The CLA Game Fair has once again recognised the hard work and contribution made to the countryside by the UK’s gamekeepers and riverkeepers through its Long Service Awards.
Long Service Awards were presented to eleven gamekeepers who have completed at least 40 years continuous service on not more than five estates.
The recipients were Lindsay Waddell from Raby Estates, David Barnes from Zetland Estates, Mike Scott from Zetland Estates, Eric Cross from Hampden Shoot, Robert Smallman from Cocking Shoot, Roger Curtis from Trengwainton of Bolitho Estates, Barry Smith from Keldy Castle, Howard Brittain from Bramham Park, Billie Webb from Broadlands Estate, Brian King from Makerstoun Estate and Stephen Clay from Hovingham Estate.
Long Service Awards were also presented to three riverkeepers who have completed at least 25 years service on the same river system, to recognise their outstanding contribution to managing and conserving the rural environment – Gavin Brown, Billy Jack and William Murray who all worked on the River Tweed.
The awards were presented on the Friday of the CLA Game Fair by CLA President Henry Robinson and Lord Harewood.
Mr Robinson said: “It is a great honour to present the long service awards. Gamekeepers do an incredible amount of work for wildlife in the country and helping to protect sporting estates, and I congratulate each and every one of them.”
Lord Harewood commented: “Not many people stay in a job for 40 or 50 years, and even fewer in a job as tough as gamekeeping. These are tough men and seeing them rewarded for their long service is wonderful.”
