Welsh Politicians Get a Taste For Game

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Almost a third of all politicians at the Welsh Assembly took the time to find out more about the importance of game to the countryside in Wales at an event held in Cardiff.

The Game-to-Eat evening, run at The Pierhead in Cardiff Bay, the heartland of Wales' political scene, was hosted by the Countryside Alliance and supported by the National Gamekeepers' Organisation and the Rhug Estate, Corwen, who kindly supplied the game - pheasant, rabbit, duck and partridge - for the evening.

The politicians - and many of Wales' leading chefs, restaurateurs, and hoteliers - had the opportunity to discover more about the economic, social and conservation importance of game from representatives of the Countryside Alliance and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation.
The evening was made possible thanks to the backing of a cross-party group of Assembly Members including the deputy presiding officer David Melding, Llyr Gruffydd, William Powell and Joyce Watson.

A very well-known face in Wales, Dudley Newbery, the S4C television chef, laid on an excellent cookery demonstration for guests and the feast of superb game canap�s, prepared by Charlton House, were enthusiastically devoured.

To ensure the game message was driven home, a 16-page bi-lingual glossy pamphlet had been published specially for the event. It was given away to those who attended on the night, with further copies being circulated afterwards to all Assembly Members at the Senedd.

Included among its contents were: an introduction to game from rugby legend and NGO Patron Gareth Edwards who dubbed it a "superfood", an explanation of the role of the National Gamekeepers' Organisation, hard facts on the importance of shooting and gamekeeping in Wales (see below), and a host of other information including details of the Game-to-Eat campaign. Lord Newborough, the owner of Rhug Estate, Corwen, lifted the lid on the huge demand for Welsh game both in the UK and overseas.

David Pooler, the North Wales Chairman of the National Gamekeepers' Organisation, and the headkeeper at Rhug Estate, Corwen, said: "It was great gala night for game. A delicious forkful of Welsh game - be it pheasant, partridge, rabbit or venison - is visible proof of ,working closely with nature. It is superb seasonal food, beloved of TV chefs and home cooks. Game is to be celebrated.

"Game provides a big economic stimulus for the Welsh rural economy, especially as the cash it generates ,is often spent in isolated parts of Wales in deep mid-winter, well outside the peak tourist season. It is essential our Assembly Members get behind Welsh game, using their influence at every opportunity to promote this important land use, which supports many jobs across Wales."

Mr Pooler added: "Welsh game is also in demand across the globe, showcasing the very best of Wales to the world. There's no doubt, game from Wales is an all-round winner."

Notes to Editors
For more information on this news release please contact ,Julian Murray-Evans on 01766 523795 or email jmurrayevans@btinternet.com

- Photo caption: David Melding AM, Joyce Watson AM, Dudley Newbery, William Powell AM and Llyr Gruffydd AM

Shooting and Gamekeeping in Wales: The Facts

(Taken from the guide to game published specifically for the event and which was subsequently distributed to all Assembly Members.)