From www.shropshirestar.co.uk

Huntmaster is hounded out
By Simon Alton

A Shropshire huntmaster has become the county's first casualty of the
Government's ban on hunting - leaving his hunt without a master for the first
time in its 135-year history.


Huntmaster Myles Salmon with his son Rupert


Myles Salmon, master of the Wheatland Hunt based in Eardington, near
Bridgnorth, says he has been forced out by the Government and he and his family
are now leaving Shropshire.

He said his forced resignation would be the first of many redundancies
facing rural areas as the ban took effect.

The Wheatland Hunt had decided to replace a full-time master with a series
of unpaid acting masters in the future, Mr Salmon said.

"I am terribly bitter about it because it is not as if the ban is going to
improve the welfare of any foxes," Mr Salmon said.

"It isn't going to improve anything for anybody.

The Wheatland Hunt formed in 1870 and moved to its current home at
Eardington in 1911.

Mr Salmon has been master for the past 10 years and said he and his family
had thoroughly enjoyed their time in Shropshire.

Mr Salmon is moving to Gloucestershire with his wife and 12-year-old son,
Rupert, who is captain of Shropshire County Cricket under-12s team.


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