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- - Features
- - Features
A landmark political year for BASC at Royal Welsh Show
BASC’s Steve Griffiths discusses The Royal Welsh Show as a platform to engage with politicians and stakeholders who shape the future of shooting and conservation in Wales.
Visitors to the BASC stand were met by a full team of specialists covering firearms, training, membership services and the many benefits available to members. Whether people came with a specific question or simply wanted to find out more about what BASC does, our staff were on hand throughout the four days to talk it through.
General licences were, as expected, a major topic of conversation this year, and our team spent considerable time helping members and non-members alike understand how the licences work and what they mean in practice.
Members were also able to take a break from the business of the show with complimentary tea and coffee in our dedicated seating area – a small gesture, but one that a lot of people made good use of across a long and busy week.
The political story
Beyond the stand, this year’s show carried real political weight for BASC Wales. Over the four days, we held open and constructive conversations about the many benefits that shooting brings to Wales – talking directly to the people who make decisions that affect our members and the wider rural community.
We met with Ministers, Members of the Senedd and MPs from across the political spectrum, along with representatives from Natural Resources Wales.Â
These conversations gave us valuable opportunities to raise the issues that matter most to shooting and conservation in Wales, and to make sure sustainable shooting continues to be represented at the highest level.
Meeting members
The show itself offered plenty to enjoy alongside the serious business of engagement. Daily game meat canapés at 11am and 2pm gave visitors a taste of locally-sourced wild game, while the BASC airgun range, sponsored by BSA, proved a popular draw for anyone wanting to test their shooting under the guidance of BASC instructors.
For those keen to test their knowledge rather than their aim, the Safe Shot theory challenge was on hand, alongside the chance to have eye dominance checked by a BASC-accredited shotgun coach.
Members’ drinks receptions ran each afternoon from Monday to Wednesday, giving everyone a relaxed setting to catch up with the BASC team and fellow members. Partner organisations Agria Pet Insurance and Skinner’s were also present throughout, as were members of the Dyfed-Powys Police firearms licensing team
Looking back on a busy week
The Royal Welsh Show has, once again, proven itself an outstanding platform for BASC Wales – not just to promote the work we do and the members we represent, but to have the political conversations that matter most.
From general licences to face-to-face meetings with Senedd Members and MPs, this year’s show delivered on every front, and we’re already looking forward to building on those conversations in the months ahead.
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Steve Griffiths
Steve Griffiths is the director for Wales, responsible for developing support and services for BASC members and managing political and public affairs in support of shooting in Wales.
He was previously projects manager & deer liaison officer Wales at the Deer Initiative and was first introduced to shooting aged 10.
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Head of training and education
Salary: Circa £50,000 Location: Home-based with weekly attendance at Marford Mill Reporting to: Executive director of shooting and operations Closing date: 9 August 2026 Reference: HOTE/JULY/2026 Role information As head of an important and busy department, this role requires inspirational leadership to oversee the planning, direction and management of the association’s training, education and coaching.