Shooting UK

From guns and gundogs to the latest shooting news; the complete online network for the British shooting community.

Three great days at Blenheim

Wednesday, 30 July 2008

This year’s Game Fair is a summer smash hit as thousands descend on Blenheim

On the hottest weekend of the year, The CLA Game Fair, held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire on 25 to 27 July, proved a massive success as organisers reported a record attendance that boasted royalty and politicians as well as numerous celebrities and public figures. The attendance figure of 151,000 smashed all records. Saturday was the busiest day with crowds increasing by 8,000 or so on Friday’s numbers.

A delighted CLA fair organiser, Fiona Eastman, told Shooting Times: “I’m sure a lot of this success was to do with the unfortunate cancellation of last year’s Game Fair, but Blenheim is also a truly popular location and of course the weather was simply fantastic for all three days. Throughout the whole event everyone was just so happy to be at the fair. Exhibitors in all areas did very buoyant business.”

Special guests at the fair included HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, DEFRA’s Lord Rooker and the leader of the Opposition, David Cameron all of whom were given tours of the showground and shown the huge variety of work conducted by the numerous organisations attending.

With more than a thousand tradestands, retailers reported strong sales with several running out of stock. George Juer, of William Evans Gunmakers, reported that despite the uncertain economic climate they enjoyed unprecedented sales: “The Game Fair is predominantly a PR exercise for us, but we sold thousands of pounds worth of guns, including a rare Webley & Scott 28-bore shotgun. We sold more clothing and accessories at this Game Fair than ever before.”

ST Editor Camilla Clark said that it was one of the best Game Fairs in a good few years: “The aisles were heaving with visitors from the off and people just kept on coming. From my point of view it was a superb opportunity to get some feedback from ST readers, discuss article ideas with contributors, speak to the gun trade and catch up with the various shooting organisations. Once I’d done all that, I just had time for a quick look around to see if I could find a bargain or two before heading home for a much needed rest!”

What is YOUR opinion? How are rising amenity prices affecting you?

Join other ST readers in our forums to discuss your views.



Like this article? Mark this page on a social bookmarking website...



What are social bookmarking sites?


CompPrevious
Duke of Edinburgh tours the CLA Game Fair

Duke of Edinburgh tours the CLA Game Fair

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was treat...

CompNext
PHOTO GALLERY: CLA Game Fair

PHOTO GALLERY: CLA Game Fair

With over 180 exhibitors Gunmakers Row is the ...


Guns

Savage 93R17 BTVS .17 HMR rifle review

Savage 93R17 BTVS .17 HMR rifle review

Savage 93R17 BTVS .17 HMR rifle review: This trim and handy HMR rifle ... Read more


More in Guns...


Sporting Answers

Should I get Hobs or Jills when buying ferrets?

Should I get Hobs or Jills when buying ferrets?

I am about to acquire two ferrets but am puzzled to know which sex is ... Read more


More in Sporting Answers...


News

Falconry exemption tested

Falconry exemption tested

Four men from the Isle of Wight have pleaded not guilty to illegally h... Read more


More in News...



Comments

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

Don't miss your chance to enter our FREE prize draw in this week's magazine (on sale 10th March) to win the new Browning B525 Hunter 12-bore worth over £1,400. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy now!

Subscribe to magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!


Latest articles

Locals vote no to sea eagles

Locals vote no to sea eagles

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust's AGM attracted more than 100 ... Read more


Dog owners face competency test

Dog owners face competency test

A "competency test" for all dog owners could be impl... Read more


More in Latest articles...


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!