Fishing, farming and fun as first Welsh Game Fair goes down a storm

A solemn start to the weekend was turned in to three days of remembrance (September 9-11) in honour of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and a celebration of the countryside she loved so dearly.

Following the Queen’s death on September 8, a gun salute took place at 10am the following morning in the grounds of the Vaynol Estate.

The gun salute at the Welsh Game Fair (Image: Newsquest)

A two-minute silence was then observed following the salute, while the Welsh flag on the Vaynol Estate was lowered to half-mast.

The gun salute was followed by a two-minute silence at the game fair (Image: Newsquest)

The Vaynol Estate's Welsh flag at half-mast (Image: Newsquest)

Fishing, clay shooting, gundogs, game cookery, falconry, horses and hounds, archery, rural crafts, and food and drink all featured at the Welsh Game Fair.

Huw Jones at the Welsh Game Fair (Image: Newsquest)

The game fair was organised by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and Stabled Events, and it is hoped that it will become an annual event in Wales.

An Irish setter dog at the Welsh Game Fair (Image: Newsquest)

Stable Events managing director, James Gower, said: “The GWCT Welsh Game Fair came to life with its own personality and nuances, delivering a special event from which to build.

“There’s a very important rural community in Wales, and in this region, and those voices needed a platform.

“It’s not just about trying clay pigeon shooting or watching dogs; there are a huge amounts of debates, there’s a lecture theatre; there’s a huge educational element.

Stable Events managing director, James Gower (Image: Newsquest)

“Throughout decades, you hear people all the time say: ‘I shot my first clay at a game fair’, or ‘I tried venison for the first time at a game fair’.

“It’s always been a bedrock for ‘firsts’, and I think it always will be.

“The shooting line here is the best I’ve ever seen. Of all the events we’ve done, the topographical advantage here is beautiful – you’ve got all the right setting.”

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Chef Bryn Williams, originally from Denbigh, also created a bespoke menu for guests in a VIP restaurant.

Chef Bryn Williams at the Welsh Game Fair (Image: Newsquest)

Conwy-based farmer, Gareth Wyn Jones, also spoke at the game fair, in a bid to extol the wider benefits of conservation and field sports to his fellow countrymen.

Gareth Wyn Jones at the Welsh Game Fair (Image: Newsquest)

James added: “It’s important that you have visionaries that are able to attract and tap in to the media to help us spread the message.

“People identify with them, and it’s really important that people who are loved and respected from these communities are the ones saying it.

“People love to hear and see them. In the case of Bryn – wow, the food is unbelievable; and Gareth is a brilliant ambassador, as well.

“The location was outstanding, the perfect blank canvas on which to showcase the best of Welsh countryside and tradition.

“We look forward to next year and have some future surprises in store, so watch this space!”

Sculptor Sam MacDonald (right) has a helping hand from his brother Derek to carry a resin and metal salmon artwork, as they prepare to exhibit as part of the Redspot Artists (Image: Newsquest)

The chairman of GWCT Cymru, Owen Williams, said: “We are delighted that our close collaboration with Stable Events over the past year has produced a great game fair for Wales.

“At a time of significant instability and change in the countryside it is vital that the rural community comes together to celebrate and showcase the many interdependent strands of life in the countryside.

Simon Barnes custom builds hand-made, bespoke fly rods to order; he has been building rods since he was 17. (Image: Newsquest)

“We are very grateful to the wonderful Vaynol Estate for hosting this inaugural GWCT Welsh Game Fair, which we are sure has secured its place in the calendar of the Welsh countryside. 

“In addition to a celebration of fishing, shooting, farming and habitat management seen over the three days, the wide and varied debates held at our 'GWCT Nick Williams Theatre' demonstrated the willingness of all sectors of the rural community to engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue.

“We look forward to working with our partners to build upon the success of this first show and to secure a lasting event that the Welsh countryside can be truly proud of.”

Vaynol Estate owner, Keith Jones (Image: Newsquest)

Keith Jones, owner of the Vaynol Estate, added: “From start to finish, Stable Events have been fantastic to partner with, which is unsurprising when you look at their incredible portfolio.

“I have received nothing but positive feedback and I’m delighted the event went so well. The atmosphere all weekend was upbeat and buoyant.

“The people of North Wales have wanted their own game fair for a long time.”

More information is at www.welshgamefair.org.