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. The Countryside Alliance will have a presence at several of the key rural events this summer and we hope to see you soon.

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

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 kicked off in Thame in April and is moving around the country until October 2010. Check the website for dates.

2-5th September - the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials at Burghley House near Stamford, Lincolnshire. Visit Countryside Alliance Regional Director Alice Barnard and her team on the Countryside Alliance stand

3-5th September - Chatsworth Country Fair, Chatsworth House, Derbyshire. Countryside Alliance Regional Director Steve Clark will be there with his team so please pay them a visit.

Sunday 5th September - New Forest Fun Horse & Bike Ride. Ride 8 miles or cycle 9 or 19 miles though open forest, mostly off road in the heart of the New Forest National Park.  In aid of Countryside Alliance and Hampshire Animal Rescue. Family £20 (2 adults up to 4 children), Adult £10, Under 16 £5. Contact Sara Rutherford to pre-book or just turn up on the day. Start times in 15 minute slots from 9.30am - 1.30pm. Helpers required: If you can spare an hour or more to help steward the route we would be very grateful. Also, any donations of cake would be gratefully received for the refreshment trailer. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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

9th September - Westmorland County Show, Lane Farm, Crooklands, Kendal, Cumbria

9-12th September - Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, Blenheim Palace, Gloucestershire

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.

11th September - Holts Auctioneers Countryside Alliance Raceday Lunch, Goodwood Racecourse, Sussex. Goodwood Racecourse is considered by many to be the most beautiful racecourse in the world. So why not treat yourself to a day at the races? A champagne reception and lunch in the Charlton Suite plus a full afternoon’s programme of top-quality racing with hounds parading between races. Contact South East Regional Director Michelle Nudds for ticket info - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

12th September - Hampshire Country Sports Day, Tichborne Park, Alresford, Hants. 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! Gates open 9.30am – entry £8/person and £1/child (under-14s free). Hampshirecountrysportsday.co.uk

12th September – The Frampton Country Fair celebrates its Silver Jubilee at Frampton Court Estate, Frampton on Severn, Gloucestershire. The show flourishes on the theme “The Living Working Countryside” since it encompasses all that is truly great about the countryside. The fair is also a major fund raiser for many locally based and national charities as it distributes all profits. http://www.framptoncountryfair.co.uk/

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.

18th & 19th September - The Royal County of Berkshire Showat the showground, Newbury. Come and visit Countryside Alliance Regional Director Sara Rutherford and her team on the Countryside Alliance stand

Sunday 19th September - Wilton Hunt Club Charity Ride at Knowle Farm, Broadchalke. Beautiful grass land course, jumps optional, all standards. For more details please contact Tony Stocken 01725 511511

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.

2nd October - Southern/Wessex Sporting Auction, Friars Estate Office & Auction Rooms, Highworth, Swindon SN6 7PZ. Previewing from 9am with sale starting at 11am. We are delighted to be working in association with Kidson Trigg, who will host the event. As ever, we cannot do this without your help and are looking for items that can be sold in the auction. For details on how you can donate items for auction please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

2nd October - West Country Memorabilia and Sporting Sale, Castle Hill, Filleigh by kind permission of the Earl and Countess of Arran. Auction of sporting items including prints, saddlery, hunting artefacts, fishing items, jewellery, horns, buttons etc as well as shoot days for the 2010 season. Viewing from 10.30am. Catalogue and further details from Countryside Alliance Regional Director for the South West, Alison Hawes.

Thursday 7th October - The Northamptonshire Countryside Alliance will be leading the way into next year with style as they host their fashion show for the second time. Countryside on the Catwalk is taking place at The Big Barn, Ashley on Thursday 7th October 2010, show casing a range of clothing from local and well known fashion houses to inspire fashion lovers as to what they should be wearing at any countryside related event through the winter. Tickets cost £20 per to include a champagne reception, canapés and a fashion catalogue. For further information about The Countryside on the Catwalk or to purchase tickets, please contact Kate Calnan on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 07850 018069.

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.

Friday 15th October - The Essex committee invites you for a game supper at Blake Hall, Ongar, Essex. Reception drinks are at 7pm followed by supper at 8pm. Tickets are available at £45 until 1st October, thereafter they will be £55. Tickets are available from Liz Burbidge This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0208 500 4807. Rob Gray, our Campaigns Director, will be the guest speaker and will discuss our current shooting campaigns and our ongoing agenda.

Sunday 17th October - Family Countryside Race day at Newcastle Racecourse. The Countryside Alliance has teamed up with Newcastle Racecourse to hold a Family Countryside Raceday on Sunday 17th October 2010. The day will be action packed with attractions for all the family and will feature a huntsmen's/masters' race prior to the start of the main card which will be run over a mile. Entries for the race are now being taken to give everyone chance to get into training! Other attractions will include a fun fair, sheep dog/falconry displays and a whole host of countryside pursuits. In addition to day tickets VIP luncheon tickets will soon be available for tables of ten at a cost of £550 per table to include entry, lunch, race card and access to the VIP dining area. The first race will be for masters and huntsmen and entries for this race are being taken now! Should anyone wish to take up a sponsorship opportunity please ring Steve Clark for details on 01669 631192. Trade stands also welcome - more details from Regional Director Steve Clark - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Again if any one has any item (eg a days shooting/fishing, holiday cottage)they would like to donate for the live and silent auction please get in touch!

Tues 26 October - The Countryside Alliance Foundation's 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

31st October, "A competitive Ploughing Match involving various classes at Redwood Farm, Barrow Gurney, BS48 3RE. Fifteen teams will take part and provide for a memorable day out. £5 adults, children free. Refreshments, toilets etc. Contact. Mr Paul Richards 01823 491518. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it www.heavyhorses.uwclub.net

Sunday 31st October 2010
Candover Valley Sponsored Ride, by kind permission of the Rt Hon Lord Ashburton
At The Grange
Northington, Near Alresford
Hants, SO24 9TG
An 8 mile ride over park, woodland and water meadows with over 40 jumps to suit all ages and capabilities.
In aid of Parkinson’s UK, Mark Davies Injured Riders Fun and the Countryside Alliance.
www.candoverride.co.uk

Thursday 18th November - Essex Drinks. The Essex Committee of the Countryside Alliance invites you for a drinks reception and canapés from 7pm at Easton Farm by kind permission of Mr R Trembath. Tickets are available in advance and cost £15 which includes a welcome drink and canapés, there will be a pay bar. Countryside Alliance President, Baroness Mallalieu QC, will be our guest speaker. For further details and to book your place please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01462 857973.

28th November - The Bedfordshire committee invites you to a game lunch. Further details will be available shortly but in the mean time please contact Eastern Regional Director Alice Barnard at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details.