Countryside Ring 2009

Den Kurle is a regular contributor to Countryside Rings at a large number of Game Fairs and Country Shows throughout the country. He has a vast knowledge garnered over many years of practical experience in the countryside. Today as well as being our Countryside Ring Commentator, he will show you the art of decoying Woodpigeons, Crows and Magpies. Den is one of the most entertaining and charming chaps you'll meet. Expect a few bangs as guns are fired.

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Nigel will be using his specialist Bavarian Mountain Hound to demonstrate its remarkable tracking abilities. A trail will be laid around the immediate environs of the Countryside Ring and you can watch the hound working.

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Martin is BASC South West Gun Dog trainer and has a wealth of experience. His training dates can be found on the BASC website. He has been training and working dogs for over 25 years and from small beginnings has become one of our local leading experts. He will show you the basics as well as more advanced training including the differences for different breeds of dogs. His dogs will be on hand to help Martin with his demonstrations.

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Master netsman Brian demonstrates the ancient art of long-netting. He learnt his craft from a renowned poacher - Obadiah Cole. Long Netting is one of the most ancient ways of controlling rabbits which cause untold damage to crops, trees and gardens. Considered by many to be the most efficient and humane ways of achieving this. Brian will use intrepid toy rabbits to put the nets to good use. Whether his terriers will co-operate is anyone's guess! Brian will be available throughout the day on his stand in the Living Working Countryside area to answer any questions and let you have a try at Long Netting yourself.

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Sponsor: The National Gamekeepers Organisation

Josh Theobold, Head Keeper at Lydney Park, Lord Bledisloe's Estate in Gloucestershire has been kind enough to agree to demonstrate the preparation of a Deer carcass for the table. Apart from responsibility for a large game shoot, Josh also organises deer management as well as game and venison sales for the estate. The National Game Keepers Organisiation have a stand next to the Countryside Ring and they will have precision rifle builder Steve Bowers joining them.

Although still a young man James has grown up in the countryside and will demonstrate all forms of fishing, from the chalk stream to the sea. The what, when and how of fishing, even a few top tips on eating the results. He is also an experienced wildfowler and will introduce you to the joys of winter wildfowling, decoys and calls. Expect a few bangs as guns are fired.

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Sponsor: The National Union of Country Sports Workers

Ian Summerhill is a gunsmith and knife maker by trade and a passionate shot with a huge knowledge of guns and shooting. Today he presents A History of the Sporting Gun with his friend and colleague Den Kurle. Together they will take you through the history of this increasingly popular pursuit. Expect lots of noise as several guns from the past and present are fired.

Sponsor: The National Game Keepers Organisation

Once again Josh Theobold, Head Keeper at Lydney Park, Lord Bledisloe's Estate in Gloucestershire has been kind enough to agree to demonstrate the preparation of a Boar carcass for the table. Having recently been reintroduced to the countryside, this delicious meat is becoming more readily available. Apart from responsibility for a large game shoot, Josh also organises deer management as well as game and venison sales for the estate. The National Game Keepers Organisiation have a stand next to the Countryside Ring and they will have precision rifle builder Steve Bowers joining them.

Judge: William Nunneley Esq.

This is a new addition to Frampton Country Fair and is open to anyone who wants to have a go. There will be three calls initially to separate the men from the boys or girls! This will be followed by two more in the Final to determine the winner. All the calls will be demonstrated first by Nigel Bell, from The Wick and District Beagles, and after the competitors have finished our Judge will decide the winner. The first three calls are: Stopping the Hounds, Blowing the Hounds On and Gone Away. The final two calls are: Doubling The Horn and Going Home. We have three prizes on offer, all vouchers, which can be redeemed from The Hunting Stock Market - 1st - £50; 2nd - £30, 3rd - £20. Good Luck to all our entrants. Please feel free to bring your own Hunting Horn or we will have one for you to use.





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With help from Wick & District Beagles & Leadon Vale Basset Hounds, find out what the hounds actually do and everybody's role in trail hunting.