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The South Downs Bloodhounds
Hunting Humans For Fun into our 20th Season
As from May 1st 2025, the hunt will be known as
The Wessex Bloodhounds.
20th Anniversary Gala AUCTION NOW LIVE!
​We are delighted to announce that the Gala Auction to raise funds for our fantastic pack is now ready for you to view and bid on! Please visit the auction site by clicking here: SDBH Gala Auction
The auction is being run online via Jumblebee - if you haven't done so already, you'll need to register on the site the first time you log on to view the auction items and to place your bids.
We have some fantastic lots available which include everything from a flight in a light aircraft, to a bucket list beach ride to fantastic getaways in the UK.
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The auction will close on 29th March on the evening of the Gala Ball, but anyone can bid for any of the items - you don't have to hunt with us or even be coming to the Ball to win one of these fantastic prizes! Please share the auction with anyone who you think would be interested - we'd love to reach as many people as possible.
I'm sure you'll all join me in thanking the very generous individuals and companies who have kindly donated these wonderful prizes. Let's raise as much money as we can to show our appreciation! If you have any questions about any of the lots, please pm me or email me jtelford@hotmail.com
20th Anniversary GALA BALL SATURDAY 29th MARCH 2025
EARLY BIRD TICKETS UP TO 31st JANUARY Book here:
Location: Botleigh Grange Hotel and Spa, Grange Rd, Hedge End, Southampton SO30 2GAEvening Dress / Black Tie Preferred but optional Your ticket includes:
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* A fizz reception
* Delicious three-course meal with wine
* Heads and Tales
* Horn Blowing and Whip Cracking Contest
* Photographer
* Live music “The Standards” to have you on the dance floor until late
* A luxury raffle brimming with prizes
* Auction of Promises - prize winners announced
* The promise of a great night full of fun
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Early Bird prices to 31st January 2025: Tables of 10 £650 / Individual £70 ppAfter 31st January: Tables of 10 £700 / Individual £75 pp Rooms can be booked at reduced rate for B&B £99 (should be £125) Quote attending SDB Gala Ball. So grab your friends and family and come and join us. You don’t need to be involved with the hunt or horsey people to share the fun. 😊
The South Downs Bloodhounds are a pack of cross bred bloodhounds formed in 2004 by, and still owned by, their senior Master, Jeremy Whaley. The hounds hunt a human Quarry, which may consist of one runner, or up to six running as a tight group. This is completely different from "Drag" or "Trail" hunting, which involve hounds hunting an artificial manufactured scent laid on the ground. Hunting with bloodhounds is commonly referred to as "hunting the clean boot."
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The hunt is renowned for being welcoming to newcomers and does not look down on people coming who haven't got the 'right' hunting dress, or does not understand hunting terms. There are always hunt members to buddy up with whether you're riding for the first time, or coming to watch on foot. You do not need 'references' to join this hunt - it is open to all.
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We are greatly indebted to our landowners and farmers, as without their support we would not exist. For that reason, the Joint Masters enforce a strict code of conduct that everyone attending must follow. These are our Terms and Conditions. These are essential to protect our reputation AND ensure everyone's safety. That said, hunting like all horse riding sports, is a risk sport and you are advised to have personal accident and third party liability insurance.
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If you would like to know more, please see the other pages on this website, or contact the Honorary Hunt Secretary for more information and/or download the SDB Brochure.
