One of the most popular events for those who love the countryside, the annual Hampshire Country Sports Day, will be held at a brand new venue: the Bereleigh Estate, East Meon, near Petersfield, on Sunday 1st September. The event, run in aid of the Countryside Alliance, will benefit from the beautiful setting and large open space of the Bereleigh Estate https://bereleigh.co.uk/ which covers 2,500 acres within the undulating countryside of the South Downs National Park.
The event will feature exciting shows and demos in the main arena, including horseback falconry from Jonathan Marshall of Game of Thrones fame, terrier racing, gun dog demos, hound displays, fishing casting demos, a wildfowling demo by Chris Green ‘the Cornish Countryman’ and a gun dog display by Howard Kirby of Mullenscote. There will also be the inter hunt relay competition where rival hunts battle against the clock to build a hurdle fence then jump over it on horseback and with the terriers before dismantling it.
In addition to the main arena events there is a packed programme of activities to watch or enter, including a Lurcher and Terrier and show, which is a qualifier for The Countryman's Weekly Champion of Champions 2019 at The Midland Game fair and a Family Fun Dog Show which always draws the crowds, featuring classes such as prettiest bitch, best child handler, scruffiest dog (£2 entry per class). There is also a Gun Dog competition with three classes: scurry, pick up or steeplechase (£2 entry per class).
‘Have a go’ activities include archery and clay shooting, which includes several competitions. A dedicated fly fishing area, run by the Salmon & Trout Conservation Hampshire Branch, will provide fly casting lessons throughout the day, for beginners to more advanced casting techniques.
Visitors to the event will also enjoy the huge range of more than 50 stalls showcasing the best countryside gifts, clothing, equestrian, shooting and fishing equipment, jewellery, crafts, and delicious food and drink.
Gates open at 9.30am and the main ring events start at 10 am, with the main programme running until 17.30. Entry costs £12 for adults, while under 14s go free. Visit http://www.hampshirecountrysportsday.co.uk or call: 01380 831 068 or 07974 141 933 for more info.