Swapping Worthy Farm for Ragley Hall, this weekend will see well over 100,000 people descending on Warwickshire for the Glastonbury of the countryside – the Game Fair. This annual stalwart of many country folks’ diary is a real celebration of the rural way of life and is the perfect gathering point for all those passionate about the countryside.
It is perhaps unfair to compare the Game Fair with Glastonbury festival without deliberately upsetting our members who attend both, after all, one is significantly less likely to find fields of discarded debris in the aftermath of the Game Fair, nor have one’s ears ringing with heavily charged political chants. That being said, the politics of the countryside will be the focus of most conversations at the Alliance stand over the three days of the fair.
It is no secret that the Game Fair has become increasingly dominated by shooting over the years, with hunting, fishing, falconry and other venerable rural pursuits taking more of a back seat for better or worse. However, all are still represented, and this does help to reinforce the countryside ethos that with a willing attitude everyone and anyone is welcome and has a role to play.
Far from a willing attitude, some in Westminster have at best apathy and at worst an active dislike of shooting. The politics of shooting can be a sensitive and emotive subject to broach with many politicians, many of whom have zero experience or knowledge of the shooting community. We engage with politicians of every background to make sure that all the social, economic and conservational benefits are recognised and understood. Just look at what happened in the recent parliamentary debate on driven grouse shooting – our message is getting across.
The great hubbub of the Game Fair is a wonderful manifestation of the many positive impacts of shooting. The importance of shooting to people and of people to shooting are clear to see. Many see the Game Fair as an opportunity to meet friends old and new, from near and far, to share stories and advice while enjoying a refreshing drink.
Perhaps even more obvious than the social side of shooting on display at Ragley is the economic impact of country pursuits. From the dauntingly long queues for the pheasant goujon wrap stand to the pickup truck salesmen to the bewhiskered fellow selling hand-carved thumb sticks, this snapshot of the economic boost given to the rural economy by shooting is a glad sight amidst the continual flak from the Chancellor’s office.
The threats to shooting are coming thick and fast, be it firearms licensing, gamebird release or use of humane restraints for predator control. This is why the support that the countryside gives to events like the Game Fair and shooting throughout the year are so vital, as they are the visible, tangible element that allow us to make clear to lawmakers how beneficial our way of life is for the countryside.
If you’re attending the Game Fair, please come and say hello, the Alliance stand is number E1128, beside the Carter Jonas Game Theatre and the Main Ring – look for the bright orange carpet.