‘Fantasy shopping’ at the Game Fair 2009
The Game Fair, which drew 136,000 people to Belvoir Castle, is famous for its shopping. There is stuff for all pockets, but it’s also a great chance to indulge in some fantasy shopping. These are the things the Farmers Weekly team would have gone home with if money were no object
Memorabilia cricket bat
Cricket is in the news at the moment and followers of the sport would adore this piece of memorabilia on offer at the Sports Pages stand. It is a bat signed by the members of the 1905 Ashes-winning Australian team, which included such legends as Victor Trumper and Warwick Armstrong. Let’s hope it’s not an omen that the Aussies are going to do well in the current series.
Oak rocking horse
This beautiful English oak rocking horse called Churchill’s Charger was made by Stevenson Brothers and is one of a limited edition of 20. So, if you never had a rocking horse as a kid and fancy one – or perhaps want to surprise someone on their anniversary or birthday, this could be perfect, assuming you’ve got £8000 to spend.
Lovers Tryst artwork
This curious but eye-catching piece of art – which might appeal to those with green fingers – is the work of Bob Catchpole. Called Lovers Tryst III, you could have taken it home for £680. You probably wouldn’t have wanted to dump it in the shed with all your other gardening stuff once you had, though.
Dubarry shooting jacket
Guys who like their guns would love this – a Blake shooting jacket from Dubarry. It’s lightweight tweed, 100% wool and a great combination of style and practicality. It’s also idea for anyone with a pocket fetish. The price tag? £449.
Bramley and Gage sloe gin
If you like a tipple, then you’d enjoy this new organic sloe gin from Bramley and Gage. According to the firm’s Michael Kain, the drink – which is priced at £23 for a 70cl bottle – has an intense, rounded taste with hints of juniper, almonds, marzipan and cherry. Delicious, it is, too.
Cohibas and cigar encyclopedia
One for cigar smokers – a Cohiba Siglo VI. These were Castro’s cigar of choice and, until recently, you wouldn’t have been able to get your hands on one unless you were a VIP visitor to Cuba. Hunters and Frankau were selling them for £30 a pop. While you were smoking it, you could improve you cigar knowledge with some background reading on the topic from this unusual book which would have set you back £50.
Hare portrait
Hare today, gone tomorrow. At least that’s what the guys on the Sally Mitchell Fine Art Gallery were hoping when it came to this beautiful oil on canvas by Paul Doyle. Simply called ‘Hare Portrait’, it had a price tag of £495.
Leopard sculpture
Farmer’s son Hamish Mackie specialises in sculpting wildlife, both British and overseas, in bronze and silver. This lifesize bronze of a leopard coming out of a tree was studied in Lewa Downs in northern Kenya, is one of a limited collection of 12 and will set you back about £40,000.
Dickson and McNaughton shotguns
Made in Dunkeld, Perthshire, these Dickson and McNaughton shotguns take 18 months to make and are made to order by a team of three gunsmiths. Customers can specify a specific piece of walnut, engraving and detail on each gun and standard 12, 16 and 20 bore gauges are available. Often ordered in pairs, side-by-sides cost in the region of £76,000, with over-and-under pairs around £90,000.
Angel salmon rod
Hardy has been one of Britain’s leading tackle manufacturers since 1872. This is their Angel 2 double-hander salmon rod. Former world spey casting champion Ian Gordon called the Angel “masterful”. With it is the Hardy Perfect reel. The Perfect is not just a name from a history book, it’s most modern reincarnation is back among the most popular reels Hardy sells. Fifteen ball bearings give it the smoothest of winds. The Angel rod will set you back around £1200, and the Perfect reel another £600. Throw in the obligatory day on the Tweed to enjoy both and you won’t see much change from £4000.
Honda Rincon
On most keepers’ wish lists would be this Honda Rincon 680 ATV. In full camouflage decal, it’s specced up with gun carriers and is great for muddy conditions with torque-sensing limited slip diff. With a push button electric gear shift, you can lamp with one hand and drive with the other. It costs £7249.
Luci MacLaren
Scottish artist, Luci MacLaren studied history of art at St Andrews and then went on to attend the Santa Monica School of Art in Los Angeles. Her shooting collection uses a technique which quickly captures moments in time using oils and both brush and palette knife. Luci’s available to commission and this piece costs £995.
Bespoke shooting packages
Bettws Hall specialises in providing bespoke shooting packages of up to 600 birds/day on a range of estates in Wales and the south west of England. The company, established 20 years ago, now have a portfolio of 10 estates, and also offer shooting overseas. Prices range from £30-37/bird/day.