Not what it was.

[Hawshill]

Interesting to see how little chat there has been about the Game Fair at Ragley. Despite the free entry fee for BASC members I’m not sure if it draws the crowd it used to. In the early 2010’s a group of us would make an occasion of it and camp there. You couldn’t really get around it in one day. I went a couple of years ago and was ready for home after four or so hours. Apart from the Stalking Show I give national shows a miss these days. Any memories of previous good Game Fairs? Trade stands long gone, arena acts etc?

 

[User00056]

Scone used to be really good back in the early days. And Moy was always worth the trip. They all seem the same now though. I haven't bothered with any of them for a long time now. We did try Scone again four years ago, but after being fleeced six quid for a shite burger I vowed I was done with them for good

 

[Ozalid]

I remember going to one where there was a display of fox hounds, which was fantastic, there were some very elegant ladies seated at ringside with wine and sandwiches having a very nice time, until one hound dropped its backside right in front of them, this wouldn't have been too bad had it not had a domino effect and about thirty huge hounds all hunched up and let one go all at the same time, I cant describe the pong but you can imagine these ladies being enveloped in the most foul smell, their faces were a picture, I still chuckle when I think about it.

The only other memory I have at one game fair is my mate Simon after a few pints eating a dozen oysters and throwing up all afternoon, that was funny as well.

 

[Cyres]

Midland Game fair in the early 80s. When you parked on a stubble field. No fair ground and no undesirables.
Gun makers row was vast with all the gunmakers there.
Our rough shooting club used to run the gun dog scurry. It was a fantastic day out.
D

 

[Hawshill]

I can’t quite go back to the mid 80’s but certainly the mid nineties it was the show to go to. I remember my grandmother giving me £200 to buy clothes for ag college, I came away with more moleskin, tattershall and tweed than you could shake a stick at!

 

[Klenchblaize]

Nothing is the same or as memorable as the hunting/shooting/fishing shows of the 70's and 80's.

Just look at what Bisley's Phoenix offering is in the 21st Century compared to the multiplicity of tents/marquees that comprised the pre-pistol ban trade show that spawned the aforementioned.

K

 

[wisp]

I’ve been going to the game fair on and off since I was in my twenties
I’ve never bought anything while at the fair I just go for the day out wander around maybe see a few people I know and have a look at all the nv stuff on offer and have a good day out and seeing as I only live about 5/6 miles away plus we get in for free..

 

[tarponhead]

Interesting to see how little chat there has been about the Game Fair at Ragley. Despite the free entry fee for BASC members I’m not sure if it draws the crowd it used to. In the early 2010’s a group of us would make an occasion of it and camp there. You couldn’t really get around it in one day. I went a couple of years ago and was ready for home after four or so hours. Apart from the Stalking Show I give national shows a miss these days. Any memories of previous good Game Fairs? Trade stands long gone, arena acts etc?

Completely agree - gunmakers row was extensive and great bargains to be had but on my last visit it was a shadow of its former self. Then, I lived about an hour away, so it was worth a quick visit with free entry, but now I’m 4 hours distant and no longer a BASC member, it’s not worth it.

 

[Tim.243]

Interesting to see how little chat there has been about the Game Fair at Ragley. Despite the free entry fee for BASC members I’m not sure if it draws the crowd it used to. In the early 2010’s a group of us would make an occasion of it and camp there. You couldn’t really get around it in one day. I went a couple of years ago and was ready for home after four or so hours. Apart from the Stalking Show I give national shows a miss these days. Any memories of previous good Game Fairs? Trade stands long gone, arena acts etc?

I went to a Game Fair (once) and saw what I expected to see, food marked up byond Harrods prices, couples walking around in matching coats with wide brimmed leather hats towing a fat overweight lab, also shooting instructors with numerous badges saying "shooting instructor"
Never again!

 

[Dave_45]

Scone was £35 quid a head , cheapest “meal” £9 quid without a drink.

No deals to be had that you can’t get from a quick phone call to Edinburgh rifles or say blackwoods.

A custom knife maker sold 0 knives.

It’s now at the point where it’s financial suicide for exhibitors and attendees alike.

Saying that toms targets did have some good show only deals on but he was the only one.


I’ll try the stalking show next year and if it’s no good I’ll not be wasting a penny more on any of them.

 

[Flash G 74]

Hello, 1970s and 1980s were the best Game fair years, Next year i read was going to be back at Blenheim which i thought was better than Ragley Hall

 

[VSS]

Scone used to be really good back in the early days. And Moy was always worth the trip. They all seem the same now though. I haven't bothered with any of them for a long time now. We did try Scone again four years ago, but after being fleeced six quid for a shite burger I vowed I was done with them for good

I've long since learned not to buy venison burgers at these kind of events, no matter how much I feel I ought to be supportive of "small scale producers". They're all made with the same commercial pre-mixes, and therefore all taste like the same mass-produced shite (sadly).
Once you've made your own burgers with your own blend of seasonings, you're spoilt for life I'm afraid.

 

[Moray Outfitting]

Yesv we all remember the good old shows. When they were Game Fairs. We used to get deals on the last day or afternoon. Now it sickens traders to see someone try on , or check a piece of equipment, then brazzingly go to the front of the stand and check the internet for it cheaper. Basically using it as a "try before you buy". The Moy fair used to be the best. All the keepers would get there. All the stands were shooting related. Onjce puchases made , it was off to the beer tent to catch up with folk. It would be the last blow out before the grouse season started. Now unfortunately the shooting stands are very few and far between. To the extent that they have dropped the title , Game Fair, to the public acceptable " Country Fair". Many folk would not miss a Moy fair, now most avoid it. If I wasn't working on the CIC measuring table , at the SGA stand, I doubt I would be there myself. There is a saying that is banded about a lot these days from us "older " worthies. We have seen the best of it. And we can't see it ever coming back! J

 

[8x57]

I get really sad when I sit back and ponder how the various shooting shows and game fairs have evolved, or should that be degenerated, since when I first attended them in the late 1970s.
The one exception that I can think of being the stalking show, the organisers seem to have retained the true ethos and values.

 

[Bowland blades]

Scone was £35 quid a head , cheapest “meal” £9 quid without a drink.

No deals to be had that you can’t get from a quick phone call to Edinburgh rifles or say blackwoods.

A custom knife maker sold 0 knives.

It’s now at the point where it’s financial suicide for exhibitors and attendees alike.

Saying that toms targets did have some good show only deals on but he was the only one.


I’ll try the stalking show next year and if it’s no good I’ll not be wasting a penny more on any of them.

I assure you that " THE STALKING SHOW" is entirely different ! 1. everything thing almost is STALKING or Connected to it . 2. people travel very wide ranges to attend every year 3. There are far fewer of the big corporations with no real knowledge of what we do and what we actually want ON THE DAY !
Not unusual for an unknown or greedy priced vendor to be punished hard
I really think the issue is some of the big traditional shows are too used to sending fat corporate employees who still get paid the same if they sell zilch .

 

[Klenchblaize]

The one exception that I can think of being the stalking show, the organisers seem to have retained the true ethos and values.

That is sure to go the same way, once crystal-clear glass fully gives way to thermal and stick making stands morph into rifle "support structure" clinics that have more in common with age related Mobility Shops!

K

 

[User00056]

I've long since learned not to buy venison burgers at these kind of events, no matter how much I feel I ought to be supportive of "small scale producers". They're all made with the same commercial pre-mixes, and therefore all taste like the same mass-produced shite (sadly).
Once you've made your own burgers with your own blend of seasonings, you're spoilt for life I'm afraid.

I don't even think this was venison. The prices were all pegged by the organisers, so I guess the vans didn't see any profit (literally) in serving up anything other than the cheapest crap they could get away with.

And the rest of the show was just a disappointment too. The straw came when I went to break a few clays and was told I'd need to enter the competition at £40-odd quid. And then pay for each bird. And buy safety glasses. And ear plugs. And be gouged for cartridges. I walked away in sheer disgust. Tainted my view of them all, I'm afraid. Shan't be back

 

[25 Sharps]

Nothing is the same or as memorable as the hunting/shooting/fishing shows of the 70's and 80's.

Just look at what Bisley's Phoenix offering is in the 21st Century compared to the multiplicity of tents/marquees that comprised the pre-pistol ban trade show that spawned the aforementioned.

K

Never saw the latter but even in the 13 years I’ve been going to Bisley the offering has declined.

 

[jb1]

Just got back, and, well what can i say, why did i go ?

I did spend a bit of money, nothing much, bought a lightweight waterproof camo type ridgline to replace a 25-30 year old one that was starting to crumble. some jars of chutney and some different ground coffee.

4 stall holders i spoke to will not be returning due to costs and the absolute robbery charging for Wi-Fi at £180 a day per card reader and traders unable to use their own access is disgusting. 1 chap complained and was told thats what it is, his reply was he wont return and just received shrugged shoulders.

I have never seen so much "Brylcream" on the males heads since the late 60's, and the Chavs in tow made up like pantomime dames.

Did meet a few like minded shooters who funnily enough thought the same as me about the show, they too said it would be the last time.
Bring back the good ole days (God i sound like my Dad)

 

[Donkey Basher]

Remember the CLA Game Fair from the 80’s & 90’s - proper day out, cash bargains to be had, now long gone I think.