RIDERS, horses and hounds from the Beaufort Hunt fell silent on Wednesday to pay tribute to the fallen of two World Wars and other more recent conflicts.

They kept a minutes silence at their Oakes Lane meet near Tormarton on the Wednesday, November 11, to remember those who lost their lives in service.

Around 130 people on horses and foot gathered and Captain Farquhar, the joint master, heralded the silence.

Young and old bowed their heads, restless horses were calm, and sensing the mood even the usually active hounds kept still and quiet.

Captain Farquhar said: “Amongst all who were gathered at the meet there were many from the local rural and farming communities whose families over the years have been touched by war.

“We owe so much to them and it is only right that we should acknowledge their sacrifice.”

Jo Aldridge, hunt spokesperson commented: “Towards the end of the Second World War, The Duke of Beaufort's elder brother, Lieutenant John Somerset was killed in April 1945 at the age of 21.

“Captain Farquhar's grandfather was killed in action in October 1918 at the age of 40, but many other hunt members and local farming families suffered similar losses.”

The Beaufort held their opening meet at Worcester Lodge a few days before and, as always, a collection was held for the Earl Haig Poppy Fund, raising £1,212.