New Kennels

The new Kennels were officially opened by Baroness Ann Mallalieu QC on 30th May 2008.

Baroness Anne Mallalieu cut a ceremonial ribbon across the gate of magnificent new hound lodges to a great cheer from the assembled company. Hunt farmers who have so consistently supported hunting through the difficult times post the Hunting Act were present in substantial numbers, as were supporters from all generations. In her Opening Address, Anne Mallalieu referred to the “courage” shown by the Hunt in completing the project in difficult times for hunting.

A large gathering of over 600 guests including farmers, landowners, subscribers foot followers and supporters listened to the Chairman, Clive Preston, recounting the history of the Stratton Audley Kennels that began back in 1885 when the site was purchased for the princely sum of £25 by Lord Valencia and the fine Victorian buildings were later opened by Lord Chesham in 1888.
In this century the maintenance of the buildings have been increasingly onerous, even with the financial support in 1986 given by amalgamation of the Whaddon Chase.  The Trustees and Committee have been seeking alternative options, including moving away from the site, but eventually deciding to stay on the site and financing the new kennels and stables from the sale of the old Huntsman’s House.

Clive Preston went on to say that he was extremely proud of the final result, which was a true statement of the determination to maintain the traditions of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase Hunt in these difficult political times and observed that it was now “our turn” to leave something for the future.. He went on to thank the Trustees, Masters, Property Committee and Patrick Martin for all the hard work that had gone into the development. He gave particular thanks to our builders, whose positive help and support was critical during the build.

Finally a presentation was made to Harold Bowley who project managed the building and who spent many hours of his time during the design and build.

Following the opening the guests toured the new kennels and continued the celebrations until darkness fell.

Chairman Clive Preston	Masters: Alice Paine, Tim Price,Polly Portwin, John O'Neill, Christopher Hodgson, Huntsman Patrick Martin, Baroness Anne Mallalieu	Harold Bowley who masterminded the rebuild with Clive Preston
Opening the Kennels	Harold Bowley presentation	Supporters view the kennels
Hounds in their new Quarters	Hound Lodges	Hound Lodges
Hound Puppies and Friends	Mural by Heather Tylor
Hunt staff	Joy!!	Supporters Chairman at the Party

 

The New Staff Accommodation is now complete August 2009

The Old Kennels	Demolition	New housing
Building work	The New Entrance	New Staff Accomodation
Johnson Cottage	Johnson Cottage	Buckle Cottage
Pheasey Cottage	Stable Block
Official Opening of Staff Accomodation Stage 3 of the Redevelopment was formally completed on November 11th with the opening of the Hunt Staff’s accommodation by named connections of each of the houses. The Masters and Trustees were represented as was the Project Manager for the redevelopement, Harold Bowley together with Hunt Secretary, Robert Vallance and Treasurer (and on this occasion photographer) Peter Wright.	After a few introductory words from the Hunt Chairman, former Whaddon huntsman, Albert Buckle opened “Buckle” in which our Stud Groom, Laura Andrews lives by cutting a ribbon across the front door. Nora Pheasey, accompanied by her daughter, Julie did the same for “Pheasey” named after former Bicester Huntsman, Bryan: our countryman, Ben Whale lives in this house. Finally, Sheila Johnson did the honours in respect of the old Valeting Room, now known as “Johnson” being named after her husband Charlie and his father, Clarence who, between them hunted the Bicester hounds for over 30 years.	Patrick Martin and Tom Baker were on hand to assist in the ceremony which concluded with tea in “Johnson”. Christopher Hodgson,Chairman