Field Sports Village
The Field Sports Village will host all different types of field sports. During the course of the show there will be many professional coaches on hand to give advice, tutor and answer any questions you may have.
There are many country sports available that you will be able to try yourselves, have a lesson in shooting, learn about the ancient art of falconry or perhaps you need help in bringing your dog under control. For the expert and the beginner there is something for everyone.
Traditional Country Sports
- Air Rifles
- Clay Shooting
- Falconry
- Archery
- Ferreting
- Hounds
- Fishing
- Gun Dog Events
Air Rifles - Midshires Marksmen
Airguns have become a popular sport and pastime and is highly regarded in country life and pursuits. Not only popular with target ranges and competitions, but also used as a way of effective pest control.
MidShires Marksmen are a medium sized friendly airgun club located just outside Sandy. We meet on Saturdays from 9.30am to 2.00 pm and Wednesday evenings 5.00 to dusk from April to October weather permitting.
We have 4 BASC/ATEO coaches available and offer the very best in tuition, coaching and advice in target sports and our Airgun Range is no exception. At Shuttleworth we will have experienced airgunners to offer tuition and coaching at all levels of airgunning so come and visit our Airgun Range that offers "Have a Go" sessions to all. We aim to introduce both young and old, whatever their strengths or weaknesses, to the safe enjoyment of air gunning.
With qualified coaches, and the latest equipment, you can be sure that if it's your first go, or you just need some help or advice, that it will hit the spot!
Have a look at our website www.midshiresmarksmen.co.uk
Clay Shooting - Sporting Targets
Sporting Targets is based in Risley, Bedfordshire, they have clay pigeon shooting facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, Sporting Targets is the place to go for a thoroughly enjoyable day's clay pigeon shooting.
You don't need any experience to try the exciting sport of Clay Shooting, just a desire to enjoy developing a new skill in a relaxed and welcoming enviroment. We understand that someone new to shooting may feel wary about coming along to try clays for the first time, which is why we are always here to provide relaxed, friendly advice every step of the way.
As a new shooter, the practicalities and procedures of using a gun will be carefully explained to you by one of our competent instructors - from how to stand safely advice and, of course, how to hit the target!
www.sportingtargets.co.uk 01234 708893
Falconry
The English School of Falconry is a family run business based at Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park. They will be at the show both days with a display of many different species of Eagles, Owls, Hawks and Falcons, & performing two breath taking flying displays in the field sports area each day.
The falconers will be on hand to give advice to any one new into the sport, provide information and to promote one of the oldest of our country sports.
www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk falconry.centre@virgin.net
Archery
Come and try Archery at the show, we provide an opportunity for you to try our sport with one to one tuition provided by our experienced members and coaches all for £2.00 a go!
Dunstable Bowmen is an Archery Club affilliated to GNAS. Our members give up their time to promote our sport to everyone. We visit four main venues a year including Stockwood Park Country Fair, Leighton Buzzard May Day Fayre, Liscombe House Garden Fair and the Bedfordshire County Show. We also run a 2 hour have a go session in September.
Our outdoor venue is at the London Gliding Club and we have an indoor venue in Dunstable. Our club members shoot Recurve, Long Bow, Compound and Tradional Bows and compete in club, county and national competitions.
However fun days, BBQ's and days out are all part of our social activties.
www.dunstablebowmen.org.uk dunstable.bowmen@winning.com
Ferreting
Coming Soon
Hounds
This very traditional country pursuit is strongly represented at the field sports area. Over the two days there will various packs of hounds parading in the field sports arena. Both Footpacks and Mounted packs will apear in the arena and children and other members of the public will have the opportunity to meet the hounds. The hounds will be accompanied by their hunt staff who will be able to talk and answer questions.
The Albany & West Lodge Bassets (Saturday only)
The pack consists of 10 couple of hounds all living together as a working pack. In 2006 the Albany merged with the West Lodge Bassets. The great pleasure of hunting with Basset Hounds is that in comparison with other hounds they are a slow and methodical mover. This enables the hunt staff and supporters to keep in contact and see the hounds work as the Basset unravels the line of scent. Basset Hounds are unique in character and appearance.
Cambridgeshire with Enfield Chace Hunt (Saturday only)
The Cambridgeshire Hunt dates from the latter end of the 18th century, and the country as now consituted has existed in its original form since its beginning. The Enfield Chace Hunt was established in 1935 to hunt the country formerly hunting by Major Smith-Bosanquet in the Hertfordshire Hunt country. The Cambridgeshire amalgamated with the Enfield Chace at the beginning of the season 2001-2002. Their hunt country lies in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Herfordshire and Middlesex.
The Farmers Bloodhounds (Sunday only)
Micheal Lucas established the Farmers Bloodhounds in 9189, and was keen that the pack should exist to compiment Foxhunting across the South and West Midlands, and not to be seen as a replacement. Keeping strong links with foxhunting packs is a recurring theme. A great majority of people enjoy both hunting the 'clean boot' and following foxhounds.
It has always been made clear that supporting the blood hounds is another country sport along with fox hunting, shooting, point to point and fishing. It is important that all of us that enjoy the country way of life stick together in this time of political correctness.
The spirit of riding to hounds in this manner continues with todays Mastership of: Mr Brian Temple, Senior Master, Mr Mike Spencer and Mrs Penny Dowdeswell.
The Northamptonshire Mink Hounds (Sunday only)
The Northamptonshire Mink Hounds hunt countrys lies in Northamptonshire, Leics, Warwicks, Beds, Camba and Bucks.
Fishing
Rutland Fly Fishing Adventures - Based at thier Lakeside Lodge on the shores of beautiful Rutland Water, Europe's largest and finset trout lake. Rob Waddington has been fishing for over 30 years and has been fly fishing for around 20 years, he is a Game Angling Instructors Association (GAIA) Level 2 coach, qualified in both trout and salmon fishing.
www.rutlandwaterflyfishing.co.uk
Gun Dogs
Once again the Working Gundog Company will be attending this years show as well as full range of Gundog training products for sale they will be running their 'Gundog Pick Up Scurry'. Each entrant will be asked to retrieve 2 dummies against the clock, fastest time wins! Bring your Gundog along and have a go, prizes each day for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
If you have any problems regarding training your dog or just need advice then we are also thrilled to welcome along Jim Gale - 'A' Panel Field Trial Judge, Gundog Handler and Trainer to our stand with his Gundog Advice Clinic. Jim Gale, friends and members of the Utility Gundog Society will be demonstrating gun dog training in the field sports arena. Jim has been training gundogs for over thirty years and spends most of his spare time competing and judging tests and field trials all over the British Isles and Europe.
So if you own a Gundog or are thinking about owning one or want to know what is involved in training and keeping one fit and active, come along and see us, we look forward to meeting you there.
The Gundog Scurry is sponsored by Su-Bridge Pet Supplies Ltd www.su-bridge.co.uk
Peter Leadbeater - Chainsaw Wood Carving Demonstration
Peter is a chainsaw carver with over 10 years experience working for a variety of local authorities and private clients. He has demonstrated all over the country and taken part in several competitions, competing with the best chainsaw carvers in the world.
Peter will be working on several carvings throughout the day, including two speed carvings, giving spectators the chance to appreciate the skill to turn a log into a sculpture. Peter will be happy to chat about his work/techniques and will have an exhibition of old tools and completed pieces for visitors to handle.
