Westcountry Game Fair - the ultimate countryside experience

The Westcountry Game Fair, billed as the Ultimate Countryside Experience and the first of the great regional game fairs in the calendar, is set to visit the Royal Bath & West Showground on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th March 2008. The event, which is in its twelfth year, regularly attracts thousands of visitors who are passionate about the rural way of life. It is one of the first opportunities in the year for like-minded people to come together to celebrate this special and diverse way of life.

The shooting activities are a popular aspect to the event and there is certainly a wide variety of shooting events and advice available at this year's show.

Purbeck Shooting will be providing a clay shoot at the Westcountry Game Fair with 100 bird prize competitions, 60 bird prize competitions and Make a break', a new shooting game from America. (Fibre wads only to be used). On-site parking is available for clay shooters and normal ticket prices apply.

If you have never tried clay pigeon shooting - now is your chance. The team of BASC accredited shotgun coaches will be on hand to help you whatever level you are at - from picking up your first shotgun to improvement tips for the more experienced shot. The lesson will include eye dominance, safety, how to hold the gun and safe shots.

Internationally renowned Kevin Jackman will be on hand at the Game Fair providing advice and tuition on air rifles. Kevin is a renowned expert of many shooting disciplines and known Internationally for his shooting abilities, and knowledge of the shooting sports. He has competed, coached, and trained in many forms of shooting in Great Britain, the USA, Germany and South Africa. Kevin started Field Target Air-rifle shooting in 1988, with his first International shoot in 1989. From 1991 through 1997 he was an active member of the British International FT squad.

The National Target Sports Association will be at the show with a ten-lane air rifle range and a four-lane air pistol range, both available to have-a-go'.

Dogs are an important element of living and working in the country, and they are certainly well represented at the event. The ever-popular gundog parade will feature in the indoor arena on both Saturday and Sunday hosting a wide variety of gundog breeds from German Longhaired Pointers, Gordon Setters, Flat-Coated Retrievers to Clumber Spaniels.

The BASC will host a wide variety of Gundog Scurries including Two Dummy Scurry with Distraction, Pick & Mix, Bulldog and many more. The Scurries are sponsored by Chudleys Dog Food and there are prizes available. In addition, BASC will have gundog advice and equipment available on the Showering Pavilion Balcony.

Samsalin Dog Rescue will be providing a dog crèche and there will also be Gundog Eye Testing available on Saturday 15th March - this will be carried out by Westmoor Veterinary Centre - Please book and pay in advance by calling 01884 250230.

Oxfordshire based Gamegoer' have developed a number of exciting and visual displays offering a fascinating insight into the training of their dogs and with the use of canvas dummies they will illustrate the highly sophisticated scenting abilities of these endearing animals. Every facet of a working dog's training, incorporating general pet obedience and problems will be revealed, together with a few tricks of the trade.

The indoor Terrier & Lurcher Show will be taking place once again on Sunday only with a variety of classes - (£1 per dog per class). Entries will be ringside from midday. Lurcher racing and jumping will be available during Saturday 15th March and after the Lurcher show on Sunday 16th March (approximately 3.00pm).

The Westcountry Game Fair is a great supporter of traditional rural skills and activities, and this year is no exception. Flycasting demonstrations and coaching with world champion Hywel Morgan will be available for the fishing enthusiasts, a special deer area has been set aside for this most fascinating member of the countryside's fauna, archery and falconry take us back to some of the very earliest methods of hunting, and stick and hurdle making will also be demonstrated. As ever, the popular racing ferrets will also be on hand to thrill the crowds.

A Game Cookery Theatre will host experts who will demonstrate how to prepare delicious meals from traditional game meats. These will certainly tantalise the taste buds!

The show will also feature a variety of demonstrations including Wildfowling with Chris Green The Ultimate Countryman'; Falconry; A Hunt Parade, on Sunday 16th March; Racing Terriers and many more.

The show also has four halls full of countryside shopping - guns, fishing equipment, gifts, clothing, paintings, prints, food and much more, experts and advice.

Of course there are also a variety of activities to have-a-go'. This is certainly a full day out for all the family. Whatever the weather there is plenty to see and do!

The event is open 9am-5-m on both days; admission - adults £10, OAP £9; child 5-16 £7; family (2 plus 2) £26; under-5s free. Advanced and group tickets available, book on-line www.contour.uk.net, or phone 01749-813899.