CLA Cancels Game Fair

[John Campbell]

Troubling news:

I note through another site that the UK Country Land Association (CLA) has cancelled the 2016 Game Fair at Ragley Hall. And presumably, all future Game Fairs sponsored by the CLA. Here's their statement:

http://www.cla.org.uk/latest/news/statement-future-cla-game-fair



They are, however, entertaining a potential new sponsor or sponsors to possibly continue the event.

I hope Game Fair can go on. If you have ever been to Game Fair, you know how fantastic it was.

However... in light of Vintager's recent troubles, I hope this does not forebode a future of gloom for classic shooting and field sport here in the US.

All the more reason to attend the Fall Southern in October!

[Daryl Corona]

All the more reason to attend the Fall Southern in October!

And the Rock Mountain shoot in late September for those of you in the NE.

[Mills Morrison]

Attend sxs shows near you and take your younger family members.

[George M. Purtill]

And the Rock Mountain shoot in late September for those of you in the NE.

And you don't have to wear funny clothes to shoot with me and Daryl. But it might help.

[Dean Romig]

And you don't have to wear funny clothes to shoot with me and Daryl. But it might help.

Oh NO.... not more cross-dressers :shock:






.

[Daryl Corona]

How else would we win the HOA ladies event trophy?:)

[Kevin McCormack]

IMHO, the demise of the national Vintagers event was solely and completely the inevitable clash of inflexible ego(s) and host venues that simply would not put up with them any longer. As long as we have quality events like the Spring and Fall Southern SxSs, the NE SxS at Hausmann's, the newly-inaugurated Rock Mountain Shoot, along with Orvis' Sandanona's Field Days and the multiple similar events in the upper Midwest, I think the future of the Game Fair approach to classic shooting and field sports in this country is secure. I have participated in these events since the very first Vintagers in Addieville RI by way of purchasing trade and display booths, and except for the vagaries of weather, have never had a bad experience.

[John Campbell]

I truly hope that Mr. McCormack is right in his optimism. I know I will attend and recommend as many of these events as I can. They are nicely done.

However, none of them are even in the same universe as the CLA Game Fair was. You must have attended Game Fair to know my meaning in that. And for a bit of collateral insight, I offer this candid view of the sad end from a close friend in the UK:

"Sadly the CLA is totally finished and the country men are in uproar. The CLA management managed to make a loss for three consecutive years , claiming it took £4.6 million per year to stage, with income being approximately £3.9M per year ! ! ! ...

"A couple of years ago we had an awfully wet year and we had the CLA Fair cancelled .
A friend , a retailer paid £8,000 for a stall space which was not used, but was told this would be held for him for the following year.

"The following year he chose not to exhibit. " Sorry your deposit is not now refundable" was the reply . I have since heard that this happened to many. So how much did the CLA have in their account gaining interest for a year ? Plus they have never refunded ."

It's just my personal opinion, but it sounds like mismanagement to me. Much as may have been suffered at Vintagers.

I hope we may be more fortunate here in the States.

[edgarspencer]

John, I have attended various events throughout the UK over many years and have had nothing but great experiences. The fall fair at Chatsworth is perhaps one of my most memorable ones, but others in the Borders and north were equally welcoming. I even won a nice split cane rod at one.
Some of my most memorable hangovers followed these events by roughly a day, give or take a pint and a gil.