BASC honours the late Christopher Graffius at The Game Fair

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July 27, 2026

BASC paid tribute to its former executive director of communications and public affairs, the late Christopher Graffius, at The Game Fair over the weekend.

Friday 24 July brought the launch of a new political debate held in Christopher’s name. On Saturday, his family accepted the Prince Philip Distinguished Service Award on his behalf. It is one of BASC’s highest honours, awarded posthumously in recognition of his service.

Friday: A debate born from his legacy

Friday’s debate, held in the Carter Jonas Game Fair Theatre, was hosted by Fieldsports Channel presenter Charlie Jacoby. Titled “What should the new Prime Minister do?”, the debate brought together Orlando Wind-Cowie, BASC’s relationship manager with the Labour Party, and Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Shooting and Conservation, to discuss what Andy Burnham must do to win back the countryside.

The debate ranged across the issues shaping the sector’s relationship with government, from firearms licensing and land management to the wider standing of shooting and rural life in Westminster’s priorities.

For BASC, creating a permanent platform for that debate is about more than any single government: it is a way of ensuring the countryside’s voice is heard by whoever is in power, at every instalment of The Game Fair to come. It’s the same principle Christopher spent his career fighting for.

Following the debate, Christopher’s former deputy and successor in the role of executive director of communications, Garry Doolan, said:

“Christopher taught us that the countryside only gets heard in Westminster if we understand the people we’re talking to and build the right relationships early. I felt his influence in every word that was said today. He cared deeply about getting our relationship with government right, and I hope this debate becomes a fixture of which he’d have been proud.”

Saturday: An award presented to his family

If Friday belonged to the political fight Christopher spent his career waging, Saturday belonged to his family. His daughters, Catriona and Elizabeth, were welcomed onto BASC’s main stand to collect the Prince Philip Distinguished Service Award in their father’s memory.

Presenting the award, BASC’s chief executive Ian Bell paid tribute:

“Christopher gave more than two decades of distinguished service to BASC. He became one of the most influential and well-respected voices for shooting and conservation in the UK and beyond. He shaped the association’s communications and strengthened its political engagement, and was known across the sector, in Westminster and among colleagues throughout Europe for his integrity, intellect and generosity of spirit. He was both a force of nature and a tireless champion for shooting and conservation, and BASC will be eternally grateful.”

Catriona Graffius, who collected the award alongside her sister Elizabeth, said:

“Seeing the debate held in our father’s name and collecting the award on his behalf has been deeply moving. Dad gave his life to BASC. It was a huge part of his world, and it has meant a great deal to us to see how he has been remembered this weekend. He adored his job and would have been so proud.”

The debate continues, every year

BASC intends to hold the Christopher Graffius Memorial Debate every year at The Game Fair – a fitting way to keep his commitment to the countryside’s cause alive, long after the weekend that honoured him.