CLA at Harewood

This year the CLA Game Fair is to be hosted by the stunning Harewood House, near Leeds, Yorkshire, UK. Last years event was held at Broadlands Estate in Hampshire, on the banks of the Test. This is an impressive event with wonderful facilities - the thing to remember is to take a picnic because while food stalls have some great fare, their prices will leave you wincing! If you're going to visit they have full information on their website. I guess no one is going to trek half way round the world just to visit this show, but if you're visiting the UK and in the Midlands around late July this year, there are worst things you could do with your time than peruse the fishing gear, watch various canine and equestrian demonstrations, browse art and craft exhibits. There are open competitions to enter in several disciplines. If any member of your party isn't interested in the Game Fair, they can always visit the house and grounds which are a wonderful spectacle in their own right.

A press release reads:

"Harewood House, Leeds provides the spectacular setting for The CLA Game Fair now in its 49th year. The event was first held at Harewood House in 1986, and then again in 1995, 1999, and 2003 during which time it has grown to become internationally recognised as the world’s leading country sports event and showcase for all aspects of rural life.

Harewood House is an architectural masterpiece set within a sweeping Capability Brown landscape making a glorious setting for the exhibitions, features, displays and competitions that make up The CLA Game Fair. Whilst Fishing, Shooting and Gundogs are central to The Game Fair, all other popular country pursuits are represented from Falconry, Ferrets and Field Archery to Hunting, Carriage Driving and 4x4 Driving. International championships and competitions attract leading sports personalities, professionals and enthusiasts from across the world.

Each year The Game Fair organisers review the show to ensure that all aspects of the countryside are included in this three day celebration. This year the organisers are introducing The Rural Diversification Exhibition, which will highlight the wide selection of firms who provide products, services, ideas and advise that will enable landowners to successfully diversify. New for 2007 will also be Pugs and Drummers, a realistic view of the tradition of ferreting, and the Moorlands Experience, popular when The Game Fair was last held at Harewood House. This will again be providing an enjoyable and informative feature, laid out this time to demonstrate how the Moorlands were managed in the past and present day."

Last year I was hoping AAPGAI casting and fishing instructor, writer and product reviewer for Fly Fishers' Republic, Sue Macniven, would pull off a victory in the Women's Spey-Casting competition but alas it wasn't to be. This is her indulging in a little spey-line magic on the banks of the River Test last July. I should remind everyone that last year it wasn't sunny the whole time, so if you do go this time round take a rain coat! I was hoping to go this year, especially as it's much closer to home i.e. less than 5 hrs. drive, but I have a few prior commitments that'll keep me away.