Fox hunting supporters turned out in force on the Common for the Boxing Day Meet of the Essex Farmers' and Union Hunt. A handful of anti-hunt protestors were on the scene but there were no clashes. The hunt and its followers met by the Horse and Groom around 10am but proceedings were delayed because of severe frost and hard ground. Eventually about 60 riders set out and two foxes were pursued and one killed. The government ban on hunting is due to come into effect in February and it remains to be seen if this was the last meeting on the Common.