Gamekeeper confesses to frequently pulling off school plays by the narrowest of margins
Andrew Holloway's Christmas Traditions on the Soundborough Estate
Andrew Holloway, a single-handed gamekeeper at the 1,400-acre Soundborough estate near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, has a unique Christmas routine that blends work and family traditions.
On Christmas Day, Andrew spends part of the day engaged in his gamekeeping responsibilities, ensuring the grounds and wildlife are cared for even during the holiday. His family often joins him at the estate for Christmas celebrations.
Andrew's love for his profession is evident, as he cherishes the smiles on the guns' faces, the conservation work, and the attraction of flocks of farmland birds. His work puts pressure on his wife, Sue, who is an animal behaviourist and enjoys beating with her dogs.
The traditional Christmas dinner is a central part of the family's gathering. Andrew is known to prepare a meal that includes classic dishes such as roast turkey, stuffing (which he makes himself using a recipe he learned from his uncle), vegetables, and festive desserts.
In the evening, Andrew enjoys a drink of half water, half single-malt whisky (preferably Bowmore), by the fire. This tradition was passed down to him by his uncle, who was also a keeper and working in France.
Outside of work, Andrew and his family have a tradition of involving the children, Henry, Kate, and Amelia, in feeding the pheasants on Christmas morning.
Paula Minchin, Managing & Features Editor of a popular platform, also resides in Somerset with her two working Labradors, Nimrod and Rocky. She started her career as a crime reporter on The Sidmouth Herald in Devon, before moving on to become Pony Club & Young Rider Editor, then Racing Editor, at Horse & Hound. She has overseen two special issues guest-edited by His Majesty The King in 2013 and 2018, and the bestselling 2022 edition masterminded by Queen Camilla.
The estate owners are Ian and Elizabeth Wills and their son, James.
This article provides a glimpse into the Christmas traditions of Andrew Holloway and his family on the Soundborough estate. For a more detailed account, direct sources or interviews with Andrew Holloway or his family may be sought.
Andrew's family traditions on the Soundborough estate extend beyond Christmas dinner, as they include a lifestyle centered around home-and-garden activities, such as feeding the pheasants on Christmas morning. In addition, Andrew's wife, Sue, shares his passion for the estate, partaking in the fashion-and-beauty of beating with her dogs, reminiscent of a picturesque English countryside lifestyle.
