Complications

One of my ideas for the podcast was to have a sound-walk in it. I have attended two different hunts now which because of the season, it is not possible to foot follow as the hunts in the spring season are too fast. However I managed to get enough recordings to create my own hunts that tailor to my podcast.

Another aspect of my podcast that I have found difficult was when listening back to my interviews, the answers that I received from my subjects were practiced. As the topic of my podcast is a sensitive one, for farmers and huntsman, I had to approach it gently, considering they are talking about their livelihood. Mark in-particular was very enthusiastic to talk about his work, however it was as if he was on television and he was covering his tracks with everything he said, which made it difficult to find original statements that didn't sound like they had been rehearsed.

Hopefully I can use my own voice to guide the narrative and keep the pace of the podcast interesting.  

20th April Following The hunt

Location: Crockstead Equestrian Centre

Weather: Sunny, no wind

Equipment

·      Marantz

·      K6

Aim

·      To get recording of the hunt

·      Recording of the horses

·      Recording of the atmosphere

·      Follow the hunt and gain experience

Outcome

I went to follow the hunt at Crockstead, There was a big turn out and I recorded the huntsman and masters with the hounds as well as the subscribers on their horses. When the hunt set off I followed in my car so I could record them passing me in the field. I also got the recording of a quiet countryside field for atmosphere in my podcast. The recordings went well and I was able to get clear sound of the hunt in action.

Role of women

After putting together the interviews I have currently got, the role of women is a theme that is something I would like to look further into. Ideally I would like to get the perspective of a woman within one of the hunts, and what her view is on women's roles and equality. I have contacted Sarah Siggs, Andrews wife, who one of the masters with the Old Surrey and Burstow. Unfortunately I have had an unofficial reply through her daughter Harriet that she does not want to be part of the podcast.
I haven't of yet got any other contacts for women in hunting, however I will email mark to see if he can pass me on to someone else.

3rd April Interview with Mark Bycroft

Location: Old Surrey and Burstow Kennels, Felbridge

Weather: Sunny, no wind

Equipment

·      Marantz

·      K6

·      Clip mic

Interview questions

·      How would describe Fox Hunting?

·      What is your role as huntsman?

·      Describe the importance of the Hunting community.

·      How has the Ban affected your business?

·      What is your experience of Anti’s

·      Do you think ignorance has a part to play in the violence?

·      Why do you wear the uniform

·      How do you train the hounds?

·      Is hunting a patriarchal society?

·      How has the women’s role changed within hunting?

·      How would describe country life?

Outcome

My interview with Mark has been the most interesting so far, When I first arrived, he handed me a broom and we scrubbed the kennels, he then took me to feed the hounds, this meant going into the slaughter house, something that I was not overly keen on.  After feeding the hounds horse meet, he allowed me to work the hounds, teaching them commands and giving them exercise. Eventually We went to his office for the interview in which he very passionately talked about his life and beliefs about hunting. After the office I recorded him working with the hounds and he talked me through what he did with them. Mark will definitely be the core of my podcast as well as my own experiences with him. The recording technically needs a bit of cleaning while in the office as there is an echo, but the recording in the kennel is great with the back ground noise of the farm and the dogs.