CLA Gamefair, anyone going?

[Gazelle1000]

I was there Friday and had a great day

Wish I was there today so much to see in just 1 day

[ips]

I went sat, very good but thirty quid, wow. Ian openshaw was good to watch as was the FT. Heavens opened at 2pm one very wet cocker

[Rascal]

We're back, ever so slightly weary but had a great time meeting friends and making some new ones too... And making some purchases..

Worryingly from friends that exhibit and some that run displays the word is that despite naming the place for next year, it may not go ahead. They can't make it pay apparently...

I have to say there were fewer stands but at the increased price that's not surprising, you would seriously have to shift some gear to make it pay. Fisherman's row is nothing like it used to be for instance, all the little independent fly tying guys have gone, we were talking to one guy who was telling us that the average age of folk taking up fly fishing is 51! TBWH used to buy loads of capes, hooks etc. from there but sadly not any more..

The weather wouldn't help because when it rained yesterday afternoon loads of folk headed for their cars...Me I was safely ensconced sharing tales with mates in a beer tent... I resurfaced when the rain had stopped and tested me new leather waterproof boots....Mind you short wet grass was hardly the best test but they are extremely comfy....We weren't going in today but it was raining as we left and looked set for the morning.

It would be a very sad state of affairs if it doesn't continue...

Rascal

[Hanrebor]

We have had yet another good year at the CLA and we think it very good value for money ! very often small country shows charge a fortune and there is no where near as much on show or offer !. Weather wasn't good Sat afternoon as Rascal mentioned however we were sheltered under the Gundog Grand stand watching some very good work from the England Team. I appreciate that it is very expensive to run a stand at the show and did also notice the lack of stands in some areas ... also one of my gripes this year was you had to queue if you had pre-paid tickets or wristbands however if you needed to pay on the day you could virtually walk straight in !! (thought the idea was to save time However we had a fab time and home a little weary and certainly a deal lighter on the pocket from when we went

Would be very sad if it didn't go ahead next year due to viability as my family are already planning how to save their money to spend next year !

Nice to see you Rascal !!

[Contender]

I may be wrong BUT I'm sure that there weren't nowhere near the stands and stuff there as there used to be 5 years ago It feels as if it's steadily gone down hill and all the exiting, independent stands have now nearly all gone. Layout of this year's fair seemed very odd but maybe it was because of the lack of stands in some areas so there were large, open bare areas.

Gundog areas were popular and as usual lots of people watching some great dog work from 'home teams' and international teams. The usual gundog displays put on by Openshaws & Halstead Jr. which were fine but still would be nice if a couple of other 'top names' would do it next year? also would be great if they could perhaps add a display involving HPR's although I guess we're limited on candidates to put one on at least if you compare it to spaniel & retriever trainers.

I went Friday & again today (I was 'working' on the BASC stand today) and it really did feel as if there were a lot less people there compared to previous CLA's - I do love the CLA gamefair and always go to it, prioritising it over many other events purely because it has everything there or at least that was how it used to be. There are now so many (good) fairs around so the CLA really do require a huge overhaul and some new thinking and different price structure.

Natasha

[Stihl 090]

There was a post on FB about the cost of pitches. I am sure there are varying sizes, the transk9 stand was 3k+vat. I've never been,but even our local fair run by countryman fairs has steadily got worse every year since the estate its held on gave up organisation themselves. That was £15 this year, down from £22 last year as there where not enough punters through the door. 1.5hrs and your done. I had VIP tickets so cost me noubt, but would of been peeed had I paid.
Seems like it may get worse before it comes south and I can go

[David]

I went sat, very good but thirty quid, wow. Ian openshaw was good to watch as was the FT. Heavens opened at 2pm one very wet cocker

Totally of topic and forum, did you get a look at John Jeffries Perazzi HPX RSR and DSR?

[eastie]

Moy game fair next weekend, just south of Inverness. Tenner to get in and all profits go to charity, it's a great wee game fair...

[LucyLab]

Moy game fair next weekend, just south of Inverness. Tenner to get in and all profits go to charity, it's a great wee game fair...

We'll be there on Saturday Went last year to compete and never actually had a look around!! So this year I'm bringing the husband, so there's someone to hold the dogs, while I go window shopping!!

[ips]

I went sat, very good but thirty quid, wow. Ian openshaw was good to watch as was the FT. Heavens opened at 2pm one very wet cocker

Totally of topic and forum, did you get a look at John Jeffries Perazzi HPX RSR and DSR?

Hi David
Had a quick look but he was busy with customers. Still don't get it
Didn't really look at much gun stuff was mainly interested in the dog stuff.