My thanks to Mr Glyn Hatfield, of Kibworth Beauchamp, for sending me an interesting memento of the days when Leicestershire was known throughout the land for fox-hunting – a sport that, although now controversial, attracted royalty, nobility and gentry to the county.

Today sees the 80th anniversary of the Fernie Hunt Farmers' Dinner, hosted by Colonel Sir Harold Augustus Wernher at his home, Thorpe Lubenham Hall, near Market Harborough.

Mr Hatfield writes: "I have an original programme of the event that took place on February 26, 1930, and in addition to the menu, it also incorporates a 'Toast List', a 'programme of music' and 'a programme of artistes'.

"Those selected to propose a toast included Col Wernher, who was master of the Fernie Hunt and married to Lady Zia Wernher, daughter of Grand Duke Michael of Russia, brother of the last Czar, Nicholas II.

"Later [Colonel] Sir Harold and Lady Zia moved from Thorpe Lubenham to Luton Hoo, in Bedfordshire.

"The other proposer was Captain Frank Bellville from Papillon Hall, which was sadly demolished in 1950. Capt Bellville was the manufacturer of Robinson's Barley Water.

"The responses to these toasts were carried out by George Edward Kendall, Esq, President of the Market Harborough branch of the National Farmers' Union, and Archibald Charles Edmondstone, Esq, joint Master of the Fernie Hunt, who lived at Highfield, Husbands Bosworth. His father had been a groom-in-waiting to King Edward VII from 1907 to 1910 and his mother was the Hon Woman of the Bedchamber to HRH the Princess Christian (Princess Helena, third daughter of Queen Victoria).

"The Earl of Denbigh from Newnham Paddox, near Rugby, permitted the string band of the Honourable Artillery Company to entertain the guests throughout the proceedings, along with the artists of the day."

There was a lavish menu that began with thick oxtail soup and Scotch salmon with mayonnaise sauce, followed by cold roast chicken, ham and tongue, cold roast beef, pressed beef, veal and ham pies and salad. The desserts were fruit tarts, pastries and jellies and the meal finished with cheese, biscuits and celery. The wines were Champagne (Roper 1921), Sauterne, port and sherry and there was also whisky and beer.

Guests were entertained by a comedian, Emil Clare, and a conjuror, Mr Paul Freeman. The band played a selection of pieces.

Mr Randall Jackson, baritone, sang a number of songs including a selection from Noel Coward's Bitter Sweet. Musical entertainment closed with the Leicestershire Regimental March and national anthem.

Mr Hatfield says: "I imagine the evening was a great success."