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BASC Council elections and AGM

Elections to BASC Council and notice of Annual General Meeting 2025

As a BASC member, you can play your part in ensuring the association benefits from the best possible governance by voting in this year’s council elections.

An election pack is included within your March/April copy of Shooting and Conservation magazine – please keep it safe as you need it to be able to vote. It includes your unique security code, which is needed for online voting, a ballot form, instructions on how to vote to elect your representative to BASC Council and a pre-paid envelope. 

Should you misplace your unique security code, you can request a new one directly from the scrutineer who can be contacted on 0345 209 3770. You will be asked to provide your full name, address and membership number.

There are seven candidates standing for two national seats and one candidate standing for one Northern Ireland seat. All votes must be submitted by Monday 19 May at 7.30pm.

Meet your candidates

National seats

Ann Shepherd

Ann Shepherd

Robert Gooch

Robert Gooch

Lydia Castellano

Lydia Castellano

Carl Woodall

Carl Woodall

Tom Garner

Tom Garner

John Bates

John Bates

Dr Al Gabriel

Dr Al Gabriel

Northern Ireland

Alan Morrow

Alan Morrow

How to vote

You can vote for your candidates online at ballot.ukevote.uk/basc or by returning the freepost ballot form included within your copy of Shooting and Conservation magazine.

All votes must be submitted by 7.30pm on Monday 19 May 2025.

Both members in a BASC joint membership category can vote. Only one set of voting papers is included in March/April copy of Shooting and Conservation magazine for the primary member. Joint members will receive their set of ballot papers by direct mail. 

If you haven’t received your voting papers by Friday 21 March, please contact the independent scrutineers’ election team by email at basc@uk-engage.org or by telephone on 0345 209 3770.

The election results will be announced at the BASC AGM on 22 May 2025.

BASC Annual General Meeting 2025

The BASC AGM 2025 will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 22 May at BASC Head Office, Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham LL12 0HL. Doors will open at 6.30pm for registration.

Directions to Marford Mill can be obtained via the BASC website (basc.org.uk)

Provisional agenda

•Apologies for absence
•President’s address
•Chief executive’s address
•Chairman’s report
•Adoption of the annual report and audited financial statement for year end 31 December 2024
•Elections
•Motions for debate
•Appointment of auditors 2025/26
•Any other business by leave of the chair

NB. Members attending the AGM must carry proof of membership and may also be required to prove their identity. Entry may be refused to any person who fails to fulfil this requirement.

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© 2025 British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Registered Office: Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL – Registered Society No: 28488R. BASC is a trading name of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 311937.

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Ann ShepherdAnn Shepherd

West Yorkshire
Proposed by DG Elgie
Seconded by J Scott

For many years, I have enjoyed clay and game shooting and have more recently developed an interest in deer stalking. I am part of a ladies’ roving syndicate, which began in 2005 after a BASC training day—the rest is history! I have encouraged like-minded ladies to follow their dreams and have organised local clay shoots, which led them to join BASC alongside their families.

Professionally, I was an environmental science and rural studies schoolteacher for ten years. The opportunity to join a special needs school in 1990 initiated my journey in this field of education. I became a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and deputy head. I am experienced in child protection both in and out of school. I am also a regional lead for the Pony Club and an Equestrian Safeguarding Officer, disseminating countrywide online learning. This is of increasing relevance in an organisation that promotes activities for young people.

I have always had a passion for empowering people of all ages, whatever their life experiences and challenges, and encouraging their enjoyment of the countryside. I developed a range of activities in schools nationally, including volunteering at Countryside Live days, rural studies events, and Estate Environmental days. Some of our special educational needs students have attended BASC Young Shots days, where parents and carers were present, and the children loved every minute. Both families and children were challenged, often well outside their comfort zones emotionally, physically, and socially. However, with the sensitive encouragement of BASC staff and reasonable adjustments, anything is possible. As a BASC council member, I will continue to promote inclusivity, which I consider central to the social licence so crucial to our sport’s future.

As a long-term BASC volunteer, I helped set up the BASC chill tent at the Harrogate show – a wonderful opportunity for all ages to share stories of their exploits in shooting and countryside pursuits, celebrating BASC membership while having a cup of Yorkshire tea. Council must encourage and enhance the well-being of our members, listen and respond to their concerns, expand our activities, and increase our membership.

This year, I was delighted to receive the BASC Women in Shooting Award.

As a BASC Council member, I will use my professional leadership role. I have substantial experience in strategic oversight: as assistant/deputy head for 25 years, I was responsible for ensuring that our students’ individual needs were fully supported and protected, and most importantly, that they had a voice. I led joint work with the local authority, NHS, social services, and the police. I was the district commissioner for the Rockwood Pony Club for eight years and am now the club president.

Therefore, I will be able to contribute to and support BASC, particularly in respect of high-level lobbying. I recognize that it is vital to defend the shooting community from the many challenges that come our way.

Robert GoochRobert Gooch

Suffolk
Proposed by A Stephenson
Seconded by G Leeks

I enjoy rough shooting, driven game, wildfowling, pigeon shooting, deer stalking and picking up. I am passionate about making use of all the wild meat harvested in the field, and this led me to start a business processing and marketing game meat in 2000.

My company is a regular participant and occasional winner of BASC’s Eat Game Awards, and if elected, one of my aims would be to help the BASC Council and the executives create a sustainable future for game meat. As an ambassador of the Country Food Trust, my company has helped raise considerable funds to promote game meat, and I hope to assist BASC with its wild food objectives and campaigns.

I am a farmer’s son with degrees in agricultural science, agricultural economics and business management. I spent 13 years as the chief executive of an agricultural trade association, reporting to a council, so I am familiar with the responsibilities of a council member and a non-executive director. If elected, I would empower the executives to deliver on the council’s agreed objectives, providing support and assistance whenever required.

As a BASC member of some 36 years, I have been impressed with the association’s evolution since its WAGBI days. If elected, I would support BASC in continuing to evolve while protecting and enhancing its credibility through the power base of its members, staff and council.

Lydia CastellanoLydia Castellano

Surrey
Proposed by J Abrahams
Seconded by C Dewhurst

I have experienced the success of BASC firsthand, as my love of shooting was first nurtured through my interactions with the association many years ago. I am committed to promoting sustainable shooting and conservation in all areas of my work, where I have a proven record of advocacy and leadership. My experience working in politics, paired with my role as founder of the Women in Westminster Shooting Club, offers a rare combination of political insight, communications expertise and genuine commitment to the countryside and its traditions – qualities that make me an ideal candidate for BASC Council.

My roles working with MPs have made me adept at responding to fast-paced political environments, managing communications strategies and building relationships with cross-party stakeholders. These roles have included strategic decision-making, managing large budgets and briefing on policy affecting conservation, firearms licensing and wider rural affairs. My experience makes me well placed to provide informed and effective input in council meetings, while contributing to the development and delivery of BASC’s strategic objectives.

I founded the Women in Westminster Shooting Club with advice from BASC’s own advocates for women’s shooting. This club has brought over 75 women – many new to the sport – to shooting, educating politicians, policymakers, parliamentarians and journalists about the importance of shooting and the countryside at a time when education is more important than ever. This advocacy ensures that decision-makers are fully informed, and by creating a group with this aim, I demonstrate my commitment to increasing access to, and understanding of, sustainable shooting.

As vice chairman of a political rural forum, I have built strong relationships with stakeholders in parliament and rural organisations, and I advise on policy affecting shooting and the countryside. This experience strengthens my ability to represent BASC’s interests and advance its agenda effectively. I bring a fresh, forward-thinking perspective and a determination to engage younger audiences, including more women, in shooting. I have seen BASC’s success personally, and it is something I sincerely care about. BASC’s work matters deeply to me. I am committed to achieving its strategic outcomes, particularly diversifying membership and making shooting recognised as a leading force for practical conservation – not least within government.

My experience in communications and strategic campaigns would enhance BASC’s public profile and credibility. I have directly supported BASC at The Game Fair and collaborated with BASC Women in Shooting to promote the sport. My knowledge of political and conservation issues, combined with a record of leadership and advocacy, makes me well equipped to help BASC strengthen government support and reinforce its reputation as the leading voice for shooting and conservation.

If elected, I will conduct myself with integrity and an energetic, proactive commitment to BASC’s aims. I will work to ensure that council decisions are forward-thinking, enabling us to take on future challenges while protecting the traditions and values of sustainable shooting.

Carl WoodallCarl Woodall

West Midlands
Proposed by JR Gwinnett
Seconded by A Browne

I have been a member of BASC for almost 38 years. I started work as a YTS trainee with the Forestry Commission, then gamekeeper and after a few years retrained as an arborist, running my own tree surgery business. I joined the police service at 27. I also have a business interest that allows me to run my own pest control business. This is in readiness for the end of my police career.

I have had the honour of previously serving on BASC Council. At times, this is entertaining, difficult and rewarding, as meetings can be long and lively since we don’t all see eye to eye. I truly believe that the decisions made over the past few years will help keep us all shooting into the future. I am fully aware not all members like all of these or agree. During my time on council, I became chair of the stalking committee, which is everything deer and boar related. I enjoy this role, as stalking has become my passion.

I was brought up in the urban West Midlands, and through Scouts and friends, I was introduced to lurchers and ferrets, progressing to air rifles. At 16, I acquired my shotgun certificate and purchased my first shotgun, and then later an FAC and a first rifle. Over time, I have been fortunate to have shot most disciplines and species, from vermin and pests to partridges, pheasants, and by invitation, even grouse, which is still a very clear memory.

Throughout my life, I have prided myself on honesty, fairness and standing up for what is right. I have a proven record of good communication skills. I have shown that I can investigate, research, and analyse information and work to schedules. I firmly believe in the BASC vision, mission and strategy, and I have, and will continue to, work towards these outcomes, as I have previously. However, I do not just sit and nod at council. I question the papers and information provided to us for decision making. There are many who wish to see the end of shooting, field sports and our way of life. I am not afraid of taking the fight to our enemies in person or on social media.

Tom GarnerTom Garner

Devon
Proposed by A Fell
Seconded by WJ Wilding

With over 20 years of practical experience in deer management and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable shooting practices, I bring a unique combination of operational expertise, public engagement and strategic governance understanding. My work in conservation, education and stakeholder collaboration aligns seamlessly with BASC’s mission. I am eager to contribute as a council member.

I have a long-standing career managing deer populations and the venison supply chain, embracing field-to-fork practices, including harvesting, processing and marketing venison as a premium, sustainable food source. I also lead initiatives in woodland and squirrel control, devising strategies to enhance woodland biodiversity.

Working alongside commercial forestry operations, I balance wildlife conservation with economic sustainability. I lead a team of volunteer deer managers and oversee recreational shooters assisting in pest and vermin control, involving careful planning, communication and allocation of work areas to meet conservation goals.

In my public-facing role, I promote shooting sports and conservation through school visits and professional chef courses at the Ashburton Cookery School. I educate diverse audiences about deer management, sustainable meat production and the ecological importance of responsible shooting practices. My collaboration with executive chefs has promoted venison and game as high-quality, sustainable food options.

At Clinton Devon Estates, my role on the health, safety and wellbeing board has provided me with insight into corporate governance, compliance management, and strategic decision-making. I collaborate across departments like agriculture, conservation and forestry. I maintain positive relationships with regulatory bodies, including Devon and Cornwall Police’s firearms licensing department, reflecting my focus on compliance, safety and best practices.

I have collaborated with the Devon Wildlife Trust on conservation projects and broadened my perspective on species rewilding during a visit to Bavaria to study habitat management and beaver reintroduction. My experience contributed to a pragmatic approach in DWT’s reintroduced species project at Clinton Devon Estates, emphasizing provisions for future control to ensure long-term success and sustainability. Additionally, I played a crucial role in a high-profile wildlife management operation, demonstrating my ability to coordinate efforts effectively while adhering to ethical and regulatory standards and maintaining confidentiality.

Immersed in shooting and conservation since childhood as the son of Cadbury’s head forester, I became a BASC member at age ten. Married to my wife Rachel for 23 years, we have three teenage children who share our passions; our eldest son is a full-time gamekeeper.

I run a syndicate shoot in the Otter Valley, where I prioritise sustainable practices while fostering a sense of community. My military service in the Royal Marines equipped me with leadership and teamwork skills that I bring to all aspects of my work.

As a BASC member for over three decades, I deeply value the organisation’s role in promoting sustainable shooting, influencing policy and educating the public. With my blend of field expertise, public engagement and governance experience, I am well-positioned to advocate for members and contribute to BASC’s strategic direction.

Together, we can uphold the traditions of shooting while fostering a responsible and progressive future for conservation and sustainable practices.

John BatesJohn Bates

Gloucestershire
Proposed by J Trevers
Seconded by M Stevens

BASC is fuelled by a vibrant membership. For our voice to be heard by policymakers, and to influence the direction of the association, a few people are lucky to be elected to the BASC Council. That’s important because members and the staff need to shape the future of shooting together. Those of us with the time, relevant knowledge and enthusiasm to work on behalf of everyone else, supporting BASC’s executives, are precious and welcomed.

As a keen member of a ‘do it yourself’ syndicate in Gloucestershire, and a part of the association for many years, I have my feet firmly on the ground. I’m also a communications professional and I can add value to BASC’s team by helping manage big issues. The countryside is generally not well understood by politicians or urban-living people. The vocal minority pressure groups who don’t approve of shooting lobby hard against us. As BASC members, we must be equally committed to securing our future.

For over 30 years I have worked with senior people to influence results, negotiating with decision makers, government and the opposition, and have useful skills having crafted arguments to counter critics. I have extensive experience of the private and public sectors, delivering change and helping people understand the importance of a particular viewpoint.

Please take a moment to vote for me, as I’m motivated and capable of ensuring we are actively forward-looking to fend off those who mean us harm. Critics are relentless in their attempts to demonise those who participate in shooting, which could result in rural communities suffering job losses and wider economic damage. Many families and businesses benefit from a thriving shooting sector, and this should not be overlooked by Westminster or the devolved administrations.

Whatever your politics, whether you are a rough shooter, wildfowler, involved with deer management, a member like me of an informal syndicate or something bigger, enjoy beating or working your dog, you will know that shooting faces turbulent times. The debate about self-regulation or mandatory curbs is just one of many difficult conversations we need to be part of, and I can help our association operate to a strategy fit for the future.

A few times I have written in Shooting and Conservation magazine about my passion for shooting, the friends I have made, and the wonderful food resulting from shooting. I’m certain that growing the association’s ranks and share of voice, helping it communicate about the social benefits and great practical conservation work is the way forward.

Dr Al GabrielDr Al Gabriel

West Yorkshire
Proposed by C Jacoby
Seconded by D Wright

For over a decade, I have been a dedicated member of BASC, an honour I deeply cherish. I currently serve on BASC Council, where I chair both the deer committee and the pensions committee. I am also a member of the executive and finance committee. I have dedicated the past decade to research into childhood cancers within academia, followed by a transition to the NHS. I am a regular contributor to Shooting Times, Gun Trade News, and the Fieldsport Britain YouTube Channel.

As an avid deer stalker and a passionate advocate for women and diversity within the shooting community, I have witnessed BASC navigate numerous challenges during my tenure on the council. These include significant regulatory hurdles, mounting political pressure, Covid-19 pandemic, avian influenza, persistent attacks from anti-shooting organisations and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. These experiences have instilled in me a profound understanding of the critical role BASC plays in safeguarding our shooting heritage and promoting responsible practices. I firmly believe that no other organisation possesses the expertise, resources, or unwavering dedication to champion the interests of shooting at the level that BASC does.

If re-elected, I pledge to continue the unwavering fight for the future of shooting, ensuring it remains an integral part of our way of life while simultaneously promoting diversity and conservation. This endeavour is far from complete, and there is much more work to be done. My primary focus will be on expanding our membership base, strengthening our influence within government and significantly bolstering our fighting fund to effectively address the challenges that lie ahead. As a current council member, I am acutely aware of the responsibilities entrusted to me and I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to championing shooting and engaging in constructive dialogue on the future of our sport and our membership.

I am an advocate for women within the shooting community, recognising the vital role they play in expanding our reach and fostering a more inclusive environment. I believe that shooting suffers from a misconstrued public image, and it is incumbent upon us to educate the general public and dispel any misconceptions. The encouraging rise in female participation in shooting underscores the progress that has been made. I am committed to ensuring this momentum continues.

Serving on the BASC Council over the past five years has been an immense privilege. My background as a scientist, former Territorial Army soldier, field sports columnist and current council member provides me with a unique blend of skills and experiences. I have a proven track record of leadership and a commitment to holding the executives accountable for their actions. My existing knowledge of the organisation, its ongoing initiatives, and its constitutional framework will enable me to contribute effectively from day one. I am deeply honoured by the prospect of continuing to collaborate with our members, dedicated staff, volunteers and fellow council members, whom I hold in the highest regard.

Alan Morrow

Co Londonderry
Proposed by J Hetherington
Seconded by M Stinson

I have been a BASC member for 26 years and have served on the BASC NI Committee for the past ten years. I am the chairman of the North West Gun Club, a BASC-affiliated club of which I have been a member for over 35 years. Being actively involved in these organisations over the years has given me real insight and understanding of issues impacting small gun clubs and syndicates.

While experienced in most forms of rough and game shooting, it is walked-up woodcock shooting alongside my springer spaniel that gives me the greatest pleasure. My interest in shooting and country sports began in childhood, when a real treat for me was being allowed to accompany my late dad and his friends out rough shooting. Although it seemed a lifetime waiting to be old enough to get my own firearms certificate and join in, the seed was sown, and I have been passionate about shooting ever since. It was during this early introduction to shooting that many values and standards regarding the countryside were instilled in me, especially those regarding gun safety, respect for quarry and moderation – apart from predator control, I only kill what is going to end up on the table. In addition to shooting, I am a keen angler and actively participate in my local club, Coleraine Anglers’ Association, where I am a director and long-standing treasurer.

I am a science graduate with an MSc in environmental management and a professional member of the Institute of Agricultural Management. I have spent my entire working life in the agricultural industry. Partially retired now, I work as a manager in the countryside management unit of the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs. During my career, I have had a lead role in developing several environmental management training programs and codes of practice for farmers and others, which targeted improved working practices in the countryside. That experience provided me with many opportunities to work with a range of stakeholders at all levels, including many with different priorities and aspirations.

In my view, the challenge for BASC in protecting shooting sports has never been greater than now, operating within a very changed political landscape and at a time when land management policy is shifting in response to climate change and food security issues. Although these changes will undoubtedly present new challenges for the shooting community, I am convinced that new opportunities will also arise, especially where best practice and sustainability can clearly be demonstrated. To avail of these BASC, as the flagship organisation in protecting shooting sports, will need to become increasingly agile, taking regional circumstances and views into consideration.

If elected, I believe that my proven track record of working with others in achieving positive outcomes, especially where ambitions and approaches to complex matters differ, is a quality that I can usefully bring to Council.

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