What to look for at the CLA Game Fair

It describes itself as a “celebration of the British countryside” but even it’s greatest admirers would admit that the CLA Game Fair presents a particularly rarefied version of our green and pleasant land.

Forget rural poverty, isolation, dwindling services and non-existent public transport, and don your tweeds, Barbours and Hunters for a three-day celebration of the rural good life.

Appropriately hosted by that beacon of inherited privilege, Blenheim Palace, the Game Fair is aimed squarely at the hunting, shooting and fishing set – for whom the countryside is either a playground, a living larder or an extension of the garden.

Yet one doesn’t need to be a fan of fur, feather or fin to enjoy this polished event. Peasants such as I are allowed in (mantraps having largely disappeared from these parts) for a rewarding taste of high society, straight of the pages of Horse and Hounds or The Lady.

THE REEL DEAL

Lovers of lures and fans of flies will be in their element at this year’s event, which boasts a new-look Fishing Village. Here budding fly fisherman – or woman – can hone their casting technique at a casting clinic, or shop for the latest tackle.

This year’s fair features the most comprehensive demonstration programme yet, with the theme of ‘achievable fishing’. Featuring star names in the fishing world, it will see tactical and display demos in the grandstand, more informal activities on the casting pool, and displays of rigs, knots and leaders in the advice centre.

LET US PREY

A highlight for many visitors is the traditional display of birds of prey, which will be swooping in for our enjoyment.

This year’s falconry area will include a dedicated mini arena where visitors can get up close and personal with several species of birds, including owls, hawks, falcons and a vulture.

There will also be flying displays in the main arena where visitors can marvel at birds’ agility, flying and hunting skills, with Barn Owls, Kestrels, Hawks and a Hooded Vulture being put through their paces.

TRIGGER HAPPY

Britain’s gunmaking heritage will be shown off with flourish by the Gun Trade Association, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see traditional skills at first hand.

Craftsmen will demonstrate their expertise on an expanded GTA stand, with shooting enthusiasts invited to inspect their intricate handiwork and attention to detail.

Bill Blacker, renowned as one of the best barrel makers in the UK, will demonstrate his skills, while Jean-Pierre Daeschler will explain the secrets of the art of stock making.

Peter Ashford will demonstrate the detailed art of gun engraving, while Ian Tomlin will show how he makes elegant gun cases from wood and leather.

If you’d prefer to get your hands on a shooter, you can try your hand at clay shooting competitively on The Clay Line.

Visitors, including novices, can also get involved on the have-a-go and training areas.

Olympic gold medalist Peter Wison said: “The CLA Game Fair has created a competition that is fair for all those involved. It’s a very exciting and unique opportunity.”

HORSING AROUND

I don’t know about you, but after a tough day handling birds, rifles, hounds and rods, I like nothing better than sitting back with something warming and watching a bunch of jodphur-clad chaps astride ponies wielding slender mallets. Which is why you may well find me beside the main arena at Blenheim on Saturday evening.

Starting at 6.30pm, visitors are invited to watch the excitement of top quality polo as two teams battle it out atop their nimble mounts.

There will be food and drink outlets selling fare with a particularly gamey twist, or you can bring your own picnic.

CHECK IT OUT
The CLA Game fair runs from tomorrow to Sunday at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock. For further details and tickets, visit gamefair.co.uk