The Gunmakers Trust was featured in several places during this year’s Game Fair held at Ragley Hall in July.
We were most grateful to Bill Blacker and his team for their considerable support and their highlighting of the role of the Trust to the Gun Trade. Their practical demonstrations have led to several potential apprentices coming forward.
Additionally, two Trustees, along with two apprentices, were interviewed on stage in the Game Fair theatre by the well-known sporting journalist Charlie Jacoby. The Trustees were asked about how the trust supports the trade and highlighted that we have now spent nearly £750,000 on bursaries in the last 15 years.
The apprentices were asked about how and why they became involved in gunmaking and if they were enjoying the challenges, to which they replied with a resounding ‘YES’. Macie Gray from Purdey was asked questions about the challenges of diversity in the gun trade and made an excellent case for more female gunmakers. Sam Garfield explained how he progressed from working in a local coffee shop to joining TR White and expressed how the trade is open to everyone who loves craftsmanship.
On the Saturday, the Trust held a drinks party on the Gun Trade Association stand for all the exhibiting gun companies and were delighted with the tremendous support. Several potential apprentices were present and met gun companies which led to interviews and potential placement. Special thanks go to one of our most generous trustees who provided the excellent champagne. This undoubtedly led to a great crowd assembling.
