Countryside Alliance - love the countryside

The Countryside Alliance's events listing is constantly updated and aims to keep you in touch with rural events of interest across the UK. Forthcoming highlights include the Alliance's first ever Ascot Countryside Race Day on Sunday 18th April and the CLA Game Fair's first ever show at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire from 23-25th July.

This list is not exhaustive. If you know of an event which you feel will be of interest to Countryside Alliance members and supporters, please email details to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Point to Point season is underway - visit the Weatherbys Point to Point website for fixtures.

Please note that the Countryside Alliance Foundation's Game-to-Eat project is, for the second year running, the main sponsor of the Living Heritage country shows. The thirteen show schedule kicks off in Thame on the weekend of 3rd April and then moves around the country until October 2010. Check the website for dates.

Friday 12th March 2010 - Grand Military Gold Cup Day – Sandown Park, Surrey. The Grand Military Race Meeting is held each year at Sandown Park Racecourse in Surrey on the Friday before the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival. It has been held since 1841 and hosted at Sandown Park since 1881. We have again reserved a Suite with a sensational panoramic view of the racecourse and paddock. A two course lunch, afternoon tea and tote facilities are all provided. There will be an auction after lunch to raise funds for countryside campaigns. We hope that you will join us and our sponsors, Charles Stanley, on Friday 12th March in support of the Countryside Alliance and celebrate this historic day. Tickets for Members enclosure, car park, lunch and tea are available at a special rate of £85 per person. Or take a table for £800.00. A special offer is available exclusively to Countryside Alliance Members: if you do not wish to attend the lunch, buy your premier enclosure badges through the Countryside Alliance for just £20, saving £5! Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Michelle Nudds on 01903 884179

Saturday 13th March to Thursday 18th March - Sporting & Memorabilia Auction – Tetbury Town Hall. Eggesford Studio are holding the Spring Sporting & Military Art Exhibition at The Town Hall Tetbury, Gloucestershire from Saturday 13th March to Thursday 18th March. The exhibition is open daily from 10am -5pm. On show there will be work by Snaffles, Lionel Edwards, Cecil Aldin and contemporary art by Katharine Lightfoot, Daniel Crane, Colin Allbrook, Neil Forster and sporting photographs by Charles Sainsbury-Plaice. Hunting, racing, polo, shooting, fishing and rural life are all well represented. Admission to the exhibition is free but visitors may make a donation to Help for Heroes which is the chosen charity for the event. For further information please contact Sheron Harris at Eggesford Studio, 01837 680021,07733 228953, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the web site at www.eggesford-studio.co.uk

23rd March 2010. Scottish Countryside Alliance Wine and Whisky Auction and dinner. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for details of how you can be a part of this exclusive event to raise funds for the SCA.

Friday 26th March - North Herefordshire/Harley Godsall Ball - An opulent ball in celebration of the retirement of Harley Godsall, Huntsman of the North Herefordshire, after 44 years service to the Hunt. Champagne reception, dinner, live band, entertainment and a disco. Reception, 7.30pm. Dinner, 8pm. Carriages, 2pm. Hampton Court, Herefordshire - £75. Tickets from Dawn Waterman MFH, Lower House, Whyle Lane, Pudleston, Leominster, HR6 0RQ.

Sunday 28 March - Herefordshire Fun Ride – Kings Pyon, Herefordshire. A fun ride will take place at Wistaston Farm, Kings Pyon, Hereford, HR4 8PZ, by kind permission of the Garnstone Estate, in aid of the Countryside Alliance and the Air Ambulance.  There will be a choice of routes on grass - 5 miles, 7 miles or 12 miles over beautiful rolling Herefordshire countryside.  There will be 50 optional jumps and very little roadwork.  Costs:  £15 per horse, £10 for riders under 13yrs.  Please note: Under 13 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.  First horse 10.00am - Last horse 1.00pm.  For further information please contact Steve Klenk on 07831 120948.

Wednesday 31 March, 7pm - The South Oxfordshire Committee presents "A Grand National Evening" with guests Marcus Armytage, John Francome, Richard Pitman PLUS a surprise guest. Windmill Farm Conference Centre, Main Street, Clanfield, Bampton, Oxon, OX18 2SN
Tales and anecdotes from a life in racing plus insider tips for the 2010 Grand National - an evening of entertainment not to be missed! Tickets £25.00 include drinks reception with canapés - Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or send cheque to Sara Rutherford, 3 Rose Lane, Fyfield, Andover, SP11 8ER Cheques payable to The Countryside Alliance

Good Friday 2nd April - Betfair Lambourn Open day, featuring the Household Cavalry Musical Ride with the four State Trumpeters and The Queen's Drum Horse. The open day is a unique opportunity to see the horses in the training establishments throughout the Lambourn Valley. Last year over 30 trainers opened their yards to the public and over 10,000 people took the opportunity to meet the horses, the trainers and to really see first hand the Lambourn racing industry. Many yards have special exhibits and some demonstrations including horses using hydrotherapy pools. Kingwood Stud opened its doors and thousands of visitors enjoyed learning about horse breeding at one of the countries top establishments.In the afternoon the massive events field with its central arena opens with a full programme of equine and country related shows and demonstrations of country skills. Trade stands offer all manner of goods and services, and the Countryside Alliance will be there. Full details on www.lambourn.info

4th & 5th April Kelmarsh Country Fair, Northamptonshire www.countrymanfairs.co.uk - The Kelmarsh Country Fair marks the start of the game fair season. The Fair attracts families and field sports enthusiasts who take part in an outstanding range of countryside attractions and family entertainment. From World renowned field sports competitions offering the largest prize funds in their respective disciplines to many "have a go" opportunities to learn more about outdoor pursuits and the Great British countryside, the Kelmarsh Country Fair has everything you could need for a great family day out.

8th April - Countrytastic, 10am – 4pm. Three Counties Showground, Malvern. A day out for children to learn all about the countryside, food and farming. For information contact Sue Hodgson-Jones on 01684 584907. This event is being run in conjunction with The Countryside Alliance Foundation.
13th April Countryside Raceday, Exeter Racecourse. In addition to a great day’s racing, there will be countryside activities and entertainment for all the family. Special reduced entry for Countryside Alliance members. Further information from South West Regional Director Alison Hawes - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sunday 18th April - Ascot Countryside Race Day. Top class National Hunt Racing and fun for all the family, including the Huntsman’s Race for Repeal, parades of hounds, ferret and duck racing,shopping, gundogs, sheepdog trials, a bucking sheep, laser shooting,bandstand sing song and much more. Tickets from £16, Children under 18 go free. Book in advance and save £6 by quoting GRASSROOTS. To book tickets call 0870 727 1234 or visit www.ascot.co.uk

Monday 19th April - Plumpton Countryside Race Day Lunch - Come and join us in the Countryside Alliance Marquee. The marquee is trackside and has a private lawn adjoining the racecourse opposite the last fence, which enables you to really experience the thrill of jump racing close up. To start the day off there will be a Terrier Racing which you can view from the Marquee lawn whilst enjoying a glass bubbly. This will be followed by a superb 2 course lunch. Local foxhound and beagles will parade. There will also be a silent auction; with a variety of lots which currently include; a holiday cottage, shooting lessons, a dog training class, a day out hunting with a local pack or lunch in a local pub or restaurant! Tickets cost £58.00 per person with discounts for tables of 10. Plus another special offer exclusive to Countryside Alliance Members who do not wish to attend the lunch. Buy advance premier enclosure tickets at £15.00 each, a saving of £3.00. Please quote your membership number when calling 01903 884179 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sunday 25th April - Virgin London Marathon. The Countryside Alliance team would welcome your sponsorship - click here to read about the 2010 team and give them your support.

30th April-3rd May - Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, Badminton, Gloucestershire. The date has been changed for the 2010 Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and it will now culminate on the Spring Bank Holiday Monday. The Alliance will once again have a large presence at the event, which is the pinnacle of the world’s three-day event calendar. For more information see badminton-horse.co.uk

2nd May - British Falconry & Raptor Fair, Chetwynd Park, Newport, Shropshire. Come and see the Alliance at this fantastic day out. Plenty of things for all the family to see and do.

Sunday 9th May 2010 - Ugbrooke Park Simulated Clay Shoot. Once again we are delighted to be holding the Ugbrooke Clay Shoot by kind permission of Lord and Lady Clifford. The day comprises teams of 4 guns shooting 5 drives around the estate grounds simulating a typical driven game day but using clays instead. The drives will include partridge, duck, pheasant, pigeon and rabbit and will be based on a 400 bird day for each team. A two course lunch is included along with tea at the end of the day. Guns can shoot any time between 10am and 4pm and there will be a break for lunch at 1pm. Tickets are £70 per person (fully inclusive) for teams of 4 guns and must be booked in advance. To reserve at team please send a cheque for £280 made payable to the Countryside Alliance and send to Borough Farm, Holbeton, Plymouth, Devon, PL8 1JJ. Enquiries to Alison Hawes on 01752 830430

15-16 May - ‘High Birds In May’, the Annual Whitfield Clay Shoot, Whitfield, Hexham. 10 simulated game flushes with prizes for every stand and a perpetual trophy for highest overall team score. Pool shoot – pay-out every 10 entries. Bar, trade stands, snacks and cartridges for sale. Entry fee just £300 per team of four. For further information please contact: George Ridley on 01434 684683 / 07714 814240 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Stuart Maughan on 01434 345250/07501 460017 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

16th May - Market Rasen Countryside and Taste of Lincolnshire Race meeting, Market Rasen Racecourse, Lincolnshire. Once again the Countryside Alliance will team up with Market Rasen racecourse to create a fun day out for all the family. There will be various food stalls, a bottle stall raising funds for the Alliance, birds of prey, ferrets, hounds and vintage tractors. The first race is at 2pm. Prices start from £8 for the family enclosure and are available by calling 0844 579 3009

20th May - An evening with Clarissa Dickson Wright. We are delighted that Clarissa Dickson Wright is visiting the south east in May and has agreed to give a talk and sign her latest book on Thursday May 20 at Ashford Market – 7pm for 7.30pm. For information please call 01903 884179 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Tickets will ONLY be available in advance.
20, 21, 22 May - The Devon County Show - come and visit Regional Director Alison Hawes and her team at the Countryside Alliance stand

29th May - Heathfield & District Show, Heathfield, East Sussex - Come and visit Countryside Alliance South East Regional Director, Michelle Nudds, and the team on-stand at the show.

30th & 31st May - Highclere Country Fair, near Newbury www.countrymanfairs.co.uk. Now in its 14th year, the Highclere Country Fair offers visitors a wide range of top class family entertainment over the weekend of the second May Bank Holiday. The Highclere Country Fair caters particularly well for gundog enthusiasts and hosts a qualifying round for the Mitsubishi Motors World Series Gundog Championships, a working test and a wide range of gundog scurries and have a go events. Highclere is also proud to host the World's most prestigious working test - The Skinners International Retriever World Cup. The Championship has been held at Highclere for the past 4 years and welcomed teams from 16 different countries in 2009.

30th May - Countryside Alliance Point-to-Point, Bonvilston, nr Cardiff. Annual Bank Holiday point-to-point. A great day out for all the family. To get really involved, become a fence sponsor for just £30. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

31st May - Surrey County Show, Guildford - Come and visit Countryside Alliance South East Regional Director, Michelle Nudds, and the team on-stand at the show.
May, tbc - Ladies Shooting Day, West Midlands Shooting Ground. Ladies – one for you and you alone! Shooting lessons and lunch for ladies only. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

2-5th June - The Royal Bath and West Show - come and visit Regional Director Alison Hawes and her team at the Countryside Alliance stand
3rd June - Lingfield Countryside Raceday, Lingfield Park, Sussex. Come and join us at Lingfield Park for a family funpacked countryside day, a full race card,plus an extra race on the card – the ‘Countryside Alliance Hunters Challenge’.For this great day out email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01903 884179 for further details or go to: lingfield-racecourse.co.uk

Sunday 6th June - Myerscough College Open Day & Country Fair, Bilsborrow, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 0RY. www.myerscough.ac.uk. Countryside Alliance representative, Tom Fell, and his team, will be present, as usual, in the Countryside Marquee.

10, 11 & 12th June - The Royal Cornwall Show - come and visit Regional Director Alison Hawes and her team at the Countryside Alliance stand
10-12 June - South of England Show, Ardingly, West Sussex. Visit one of the South’s premier agricultural shows, plus the South of England Hound Show, with Foxhounds on Thursday 10 and Beagles on Friday 11. The small ring on the Saturday will have countryside displays throughout the day.

11th June - Dinner & auction,Tattersalls, Newmarket. We will be holding a dinner and auction at Tattersalls in the heart of Newmarket in June, 2010. To book your table or for further information please contact Countryside Alliance East of England Regional Director Alice Barnard on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 07788 422850

18, 19, 20 June - The East of England Show at Peterborough. Come and visit Regional Director Alice Barnard and her team at the Countryside Alliance stand.

19th & 20th June Sussex Country Fair, Parham Park, West Sussex www.countrymanfairs.co.uk - Now in its 19th year, the Sussex Country Fair is renowned across the country for showcasing our rural heritage. The Sussex Country Fair enjoys strong relationships with local organisations and preservation societies who stage their annual exhibitions of local cottage industries, rural crafts and traditional countryside past times at the Fair. There are also 250 retail stands.
24-27 June 2010 - The 170th Royal Highland Show at the Royal Highland showground,near Edinburgh. Visit the Scottish Countryside Alliance team on their stand

26th June - Family Gundog Day, Horsted Keynes, Sussex. Countryside Alliance and the South Eastern Gundog Society bring you this family gundog day, with Open, Novice and Pre-novice working tests, plus scurries and bolting rabbit. All entries on the day. For further information contact Michelle Nudds on 01903 884179

2, 3, 4 July - The Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace - Visit the Scottish Countryside Alliance team on their stand

9-11 July - Barbury Castle Horse Trials. This three-star premier league event is now in its fourth year and the Alliance will be there for all three days. For tickets and further information, see barburyhorsetrials.co.uk

Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 July - Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate. Come and visit Regional Director Steve Clark and his team on the Countryside Alliance stand.

16/17/18th July - Kent County Show, Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone - Come and visit Countryside Alliance South East Regional Director, Michelle Nudds, and the team on-stand at the show.

19-22 July - Royal Welsh Show. Come and visit Countryside Alliance Director for Wales, Rachel Evans, and her team.
Friday 23rd-Sunday 25th July - The CLA Game Fair will be held at Ragely Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire, for the first time. Click here for more information. The Countryside Alliance will once again have a presence at the show, details of our stand will be posted in due course. The ladies from Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland, the fly fishing programme for ladies who have, or have had, breast cancer, will also have a stand at the Game Fair.

Sunday 1st August - Cranleigh Show, Cranleigh, Surrey - Come and visit Countryside Alliance South East Regional Director, Michelle Nudds, and the team on-stand at the show.

6th-8th August - Gatcombe Horse Trials, Gloucestershire.This renowned event takes place at Gatcombe Park, incorporating the British Open, Intermediate and Novice Championships. As well as a weekend of top-class eventing, there will be a shopping village, arena attractions
and entertainment for all the family. Tickets can be bought online from gatcombe-horse.co.uk

10th August - Fishy Facts & Water Worlds Day, Barnt Green Fishing Club. A day for 11-16 year olds to learn about the water and fishing, as well as falconry,ferreting and much more. Pre-booking essential - contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.

29th/ 30th August - Edenbridge & Oxted Show, Ardenrun Showground, Tandridge Lane, Lingfield, Surrey - Come and visit Countryside Alliance South East Regional Director, Michelle Nudds, and the team on-stand at the show.

9th-19th September - a team of Countryside Alliance supporters will be climbing Kilimanjaro to raise funds for our campaigning work. Read about the team and sponsor them here.

12th September - Hampshire Country Sports Day. The best one-day show in the south! A great day out for all the family with hounds, falconry, gundogs, ferrets, hunt relay, trade stands, local food and more! See Hampshirecountrysportsday.co.uk

September - Countryside on the Catwalk, venue tbc. By popular demand, the Northamptonshire Alliance committee is putting the countryside back
on the catwalk with a fashion show to get you kitted out in the latest fashions ahead of the winter sporting season. Further details to be confirmed but watch this space or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details.

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September - Midland Game Fair - Weston Park, Shropshire TF11 8LE. www.countrymanfairs.co.uk The Midland Game Fair is Europe's leading showcase of country sports and country life. Established over 27 years ago, the Midland has become a national institution attracting over 89,000 visitors in 2009. Throughout its growth the Midland has retained its unique atmosphere, offering visitors and exhibitors a true celebration of country life. The Midland Game Fair is the annual showcase event for the British Gun Trade, and is supported by both the Airgun Manufacturer and Trade Association (AMTA) and the Gun Trade Association (GTA). Gunmakers Row and Airgun Expo provide the focal point for the Midland Game Fair, and between them represent the most comprehensive exposition of manufacturers and retailers anywhere in Europe. The Midland also plays host to more Championship Grand Finals from across the spectrum of field sports than any other event. This is complemented by a wide range of "have-a-go" and tuition facilities so that anyone can get involved, whatever their ability level. With 19 arenas, live entertainment and over 500 exhibition stands the Midland is also a great day out for the whole family. Come and visit Countryside Alliance Regional Director Clare Rowson and her team on the Countryside Alliance stand.

September - The 6th annual Countryside Alliance Awards will open to nominations, so prepare to tell us about your rural heroes at www.countrysideallianceawards.co.uk

26th September - Surrey Country Fair & Ploughing Match, Loseley - Come and visit Countryside Alliance South East Regional Director, Michelle Nudds, and the team on-stand at the show.

1/3 October - South of England Autumn Show, Ardingly, West Sussex - Come and visit Countryside Alliance South East Regional Director, Michelle Nudds, and the team on-stand at the show.

10th October - Countryside Race Day, Ffos Las, nr Carmarthen. Countryside Alliance Charity Race during Countryside Day at Ffos Las – applications now being taken for budding jockeys to be part of the very first charity race on the UK’s newest race course. Bookings being taken for the Blacksmith’s restaurant; limited to 100 places, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.
October: Countryside Alliance nationwide Memorabilia Auction: Have you got cash in the attic? In October, the Countryside Alliance will launch its national Memorabilia Auction to raise vital funds to maintain the vitality of its campaigns and to keep up political pressure. Country sports have a long and colourful history; with continued support they will also have an enduring and vibrant future. The pageantry, costume, equipment and finery that are all important to country sports are also very collectable and extremely useful so please sell what you don’t want or buy what you need. There could well be ‘cash in the attic’ gathering dust! The Countryside Alliance would like to collect any items old or new for the Memorabilia Auction to be held in each region during October. All you have to do is label your items and get them to your Regional Director, or in exceptional circumstances collection may be arranged. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for your Regional Director's details if you do not already know.

Tues 26 October - TCAF Young Countryside Day up at Throckmorton Clay Shooting Ground, Worcestershire. Contact The Countryside Alliance Foundation Midlands Regional Director, Clare Rowson, for more information - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it