Hampshire Country Sports Day returns to Bereleigh Estate

The Hampshire Country Sports Day returns to the spectacular Bereleigh Estate, East Meon, near Petersfield for yet another year of fantastic family fun and entertainment for everyone who loves the countryside. The event, sponsored by SHORTS plant hire and waste management, takes place on the 10th of September 2023 and promises a day filled with excitement and friendly competition as members of the public can embark on ‘have a go’ activities and competitions, watch the ever-popular demos and explore the wide range of shopping. 

Main Arena Attractions

• This year, the show will provide the last chance to watch the fantastic interactive display from the Red Tail Falconry as they perform for their last ever show before retiring from the show circuit
• The return of the Hunt Scurry, a fast and furious, highly competitive inter-hunt relay
• A demonstration for anyone interested in how to train your dog by Nick Gregory, who specialises in breeding and training Gundogs for working and competitions
• Shooting demos and talks on wildfowling and the history of the shotgun, by Chris Green the Countryman
• The parade of horses and hounds including The Hursley Hambledon Hunt, The Sandhurst & Aldershot and The Palmer Marlborough & Clinkard Meon Beagles. 
• A fishing techniques display by the popular Charles Jardine, The National Director for The Countryside Alliance Foundation's and the Fishing for Schools initiative, returning to the show after his popular performance last year
• The ever-popular terrier racing

‘Have a Go’ Country Sports

Olympic medal winner Richard Faulds and his team will be returning to the estate to provide ‘have a go’ clay pigeon shooting for beginners and enthusiasts, on areas of the estate not previously used for clay shooting. 

The ‘have a go’ archery shooting held by the Raven Field Archers provides the perfect opportunity for all to have a go at shooting at roundels and targets held by the Raven Field Archers, with tuition provided.

Meon Valley Air Guns are also returning, providing a stall for all participants to participate in shooting taster sessions.

The British fly-casting club and the Salmon & Trout Conservation Hampshire Branch will be providing tips and tricks and hosting beginner 10-minute taster sessions for both single and double handed rods, along with entomology and fly-tying demos. 

Dog Shows

Bring your four-legged friend along to take part in the family dog show with opportunities to enter classes including Prettiest Bitch, Handsomest Dog, Best Match (any sex/breed), Best Child Handler, Waggiest Tail, Scruffiest Dog, Best Dog Trick, Best Puppy, Best Veteran and best rescue dog/bitch and Dog Agility.

The popular Gun Dog Scurry returns including ‘over the bales’, ‘mark and memory’, and ‘hurry up’ classes. The competition is open to the public and to all breeds of gundogs, with the chance of winning rosettes and dog food vouchers to the first three in each Scurry, kindly sponsored by Skinners.

A Crowd favourite: The Lurcher and Terrier Show, hosted by The Coursing Crew will feature simulated coursing followed by straight racing for dogs over 23″, 23″ & under, under 21″ in size, puppies (9-12 months), whippet & terrier racing.

Shopping 

The wide variety of food and drink stands, including pizza, hog roast, crepes, Cornish pasties, cider, beer, donuts and ice cream, mean there is something for everyone.  

There will also be many stands selling the best crafts, leisure, sporting goods, clothing and gifts, from sheepskins, to jewellery, to fishing rods, and much more.

The event runs from 09:30 – 17:00. Entry on the day £15 adults, under 16s go free, or you can pre-book here. 

Image credit: Kieran Cox Photography