Rievaulx Shoot Dinner

A grand evening was had by all, as the Birkett Family hosted their end of season shoot dinner. It was held at the Feathers in Helmsley. Young and old faces mixed together as I sat next to a lad who went beating from Malton . He worked at the Farey yard and had spent some time up at Willy Mullins, so Jack and him chatted away as they both had something in common .Jack used to ride in point - to -points as you may remember and occasionally over the sticks. Both agreeing what a great horse Kato Star was. Kieran was born and bred a Maltonian, we had even gone to the same school even though it was 40 years apart. Numbers are scary things !. We were treated to a very nice steak and ale pie and even though I am not a lover of gravy it went down very well. The staff did an excellent job as they were rushed off their feet with 3 shoot parties on, but Tracy, the manager, still had time to have a word with us. After dinner there was speeches which saw a standing ovation for Rob Parish as he retires after working on the Rievaulx Estate for 37 years and had been head gamekeeper for many years . He was presented with a stuffed white pheasant that had lived in Low Gill for the last 3 seasons . He had been very disappointed when someone had shot it ...but you always get some clever dick shooting such a bird. It has happened on our shoots before. Anyway it looked very spendid. It was way pass Jack 7pm bedtime as it was after 10pm before we got home. As you see he was rubbing his eyes, but kept going. There will probably be a few sore heads this morning as we heard one lad had booked a taxi to pick him up at 1.30am . High spirits and antics were starting as we left as a certain young man exchanged his clothes with one of the female beaters and pranched round the dance floor. Shame I didnt get a photo of that.

Silver Wedding Party.

Looking back at the photos it doesn't seem 25 years since Philip Nicholls made an honest woman of Shirley Bowes. Over 100 friends and family joined the silver pair along with their 2 sons David and Robert. It was held at the Feathers in Helmsley. Simon Parker and his staff did a sterling job to make sure everyone had a wonderful night. Shirley looked amazing, Philip made a great speech and David and Robert looked after "the show" very well. The food was superb.For our main course we choose the beef. Simon spoilt Jack bringing him some beef right from the middle of one of the 3 joints.It nearly looked as it was still alive but that is Jacks favourite. We were sat with Doreen Davenport-better known as Fawcett and before that as one of Philip Robinsons daughter -there was 5 of them. Her son Edward was on our table too and all made for good company. Apparently my mum taught Doreen to knit. We all had plenty to talk and remiss about. It was Doreen's late husband ,Anto's car that son Tony drove Shirley to the church in. All too soon the night was over. A wonderful night for a wonderful couple who were so busy looking after everyone else that I disappointedly didn't get a photo of them together. Shirley dazzled in a sparkling blue dress as I caught her talking to Faff who we would both go to school with. Philip looked very dapper in his d.j. The two ladies in the photos are Philip/s mum on the right and Aunty Ada -Shirley aunt of the left. A photo also of Shirleys sister Sandra with her two sons and daughter Jenny just behind her.