Countryside event promises something for all the family

 

The Gundog and Game Fair takes place this weekend (July 9 and 10) at Court Farm, Betley and promises something for all the family.

Visitors can expect a range of countryside activities on display and demonstrations and trade stands selling everything from country clothing and footwear brands to ice cream and dog accessories.

There will be two demonstration arenas filled with displays including from Cornish personality Chris Green, who will be heading up north to provide an insight into his life and countryman ways. Gundog trainer Andy Cullen MBE will also be on hand to offer advice and tips on training gundogs plus much more.

Local organiser Dave Ross, has lived in Betley all his life, wanted to bring a proper country event to Cheshire, when he set up the fair over five years ago. He owns and trains gundogs in his spare time and runs the show with his partner Deb, his mum Sue and dad Ian, so it’s a real Ross family affair.

Dave said: “I've travelled the country from an early age with my dad attending game fairs and shows with our gundogs, competing in scurries. I realised that there was nothing in this area for people like me so I decided to set up the show and it's grown every year since and is now in its sixth year.

"I’d personally like to invite local people along to The Gundog and Game Fair where they can expect to find a proper country event, where they can bring their families, and dogs, to be entertained with some great demonstrations in the main rings, but also have a go at things they may have fancied doing, but never got the chance, such as archery."

As part of the weekend there will be have-a-go gundog scurries where people can try their hand at winning over £2,500 worth of prizes with their gundog. It's expected that there will be around 500 gundogs, travelling from all over the country, to enter the challenging scurries and working tests at the fair.

Gundog scurries are against the clock and require a dog to retrieve canvas dummies back to their owners, in the fastest time, to win. 

Other attractions include chain saw carving, clay pigeon and air rifle shooting, falconry displays, fly fishing demonstrations, a kid’s zone, ferrets and terrier and lurcher racing which is guaranteed to entertain visitors. Visitors will also be able to buy a range of refreshments on site.

Admission is £10 for adults and children 16 and under are free. Camping is also available. For more information visit the website www.thegundogandgamefair.com or email thegundogandgamefair@hotmail.co.uk