Countryside Alliance members and supporters attending this year's Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse will be welcomed to a new dedicated area, as part of an exciting change to the facilities for this popular annual event.
Taking place on Friday 13 November, the opening day of the three-day November Meeting, Countryside Day will see the Alliance's members' area move to a new location within The Rutshire Arms. Previously known as The Retreat, this area will be known for the day as The Rutshire Arms in honour of the late Dame Jilly Cooper.
Replacing the previous members' marquee alongside the Shopping Village, this new facility will offer a welcoming place to meet friends, enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere of Countryside Day.
The Rutshire Arms will be open to all racegoers, with seating and bar facilities available throughout the day, while the Countryside Alliance will have its own dedicated area for members and supporters.
Polly Portwin, Campaign Director at the Countryside Alliance, said:
"We are enormously grateful to Cheltenham Racecourse for its continued generosity and support in providing this new facility for our members and supporters. Countryside Day has always been a very special occasion for the Alliance, bringing together so many people who share a passion for the countryside.
"We hope The Rutshire Arms will become a popular meeting point throughout the day, whether people are catching up with friends, enjoying a drink or simply taking a break between races. We very much look forward to welcoming everyone to our new home for Countryside Day."
Members and supporters are reminded that the new area is separate from the Countryside Alliance lunch marquee which is located beside the Shopping Village.
There will, of course, be plenty to enjoy beyond the racing itself, including the traditional meet of hounds in the parade ring at 11am.
Foxhounds, basset hounds, beagles and harriers will come together for this much-loved spectacle, accompanied by mounted hunt staff from other local packs, providing a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the traditions of hunting and the important role of hounds and horses within rural communities.
A full programme of countryside activities and entertainment will take place throughout the day, including a gun dog display and a dog and duck display.
The Countryside Alliance's popular Countryside Day auction is now live, offering a fantastic selection of generously donated lots, including exclusive sporting opportunities, racing experiences, luxury breaks and much more.
The auction will raise valuable funds for the Countryside Alliance and this year's charity partner, World Horse Welfare.
Supporters are encouraged to browse the lots and place their bids in advance. The auction is open to everyone, whether or not they are attending Countryside Day, with online bidding closing at 4pm on Friday 13 November.
The Countryside Alliance looks forward to welcoming members and supporters to Cheltenham for another memorable Countryside Day and hopes that as many as possible will take the opportunity to visit The Retreat throughout the day.
Photo credit: Daniel Hague Photography