Ottawa Valley Hunt Club | newsletter0106.html

Ottawa Valley Hunt Newsletter

January 2006

Once again the evenings are beginning to stretch out, the long nights of December are behind us and hunting is only a few months away. But we have to struggle through party season first. (I know, it’s tough, but we have to do it.)

AGM
At the AGM, held January 22nd, the new Board was elected. They are:

President: Grits McMullen
Vice-President: Nadine Smithe
Honorary Secretary: Pierre Poitras
Honorary Treasurer: Betty Sulpher
Directors-at-Large: Normand Major
Anne McKibbin
Janet Strome

Two by-law changes were ratified by the membership. The first permits official notices to be sent by email, where members allow it (thus saving the club considerable expense and the secretary considerable time). The second changes the way the Board is elected. Under the old by-law, candidates identified the specific position for which they wished to stand. Under the new by-law, a list of seven candidates will be voted in. The new Board will then determine the specific positions each will fill. It is felt that this change will encourage more people to run for Board positions, and it will help bring fresh faces to the table.

A third by-law change was tabled for discussion. Under this change, a director would be limited to a certain number of years in office. If you have any opinions on this proposed change, please contact Pierre Poitras, who will bring them to the Board.

Minutes of the AGM can be found on the Hunt website (www.ottawavalleyhunt.com) together with contact information for the Board members.

Robbie Burns Night
63 members and friends were wonderfully entertained by the Coghill Clan for Robbie Burns Night. Who could resist the swirling pipes played by Jack, Frank's poetry, Gary's singing and of course Irene's tempting food? Tom Dick explained how to hunt a Haggis, Peter Leach Toasted the Lasses and Audreen Ellis replied with an amusing Toast to the Laddies. Thanks to Jack and Irene, their family and friends on behalf of all of us who enjoyed a memorable evening. Dates to Remember

Sleigh Ride
Sunday February 19th at Sunset. Sleigh ride, skiing, and the great Chilli cookoff. Bring a sample from your favourite recipe. View Silent Auction items and bring items for the Hunt Ball silent auction, so they can be organized.

OVH Hunt Ball
Saturday February 25th at the Nepean Sportsplex. This is THE night for making merry with your friends and equestrian neighbours. Bring them along and share with them the excitement of the silent auction, the thrill of the Paul Jones, and the drama of awarding colours. For tickets, please contact Betty or Kay.

Pub Night
Saturday April 1st, 7pm. In addition to the usual pub food and drinks, we will have information (and competitions!) on hunt etiquette, horn calls, tack and dress, the history of hunting, hounds, terminology … and anything else connected with hunting. A great way to get in the mood for when the season really starts. CPR Course If enough people are interested, we will organize a CPR course at the Hunt Farm. This is normally a half-day course, and the fee for the instructor is nominal. Please let Grits know by February 19th if you are interested.

Fixture Card
Pierre Poitras is putting together the schedule of greenboxes for the Spring fixture card – if you have any special requests for dates, please let him know ASAP.

Wish List
The Hunt is always looking for good used equipment. On our list at the moment are: • A stainless-steel table (approximately 4’ x 3’) for the kennels. • Blankets to keep the hounds warm through the winter, and for sick hounds to lie on. • Dog collars and leashes. • A cat door, so the cat can get in out of the cold.

If you have any of these items and would like to get rid of them, please drop them off at the kennels.

Good Hunting,

Kay Leach and Bob Allum
Joint Masters