Countryside Alliance Race Day

Racing has never really been my thing, but if you're going to try something new you might as well do it in style - and thanks to the lovely folk at the Countryside Alliance I had a great time as their guest at their Countryside Race Day at Ascot today.

We had a splendid view of the course from a box in the grandstand. First event of the day was the Masters' Race for Repeal - a charity race with proceeds going towards the campaigning work of the Countryside Alliance, as well as the vital work of the Hunt Benevolent Fund.

In addition to the racing, there was a parade of hounds, and loads of attractions from terrier racing to a 'petting zoo' for the kids (and some of the older ones too).

The sun shone all day long, and the hospitality flowed. Why can't fundraising always be such good fun?

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Countryside Alliance Crew

To quote Jeremy Clarkson, I went on the internet and I found this...



I don't suppose the Countryside Alliance are thrilled at the use of their name - and the Crew themselves say plainly "the CAC have bugger all to do with the Countryside Alliance". Still, it gave me a laugh. This one's worth a listen too:

Fighting back on lead shot

Who said this:

“There is simply no scientific evidence that the use of traditional ammunition is having an adverse impact on wildlife populations that would require restricting or banning the use of traditional ammunition beyond current limitations, such as the scientifically based restriction on waterfowl hunting.”

BASC? The Countryside Alliance? The RSPB?

No, it's the American firearms industry, fighting back at the latest attacks on lead shot and bullets. I particularly like this line:

“Hunters and their ammunition have done more for wildlife than the CBD ever will. And the CBD’s scientifically baseless petition and endless lawsuits against state and federal wildlife managers certainly do not serve the wildlife that the organization claims to protect.”

Will the worm turn in the UK too? Time will tell.

Countryside Alliance awards

On a positive note, after my recent concerns over grouse moors, today I attended the Countryside Alliance reception for their excellent Awards, or as they like to bill them, the "Rural Oscars" (I'm sure that sooner or later that's going to rile the real Oscars, who are quite protective of their trademark).

Of course I took no pleasure from the fact that, while I sipped a glass of champagne and nibbled the hors doeuvres in the warm of the Terrace, Mark Avery and co were freezing their whatsits off in the park round the corner, holding up their peregrine mosaic and handing in their Birds of Prey petition.

Great to see the CA flying the flag for the countryside generally, proving that they're much more than just a hunting lobby group.