Towy & Cothi New Year’s Hunt at The Whitehall, Llandovery

Will Theophilus writes –

‘The Towy & Cothi Hunt, in its time held tradition, was welcomed by its hosts, The White Hall Inn at Llandovery town square for its annual visit for the New Year’s Meet. The square began to fill from mid-morning onwards, to the time of departure some 40 minutes onwards or so. By that time, several hundred people had arrived to witness the fine turnout by all the riders who had obviously been busy for several hours before to get their horses ready for one of the most prestigious events in Llandovery as well as the Hunt’s calendar.

It is remarkable, if not astonishing that so many people were there, given as the weather did not look at all promising to entice the people to come and pay homage. Many visitors staying in the locality over the Festive Season as well as the locals came forward to compliment the turn-out, as was the exchange of New Year’s greetings between locals and visitors alike. Ms. Rachel Evans, Wales Director for the Countryside Alliance, gave a rousing address to the masses who by now had filled most of the square all the way back to the market square and beyond.

From a historical perspective, the Towy & Cothi Hunt has attended the White Hall meet on New Year’s Day, for nearly a century as past photographs will testify. On the evidence of the enthusiastic reception given to the Hunt this year, its annual pilgrimage of visiting the ancient borough of Llandovery and its peoples, is assured for the century that is to come.’

The customary practise of taking the cap around the supporters has been done by Emrys Davies (Right) for many years as Tom Price (Left) looks for the change in his pocket, with Tom’s wife Julia looking on.