Patrick Martin's final season as Huntsman to the Bicester

Patrick Martin has decided to hang up his boots as Professional Huntsman of the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase after 23 great seasons (1992-2015): according to the latest MFHA records he is the sixth longest serving huntsman currently hunting hounds. He is pictured here at his final Opening Meet as Huntsman. A testimonial fund has been set up for Patrick - read on for more.

Testimonial fund Chairman John O'Neill writes: Patrick has been acknowledged as the complete professional, upholding the highest standards at all times. After serving with the Kings Troop, Patrick started in hunt service in 1978 as second whip at the Royal Artillery. He then went on to be the first whip to the Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Hunt between 1979 and 1981, following which he went to the Berkeley, until joining the Bicester in 1992. He will have completed 37 years in hunt service when he retires at the end of this season.

In our ever-changing and challenging country Patrick has continued to provide excellent sport on the hunting field and together with Heather Tylor, and before that Ian McKie, has been responsible for breeding one of the finest packs of hounds in the country. The same hounds that hunt consistently four days per week have also performed at the highest level on the flags at hound shows. The "Bicester type" has been created and acknowledged by fellow huntsmen who turn to Patrick when looking for a proven stallion hound. It was so fitting that a Bicester success in the ring at the Welsh Hound Show this summer could lead to spontaneous applause from all those present in acknowledgement of Patrick's contribution to hound breeding and hunting.

He has also participated in so many of our activities and is demonstrably a very capable sportsman, whether it is polo, cricket, golf or skittles. Together with his wife Susannah, they have thrown themselves into every aspect of the hunt. Susannah also played a vital role on the Supporters' Club Committee and in every way is the perfect huntsman's wife.

When hunting was under threat of a ban, Patrick become a great ambassador for our sport and a well-known fact and voice in the media where he was, and still is, an eloquent speaker on the subject of hunting. After the Hunting Act 2004 came into force, Patrick had to adapt to hunting within the law, which he did with great skill despite the risk of prosecution, emphasising his love of hunting and the country way of life. Throughout the length and breadth of the BHWC country, Patrick is held in the highest esteem by farmers, subscribers, landowners and foot followers alike.

We now have an opportunity to say a big "thank you" for the support he has provided and to recognise the contribution he has made to hunting. He leaves us with a wonderful pack of hounds and a great legacy to follow. On behalf of all those who have enjoyed great sport over the years, I hope that you will feel able to make a donation to the testimonial fund which will assist Patrick and Susannah when making their plans for the future.

Please make your donations by cheque, payable to "Patrick Martin Testimonial", c/o John O'Neill, Hall Farm, Stratton Audley, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX27 9BT.