The Holcombe Hunt is one of the oldest hare hunting packs in the country and is the best known hunt in Lancashire although they like all hare hunters are considered poor hunters. Attempts to involve children have, by and large, failed and as a result the average age of most hunt members is quite old.

The Holcombe Hunt used to be fairly violent but thankfully nowadays they are more sensible and there are very few incidents with protestors and no need for a police presence. Most of their meets are away from busy roads as they don't have any control over their hounds when they find a scent and often lose them for long periods.

Joint Masters: Arnold Greenhalgh, Chorley, Lancashire;
Alex Sneddon, Bury, Lancashire
Huntsman: Alex Sneddon (as above)
Kennels: The Kennels, Ivy Cottage, Kirklees Street, Tottington, Bury, Lancashire, BL8 4LP
Whippers-in: Ron Stouph; Frank Jackson; Terry Leydon; Mark Gilliver; Steven Ashworth

Meet: Wednesday and Saturday
Riders: Typically 10 - 20
Foot Followers: Typically 1 - 5
Boxing Day: United Utilities Meet, Rivington Hall Barn, Near Horwich

Hunt Country: mainly over the West Pennine Moors in an area bounded by Bolton, Bury, Blackburn and Preston.

Chairman: Michael O'Hanlon, Hightown, Liverpool
Secretary: Ian P. Glover, Bolton, Lancashire
Point to Point Secretary: Charles Birch, Bolton, Lancs

Recent Changes: Whipper-in Philip Martindale is replaced by Mark Gilliver and S. Ashworth;
Michael O'Hanlon replaces Ray Longster (former Master of the Hunt) as chairman

LINKS:

2002 - Holcombe Hunt supporters ignore seriously injured hound
2001 - Hunt master threatens to kill hounds
2000 - Joint hunt master tries incites protestors with v-sign
1997 - Hounds drown in dangerous conditions
1996 - Foxed trampled to death
1994 - In Novermber three Holcombe Harriers hounds were killed after going onto roundabout on busy main road. Reports of severe vehicle damage and injury to people.