Hampshire Country Sports Day a triumph

Photography by Kevin Milner Countryside Photography

An estimated 2,500 people attended the Hampshire Country Sports Day, at Bereleigh Estate, East Meon, near Petersfield, under cloudless skies on Sunday. The event, run in aid of the Countryside Alliance, had a full programme of events, held in the large open spaces in the beautiful grounds at Bereleigh Estate where visitors enjoyed the attractions in the open air, with plenty of room for social distancing.

Visitors enjoyed main arena attractions including gun dog training demos, falconry from Xtreme Falconry, a fishing demo by Gilly Bate & Beaky Allesch–Taylor and talks by Chris Green the Countryman on wildfowling and the history of the shotgun and the terrier, lurcher and family dog shows were hugely popular with Hampshire Country Sports Day visitors.

There were also 70 trade stands showcasing the best in Hampshire countryside gifts, clothing, arts and crafts, country sports equipment and food and drink.

Show Chairman Bill Tyrwhitt-Drake said: "The show was a triumph! So many people came up to me to say how pleased they were that we decided to go ahead with the event. It was a perfect day weather wise and it was a wonderful opportunity for country folk to see each other and visit our trade stands for clothing and equipment before the autumn country sports season begins, while newcomers enjoyed learning about everything the countryside has to offer."