Ian Gilbert
(1936 - 2011)
It is with great sorrow, that we have to announce the death of Ian Gilbert, on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. He had not been ill, but collapsed suddenly, and passed away peacefully.
His contribution to the Fernie Hunt, the FHSA, and the local farming community has been immense in so many different ways, and he will be missed greatly, not only for his knowledge, but also his infectious enthusiasm. His experience and enjoyment of everything relating to the Countryside, especially hunting, was almost unique among us, and he remained a very active member of the Hunt Committee, right up to his untimely passing. He was out hunting on foot, only a few days ago
.
Ian was the eldest of five children, and was bought up in Great Glen with his two brothers, and two sisters. His parents, Eric and Mary, were Master Builders and Undertakers. From an early age, Ian was determined to become a farmer, and he was greatly influenced by his uncle Reg, who ran a small farm in Great Glen.
At the age of 15, Ian started work on a CWS farm (Manor Farm, Little Stretton), under the watchful eye of Mr Finnimore, who was the "Foreman . During this time he learnt all aspects of farming, but took a particular interest in animal husbandry, and he eventually became the "Head Shepherd". He then, at the age of 23, took the brave steps to "go it" alone.
Whilst at Manor Farm, Ian met Jean, and in 1958 they were married. They had five children, of which the eldest, Richard, died tragically. Ian suffered further trag edy with the loss of Jean in 1981, leaving him with Cathleen, and his three sons, Stewart, Robert and Edward.
Despite these adversities, Ian continued to expand his farming interests through sheer hard work, and when the workload allowed it, was out hunting with the Fernie.
In 1988, he married Liz, who with her daughters, Helen and Mary, joined the family at Wistow Grange, where there was always a welcome, and a good hunt tea.
Ian had always been an ardent supporter of the FHSA, virtually since its inception. He was Chairman for a short time, but was Deputy Chairman for many years. His tireless efforts in helping to prepare for the Hunter Trials at Lubenham, and Nevill Holt alongside Bernard James, Keith Nourish, Edwin Broughton and Robert Symington, and especially his dear friends Jack Clarke and Reay Beasley, contributed greatly to the FHSA coffers. He also delivered, set up, collected and, indeed, cleaned the FHSA mobile toilets - which over the years raised a tremendous amount of funds.
in addition to all these accomplishments, Ian, with the help and support of his devoted groom, Elizabeth Mattock (Chuddy), was also an amateur whip to both Bruce Durno, and Derek Hopkins. Unfortunately, following two hip replacements, Ian was no longer able to ride to hounds, but continued to follow, and support the Hunt.
A loving husband, father and indeed, grandfather to fourteen.
A true countryman, gentlemen, and good friend to all those that knew him. He will be greatly missed.
"Tally Ho", Ian.
Jack Mason (1918 - 2011)
It is with great sadness, that we must announce the recent death of Jack Mason, who with his late wife Glenna, were both ardent and stalwart supporters to both the Fernie Hunt, and the FHSA.
Jack was born on 31 December 1918. (He used to say that he was nearly a year old when he was born!). His father, Walter had a "Knacker's Yard" in Wigston, which he ran with his brother, Wilfred. Jack joined the family business with his three brothers, Wilfred, Leonard, and Geoffrey. Jack worked in the business all his life, except between 1939 to 1945, when he served in the British Armed Forces.
In 1939, Jack enlisted into the Northamptonshire Regiment, where during the early part of the War, he was a Bren Gun Carrier training instructor, based at Gumley. He was then shipped out to India, where he completed his army career in 1945.
In 1929, at the age of 11, Jack was "blooded" at the Meet at Noseley. He continued to hunt with the Fernie until 1968.
In January 1961, Jack bought his first point to pointer from Ted Williams for £200, on the understanding that if it was to win a race, then Jack would pay Ted back £20. It ran eight times in local point to points, but only came second. Later in the year, he ran it at Newton Abbot, and it came first! Jack was delighted to pay back Ted the £20. He then sold it in December of that year, for £600. In 1962, he paid a Mr Vallance £50 for a horse "that wouldn't start". With the assistance of Frank Hutchinson, they eventually discovered that if the horse was cantered in a circle, immediately prior to the race, then it would perform. They took it down to Newton Abbot racecourse, and asked the Starter if he would object to this procedure. They won, at tremendous odds, and in fact Glenna couldn't close her handbag with her enormous winnings!
Jack married Glenna in 1957. (Glenna was the daughter of Rob Noble, who whilst being a well-known horse dealer, was also the publican of the Royal Oak in Hallaton.) They had no children.
Both Jack and Glenna were extremely loyal and passionate supporters to both the Fernie Hunt and the FHSA. They would attend all the Meets, collecting the Car Caps. They were always to be seen at the Point to Points, organising the parking. They would Fence Steward at all the Hunter Trials, regardless of the weather. Any fundraising that was needed for the Hunt Supporters, whether it be raffle tickets, or selling tickets for various events - then you could always rely on Jack and Glenna.
Jack lost Glenna in 2007, and whilst he continued to follow his interest in shooting and fishing, his health, and interests in hunting, gradually diminished.
Both he, and Glenna, will be sadly missed.
