The Awards, now nicknamed the 'Rural Oscars' are our annual celebration of rural life through people, produce, heritage and enterprise. The Awards are nomination led so please nominate today and tell us about your heroes of rural life - www.countrysideallianceawards.org.uk. 

All four members of the Crawley and Horsham Hunt charged with Hunting Act offences pleaded not guilty to all charges. A hearing took place at Crawley Magistrates Court on Thursday 29th September. The case was adjourned until 10th November for a management hearing. We are in full support of the Crawley & Horsham Hunt. 

Countryside Alliance is seeking to appoint a Campaign for Hunting Manager who will be responsible for the continued success of a distinct, inspirational and emblematic Countryside Alliance Campaign for Hunting, promoting hunting and all its positive attributes to the general public, media, politicians and rural communities. Applicants are sought who will work closely with colleagues across a range of disciplines and develop initiatives that work towards the positive image and future of hunting. Candidates with a direct involvement in hunting and commitment to the Countryside Alliance Campaign for Hunting will be at a distinct advantage.

There will be extensive day to day liaison with a wide range of stake holders as well as co-ordination and implementation of major events. The successful candidate will be an effective, professional person with well-honed personal skills and a high level of written and oral communication skills. Qualities of persuasiveness and assertiveness combined with empathy and the ability to work as part of a team will all be considered essential. This is a role for a resilient, energetic and committed person.

An attractive remuneration package is offered according to achievements and experience. This role will be based in London and the regions. The Countryside Alliance is an equal opportunities employer. ?If you are interested in applying for this role, please send a covering letter together with a CV to Kate-Horseman@Countryside-Alliance.org. The closing date of applications is Friday 28th October. Please no agencies. 

The ever-popular Race Day at Cheltenham will be held on Friday 11th November. This year the day will be greatly enhanced by the presence of Equestrian Team GBR, who will be riding for Gold on home turf at next year's London Olympics. The day will also include a lunch and auction, silent auction, a shopping arcade, hound parades and much more. For more information contact sara-rutherford@countryside-alliance.org - read our feature "Good odds on Cheltenham success" in our Autumn magazine on pages 12 & 13. In the feature Race Day Committee Member Sarah Holman talks about her love of the event and looks ahead to this year's special pre-Olympic occasion.

The Cross Country Challenge, to be ridden by Olympic Riders over the Cross Country Course in the centre of the Race Course, will start with horses in the Paddock at 11.05. This is after the two minutes Remembrance Silence.  It will be followed by the Parade of Stallions organised by the TBA and finally a Meet of Beagles down on the Members’ Lawn. 

We are delighted to report that Morrisons supermarket will be taking pheasant for the first time this season, supplied by Yorkshire Game. We are in discussions with them about providing instore promotional support with a recipe card featuring one of the recipes from our new recipe booklet. The supermarket scene looks exciting for game this season - even Iceland is reported to be planning to stock Pheasant en Croute!

Our annual trade newsletter has now gone out to 9,000 butchers and to 1,000 pubs with a further 3,000 pubs being sent information in the coming weeks. Our programme of workshops in catering colleges is progressing well. Worcester, Lancashire and Cheltenham are all lined up between now and the end of November.

Finally, we have worked with Meat Trades Journal recently and achieved a really strong three page excellent article on game with good plugs for Game-to-Eat and the industry as a whole.  

Sunday 23rd October 2011 -The North Cotswold Hunter Trial will take place at Lybrook Farm, Broadway (by kind permission of MJ & NJ Tabor) WR12 7JS. Commencing @ 9.00am. Entries close Saturday 15th October. Refreshments and Photographer, Medics in attendance. Course open for walking on Sat 22nd Oct from 1pm. Secretary Mrs S Hopkins, Kennel House, Kennel Lane, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7DJ. 01386 852379 / 07788660856, kennelshouse@btconnect.com

Tuesday 25th October - Countryside Day at Throckmorton Clay Shooting Ground, nr Pershore LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE
Young persons Countryside Day. Explore the countryside and experience Clay Shooting, Fishing, Archery, Gundogs, Ferreting and more. A brilliant day out in the countryside which is always very popular. Early booking advised. Contact sara-rutherford@countryside-alliance.org or Audrey Steel panda@broadclosefarm.wanadoo.co.uk

Regional Chairman: Ian McConnell 01608685257 / 07967555424
imconnel@savills.com

Regional Director: Sara Rutherford
email: sara-rutherford@countryside-alliance.org
Tel/fax : Mob: 07974 141933 01380831068

UK Contacts:
www.countryside-alliance.org.uk
email: info@countryside-alliance.org