Ragley hall gamefair

[Mad dog]

I thought as I haven’t been for many years i would go this year but it looks like it’s going to be a wash out hopefully next year will give us better weather

 

[Timfish]

I’m going tomorrow, the forecast doesn’t look too bad.

I go every year and enjoy it. It’s a shame the fishing section has declined so much recently - but there are one or two more exhibitors there this time. It’s a chance to catch up with a few ‘fishy’ mates.

Gunmakers Row is always spectacular and will be more so this year as I’m looking for a (new) gun.

The dog section is worth some time too.

 

[westley]

I went on Saturday and it will probably be the last time for me. It has steadily deteriorated over the last 5 years or so. None of the 'Big Name' gun manufacturers were present again. Due to the high cost of a stand the size of theirs, it is understandable really. Why bother when most of the smaller gun retail outlets will be exhibiting your guns anyway. The 'Fishing Village' seemed to be located somewhere just outside Birmingham, I did intend to buy some fly tying bits and pieces, but once I saw the distance involved in getting to the Fishing area, I decided to get them on.line. On the plus side the weather was quite good really and the breeze kept temperatures at a comfortable level. I was fortunate in that, as a BASC member, my entry was free. However my shooting pal that accompanied me paid £33 to get in. It was his idea to go to the Fair again, I personally would not bother. I lost the interest in attending such events when the entrance fees began to escalate. I asked him how he would react if, having got to our local shopping precinct, they asked him for £30 to come in and spend his money ?

 

[Cosmicblue]

Even living close to Ragley Hall I didn't bother going - these things (like most exhibitions at the NEC) have been killed by the availability of information via the internet.

 

[Timfish]

I went on Friday and had a good day. The weather was fine apart from a tiny bit of drizzle mid afternoon.

Im not sure how you can criticise the layout. I walked from the fishing section (Socialising) to the gun section (shopping) about 3 times in the day. And I went to the furthest end of the dog section twice as my other half and her friend were watching top level dog trialling for several hours. If there was less to see/do/buy then of course it would be more compact.

Highlight of the day was bumping into Dave Beardsmore on the Premier Guns stand and talking gunfit and DT11’s for quite a while. Several other retailers were extremely helpful too.

Actual purchasing was restricted to a new set of fishing scales and a winter shooting coat for my partner (both heavily discounted, but quality items).

My neighbours took their two young kids yesterday and they ended up having a go at fly tieing and also meeting Jeremy Wade. They loved it and today came round here to show me their flies and asked if I’d teach them some more. Fantastic…..they already love fishing (I’m coaching them) and now they want to try fly tieing too.

 

[westley]

I went on Friday and had a good day. The weather was fine apart from a tiny bit of drizzle mid afternoon.

Im not sure how you can criticise the layout. I walked from the fishing section (Socialising) to the gun section (shopping) about 3 times in the day. And I went to the furthest end of the dog section twice as my other half and her friend were watching top level dog trialling for several hours. If there was less to see/do/buy then of course it would be more compact.

Highlight of the day was bumping into Dave Beardsmore on the Premier Guns stand and talking gunfit and DT11’s for quite a while. Several other retailers were extremely helpful too.

Actual purchasing was restricted to a new set of fishing scales and a winter shooting coat for my partner (both heavily discounted, but quality items).

My neighbours took their two young kids yesterday and they ended up having a go at fly tieing and also meeting Jeremy Wade. They loved it and today came round here to show me their flies and asked if I’d teach them some more. Fantastic…..they already love fishing (I’m coaching them) and now they want to try fly tieing too.

But, are you both 80 plus ?

 

[Timfish]

But, are you both 80 plus ?

No; only late 60’s.

 

[Lloyd Pattison]

I was there in Saturday and had a great time. I'm there to meet people and socialise as these events bring the community together. All unusually leave with is foxdentons gin.

 

[Rding]

I was there Saturday and have been down for the last couple of years. It was certainly smaller this year and I did notice that quite a few of the exhibitors who I had previously seen were absent. Possibly the economic climate is playing a part!
I do remember when it was run by the CLA. A much grander affair with a hell of a lot more corporate sponsors. I had my first have a go experience there and remember all the major brands having stalls as well as being able to shoot demo guns.
I did enjoy the Longthorne stand though. It’s given me something to think about for my new gun purchase.

 

[westley]

I was there Saturday and have been down for the last couple of years. It was certainly smaller this year and I did notice that quite a few of the exhibitors who I had previously seen were absent. Possibly the economic climate is playing a part!
I do remember when it was run by the CLA. A much grander affair with a hell of a lot more corporate sponsors. I had my first have a go experience there and remember all the major brands having stalls as well as being able to shoot demo guns.
I did enjoy the Longthorne stand though. It’s given me something to think about for my new gun purchase.

It also gave me something to think about, but I had forgotten by the time I got home !

 

[philpot]

I have not been since covid outbreak but I do like this venue, we normally stay in a hotel for a couple of nights which is only 15mins drive away in nice rural setting so making the whole weekend a bit of a break. I did intend going this year and for the first time, didn't buy advance tickets with the very poor weather we have had this July I just didn't fancy standing around in cramped conditions in the big tents, not my idea of fun.
I think the fair is at Wragly again next year so hope to go then but I will do the South Yorks Show at Doncaster later this year. I missed the Northern Shooting Show at Harrogate this year, a really good show and love watching the red kites come down onto the car parking area when most of the cars have gone, lovely to watch.

 

[Jonny English]

I think the fair is at Wragly again next year

I think I saw something online earlier that said the game fair is at Blenheim Palace next year.

 

[Martinj]

 

[JohnoT]

Had a great day on the Saturday, lots of chats, lots of characters and alway nice to pour over racks of guns. Hadn't been for a few years, so there was an itch.

Good to feel part of a "community".

Funny, didn't see many "antis" there though.......!

 

[Stiggers]

I went to the Yorkshire Shooting show on the 23rd September and to be honest it was rubbish. Is there a site that lists all the shows across the UK?

 

[MartynB]

Was that the Yorkshire fair at Doncaster racecourse ? I went last year to one there . I could have been forgiven for thinking I’d stumbled on a meeting of the British Badger Digging and Poaching Society . I felt out of place, probably one of a minority not in Camo with a straggly haired dog in tow .

 

[westley]

Ragley Hall Game Fair, nestled within the picturesque countryside of Warwickshire, stands as a celebration of rural life and outdoor pursuits. With its historic setting and expansive grounds, the fair attracts enthusiasts from far and wide, eager to immerse themselves in a diverse array of activities. From traditional field sports like shooting and fishing to modern showcases of countryside crafts and artisanal goods, Ragley Hall Game Fair offers a vibrant tapestry of experiences for attendees of all ages. Against the backdrop of Ragley Hall's stately architecture and lush greenery, visitors can indulge in culinary delights, peruse fine exhibits, and engage in spirited competitions, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts of the great outdoors.

Which year was this then ?

 

[Stiggers]

Was that the Yorkshire fair at Doncaster racecourse ? I went last year to one there . I could have been forgiven for thinking I’d stumbled on a meeting of the British Badger Digging and Poaching Society . I felt out of place, probably one of a minority not in Camo with a straggly haired dog in tow .

100% this…**** show

 

[PhilFedUp]

100% this…**** show

Oh dear! Then again, since Carlton Towers shows ended a few years back, and that was well-supported by the 'camo and straggly dog' fraternity, then Doncaster isn't too far away. They have to go somewhere, don't they?