A FEW people missed last Saturday’s Northern Region ball as they had gone hunting that day but not so Philip White, chairman and senior Master of the Route Harriers who managed to do both.

“The meet was at Lougestown Crossroads near Portrush and I had just the one order leaving home which was not to fall off!” related Philip at the ball to which he was accompanied by wife Eavan, she of the many hats and roles, daughter Tegan, event rider and surveyor, and son Jack who, after Christmas, returns to Canada where he is an insurance and pensions consultant.

Philips broke the general male dress code of the ball by wearing a white dinner jacket with a colourful bow tie and matching waistcoat. Johnny Mulligan too ditched the traditional black in favour of blue though, late in the day, he was still in his riding breeches.

Also at the ball having put in a day’s coaching at Badger Hill Farm in Ballywalter, where she is a regular visitor, was leading British dressage rider Pippa Hutton who was delighted to sit down and chat with Tattersalls International supremo Jean Mitchell. Before she arrived at the La Mon to put the finishing touches to the tables, etc, ball organiser and regional events co-ordinator Dora Beacom had spent the morning judging show jumping at The Meadows. Much loved in the Region, especially by the younger brigade, Dora was giving herself Sunday off but, with a family get together at home, she was probably as busy as ever!