rotten Row.

c. 1.45 pm Hunt down Rotten Row. The Stewards will ensure that the area is safe and empty. Then a "Squirrel" trail will be laid down Rotten Row. The hounds will speak and, controlled by the Huntsmen and Whippers-in, will hunt the drag-Squirrel followed by the Joint Masters and the Mounted Followers. This should be an unforgettable sight.

c. 2.15 pm Blow for Home. Once arrived at Hyde Park Corner, we shall blow for home (after a photo-call). Mounted Followers may continue around Hyde Park in the riding area beside Park Lane to the boxing up area in North Carriage Drive. The Huntsman and Whippers-In may dismount and take their pack for exercise across the park.

c. 2.45 pm Hunting Tea at the Duke of Kendal. Once again, The Duke of Kendal, Connaught Street, W2 2AF has kindly agreed to welcome all supporters for a Hunt Tea, to be ordered individually on the day.

We personally recommend the Thai Food. After all, this is a 21srt Century Hunt!