South Wold Foxhounds
James Barclay, MFH (1959−2021)
James Barclay, MFH, hunting the Fitzwilliam hounds, 1993
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Maurice James Barclay, ex-MFH, at age sixty-two. His death is attributed to heart failure.
After serving as Master of five British foxhound packs, his response to Britain’s Hunting Act of 2004 was to devote himself to educating and persuading everyone he could reach―whether pro-hunting or anti-hunting, adult or child, wealthy countryman or underprivileged child of the city―of foxhunting’s intrinsic value to England’s story-book countryside. To James, nothing was more important than saving the countryside.
Introducing James Barclay, ex-MFH
A young James Barclay while Master of the Fitzwilliam Foxhounds (UK)Allow me to introduce James Barclay, a retired Master of Foxhounds in England and descendant of a distinguished foxhunting family. I am pleased and honored to announce that Foxhunting Life will be publishing James’s informative and thoughtful essays in future issues.
James’s family roots are with the Puckeridge Foxhounds, a hunt in Hertfordshire dating back to 1725. His sister has served as Master since 1987. Two brothers, his mother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather also served as Masters of the Puckeridge, that dynasty starting in 1896.
James’s first day of hunting was with the Puckeridge back in the 1960s. He was astride a donkey, and, by tradition, he wore a small version of the family scarlet coat which each family member going back at least three generations had worn on their first hunt!
Huntsman and Eventer: “The Happiest Pair in Ireland”
The hunting and eventing world were well represented at the wedding of Mark Ollard, huntsman of The Island Foxhounds and event rider Clare Lambert at Ballymore Church, Killinick, County Wexford, Ireland. The ceremony was performed by Father Murty Byrne and the bridesmaids were event rider Monica Whelan and Correna Bowe. Best men were Irish international event rider Michael Ryan and Ted Hudson. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Roddy Bailey, former Master and huntsman of the Morpeth Foxhounds, read Will Ogilvie’s poem, “The Happiest Man in England” re-worked as “The Happiest Pair in Ireland.” Mark’s mother Claire and his late father Martin were Joint-Masters of the South Wold Foxhounds in Lincolnshire. Clare’s father Jack is a well known breeder of Irish Draught. and Irish Sport horses, and her family has been long time followers of the Killinick Harriers. It was Clare who produced the Irish bred eventer All The Aces, one of New Jersey-based Buck Davidson’s hopefuls for the next Olympics. A guard of honour was provided by (l-r) Chris Ryan, Master and huntsman of the Scarteen Hounds; Oliver Ryan-Purcell, Master and huntsman of the North Tipperary Foxhounds; and Charlie Gundry, huntsman of the Kilkenny Foxhounds, who blew “Gone Away” as the happy couple left the church. Mark and Clare will have a short honeymoon before Mark makes preparations to take on the North Tipperary Foxhounds as Master and huntsman next season. Posted March 24, 2011
Read More
