Fair given royal seal of approval
A right royal time was had at this year ’s Game Fair, least not by Jonathan Young, the former editor of The Field and Shooting Times, who was presented with a distinguished service award by the Princess Royal. Mr Young declared himself “extremely honoured”. Collin Teago also received the same award for his wildfowling work on Lindisfarne, off the Northumberland coast.
They were among the 120,000 plus people who attended the fair held over the last weekend in July at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, and who enjoyed the numerous attractions, and stalls on display over the three days.
Clay shooting figured prominently and chief among the competitive events was the CPSA’s Champion of Champions shoot. This invitational saw county champions from across England tackle a 50-target English Sporting course before a 25-target Sportrap Super Final. Ben Hollamby, from Kent, finished the Sportrap final with 22/25 to claim the title of Champion of Champions. Ben left the event with a six-month lease on an Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, a one-year CPSA membership and a bag stuffed with gear.
Another who left with more than he arrived was last year’s Champion of Champions, Billy Baughan. He came the closest to a perfect run with 48/50 in The Game Fair Challenge, a 50-target English Sporting course set by E J Churchill. Mr Baughan claimed an Isuzu D-Max for six months along with a Grade 3 Adjustable Yildiz Pro Shotgun for his efforts.
John Porter edged his way into the Super Final of the CPSA’s Colts Challenge for under-16s with his Sporting score of 38/50 before shooting a Sportrap score of 19/25.
James Gower, managing director of the fair, said it was a “reflection of the country’s passion for the countryside, rural businesses and its culture”.