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From his school days onwards he was passionately devoted to athletic pursuits, and to his love of manly sports Basingstoke owes much. As lie became older he took a leading part in local cricket, playing regularly three or four days a week, and was a good all round player. He used to play regularly not only for Basingstoke, but also for the Vyne, Hackwood Park, Oakley Park, Hartley Row, and Basing. On one occasion, in the late sixties, when playing for Hackwood Park against Hurstbourne Park, in Hurstbourne Park, he made a remarkable stand. He went in at twelve o'clock, held his ground till the luncheon adjournment at two, and again for a quarter of an hour after lunch, making 21 hours in all, which at any rate in those days was considered a wonderful feat, especially as Hurstbourne had a very crack bowler. He does not often handle the bat or ball now, but only three years ago (1901) he captained a team composed of the members and officials of the Corporation in a friendly match with a team selected by the Rev. J. H. Chadwick, and gave a good account of himself.

Apart from cricket, - to his interest in which and what he has done for the Basingstoke Club fuller reference is made elsewhere, - hunting and shooting have been his favourite pastimes. As a young man, and indeed when he was well past middle age, he was very keen on hunting, and was regularly to be seen out with the Vine and Garth Hounds. His connection with the Garth dates back to when he was quite a child, and in this connection there is a story to be told. One day, when he was only thirteen years of age, he was riding a rough pony after the hounds, when suddenly the field came to a fence on the side of the cover, which was so stiff that no steeplechase horse could have jumped it. A little farther up was a high stile equally difficult to negotiate. The hounds were in full cry at the time, but there was no help for it but for the field to turn back. Master May adopted a novel alternative. Riding up to the stile, he dismounted, and requested half-a-dozen labourers, standing by, to "chuck" his pony over the stile. This they did, and the youthful sportsman, mounting again quickly, caught up the hounds and was the first in at the death. When Mr. Garth arrived on the scene he handed the brush to Master May, and warmly congratulated him on his dash. Though he does not now ride to hounds, he is still one of the best supporters of the Vine. Years ago he kept a pretty pack of harriers, which were well-known all over this part of Hampshire, and of which, with their greencoated whips, many of the inhabitants still have a pleasant recollection.

The kennels were at the farm buildings attached to the brewery, and at that time the Master had ten or a dozen horses in his stables. It was a matter of keen regret to sportsmen that after four years Mr. John May disposed of his pack, which was one of the best in the County. Both he and his elder brother, Mr. Thomas May, were keen horsemen, and the pictures in oils (the work of the late Mr. Garland, of Winchester) of some of their favourite horses are among Colonel May's most treasured possessions at Hawkfield.

Whether as a Master or a follower of the hounds, Colonel May was always exceedingly popular, and the farmers were delighted to welcome him over their land. But though no longer able to take an active part in hunting, Colonel May is as devoted as ever to the gun. He has a very large tract of shooting on the Titchfield hills, well stocked with game and well looked after, and his shooting parties are always most enjoyable functions. Not only is the Colonel a most genial host, but he is also a keen shot, and can give points to many a younger man. Hockey and football also find in Colonel May a warm supporter, and to his generosity in providing a handsome Cup the May Football League owes its existence.

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