History, demonstrations on tap for charity event
BIRMINGHAM — Are you ready to step back in time and experience historical Brandywine Meadows Farm, home of the Mather Hunt?
Then you’ll want to be at Radley Run Country Club on Saturday, Nov, 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10 as its hosts a unique event filled with history and excitement – the Radley Fox Chase Festivities.
The Radley Fox Chase celebration is a great opportunity to learn all about “The Fox Chase of Today and Yesteryear” from Fox Chase expert, Colin McNeil of the Randor Hunt Club. There will also be a lively celebration featuring Hors d’oeuvres, music, informal storytelling and conversations with members of the hunt and others with knowledge of the Mather era. And it doesn’t end there, on Sunday there will be a grand parade of hounds, horses & huntsmen followed by a Sunday brunch at the Radley clubhouse.
The Radley Run property was previously owned by Charles Mather, who in 1897 purchased the land from the Painter Family and transformed it into a “hunting box” known as the Brandywine Meadows Farm where he housed the Brandywine Hounds (aka: the Mather Hunt). The transformation included the conversion of a barn into a state-of-the-art equestrian facility (Radley current clubhouse) and the construction of kennels including the Kennelman’s House, the Huntsman’s House and the formal gardens. The Brandywine Hounds continued after the sale of the estate in 1963, but disbanded in 2004 after providing the wonderful sport of fox chasing to generations of families for over 100 years.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, Nov. 9:
• 6:30-7:30PM: Seminar: “The Fox Chase of Today and Yesteryear” from Colin McNeil of the Radnor Hunt Club. Registration runs from 5:30-6:15PM at the RRCC Clubhouse. The Pub will be open and a cash bar will be available. Seminar cost is $10 per person.
• 7:30-9:00PM: Fox Chase Celebration at the historic Mansion House. Hors d’oeuvres, music, informal storytelling, conversations with members of the hunt and others with knowledge of the Mather era. This event is $15.00 plus tax and service charge and will feature a cash bar.
Sunday, Nov. 10
• 10-10:30AM: The Parade of Hounds, Horses & Huntsmen, starts at the adjacent farm and “meets” at the Mansion House before returning to the farm. Stirrup Cup (traditional Fox Chase drink) and other beverages will be served. No charge and open to the public.
• 11:00AM-2:00PM: Sunday Brunch Adults: $19.95 plus tax & service charge, children 10 & under $8.00 plus tax & service charge, children 5 and under, complimentary.
This event is open to the public and reservations are welcome, call 610-793-1660.
Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities including: Radnor Hounds Foundation, Chadds Ford Historical Society, Chester County Historical Society and the Brandywine Conservancy.
