BASC’s top honours awarded at The Game Fair

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July 26, 2025

BASC celebrated the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations at its annual honours and awards ceremony earlier today, 26 July, at The Game Fair at Ragley Hall.

From conservation champions and pioneering educators to long-serving volunteers and innovative game meat ambassadors, BASC’s annual honours and awards recognise those who have made a lasting impact on shooting sports and wildlife conservation in the UK.

BASC chairman, Eoghan Cameron, said: “It’s a privilege to recognise those who embody everything BASC stands for – passion, dedication and responsibility. Whether they’ve shaped policy, educated young people or preserved our landscapes and sporting heritage, each recipient has made an indelible mark on our community. These honours reflect not only their individual achievements, but also the strength of our collective mission.”

2025 award winners

Honorary Vice President

Lieutenant Colonel Sir Anthony Charles Richards KCVO, DL

A BASC member since 1991, Lt Col Richards (pictured top with BASC president The Marquess of Hamilton – left – and BASC chairman Eoghan Cameron – right) has been a dedicated supporter of the association, serving as a trusted advisor and maintaining vital links with the Royal Household. With decades of service as equerry to Queen Elizabeth II and Deputy Master of the Household, his guidance has been instrumental in representing BASC’s interests to the monarchy.

Ian Grindy

A BASC member for more than 40 years, Ian served as a member of BASC Council for a number of years and was chair of BASC’s gamekeeping committee. During his esteemed career in gamekeeping and estate management, Ian has helped shape national shooting policy as chair of the Gamekeepers’ Advisory Committee. In addition to his role as a Trustee of the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust, he is an author and wildlife management expert, contributed to Code of Good Shooting Practice and enhanced the public’s education of sustainable land stewardship.

Honorary Life Member

Dr Mike Swan

For more than 40 years, Mike has been a leading voice in game management and conservation through his work at the GWCT. A revered and respected author, speaker and practitioner, Mike is a role model for sustainable shooting. He runs his own conservation-focused wild game shoot in Dorset, integrating predator control, habitat management and conservation work. A true countryman, Mike is also a dedicated wildfowler, angler and deerstalker.

Prince Philip Distinguished Service Award

Chris Green

Passionate wildfowler Chris has been a BASC member for more than 30 years. He has used his outstanding ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and ages to bring shooting to life for the general public through demos, DVDs and media appearances.

Wayne Tuffin

A gamekeeper for more than 25 years, Wayne brought together a conglomerate of investors to rescue and revive Willo Game. His efforts transformed the fortunes of the company, driving progress to make Willo Game one of the UK’s leading game meat processors and exporters which employs a team of more than 35 people. His vision and leadership was rewarded when the company won the King’s Award for Enterprise in 2024.

Jose Souto

As one of Britain’s foremost game chefs, Jose has guided hundreds of aspiring chefs in how to prepare and cook game during his tenure as chef lecturer at Westminster Kingsway College in London. A regular face at The Game Fair and other major shows around the country, Jose has published acclaimed cook books, and is an ardent supporter of BASC’s political and public engagement work.

Peter Catling

A member of Fenland Wildfowlers Association since 1984, Peter’s decades of service include roles 11 years as club chairman and 18 years as inland washes permit officer, in addition to marsh warden. He has been the driving force behind the club’s conservation efforts, and getting hands-on with building duck nesting tubes on club sites and championed BASC’s Sustainable Shooting Code of Practice.

Phil Fairless

A BASC volunteer for more than 15 years, Phil has transformed lives by introducing hundreds of disadvantaged and neurodivergent young people to shooting sports. He has helped individuals build confidence, discover passions and even find careers in the countryside. Phil also organises charity clay shoots and youth-focused countryside events across Northumberland and the North East.

Stanley Duncan Conservation Trophy

Preston and District Wildfowlers Association

Preston and District Wildfowlers Association (PDWA) has demonstrated exceptional commitment to conservation and nature recovery efforts. Through projects like the Hutton Marsh Wetland Initiative, BASC’s wing survey and duck nest monitoring projects, plus the BASC Wildlife Fund-supported Project Penelope and shelduck monitoring, PDWA has become a leader in promoting sustainable wildfowling, research-driven conservation work.

Payne-Gallwey Long Service Award

Peter Knox (Posthumous)

Having qualified as a BASC Shotgun Coach in August 1995, the late Peter Knox gave nearly 30 years of unwavering service as a coach. Peter’s volunteering journey with BASC began in 1966, a testament to his lifelong commitment to the sport and those who shared his passion. Helping to deliver BASC training courses for many years, Peter also played a vital role in supporting regional events, including young shots days and women in shooting initiatives.

Peter made an outstanding contribution to shooting during his life, and was honoured in 2016 with a Torch Trophy award by His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent in recognition of his dedication to the sector.

Sue Maidment

With 22 years of service to South Hampshire Wildfowlers & Conservation Association, Sue’s dedication as secretary and ambassador has ensured the smooth running and growth of the club. She has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the club and created a welcoming, supportive community for both new and existing members.

Gamekeeper of the Year

Kevin Birch

Passionate gamekeeper and countryman, Kevin was recognised for his extraordinary work in conservation and community leadership. During his 14 years at Azerley Estate, Kevin laid hedgerows by hand, reforested land, introduced cover crops and brought together volunteers to support wildlife and shooting education.

As wildlife and conservation manager on his current estate, Kevin has restored woodlands, planted miles of hedgerows, pioneered sustainable crops and founded a charity clay shoot raising funds for neonatal care.

Shotgun Coach of the Year

Phil Roughley

Described as a “great asset to BASC”, BASC Shotgun Coach Phil has tirelessly volunteered across Wales and the Central region, supporting events promoting women in shooting, young shots and community outreach. A newer coach with veteran energy, Phil has quickly become a role model and mentor.

Thank you to our generous sponsors of this award, Browning, Promatic, and Eley.

Special Presentation Award

Andy Plant

Having qualified in 2012, Andy Plant has been a BASC Shotgun Coach for 13 years. An outstanding educator who demonstrates tireless dedication and quiet leadership, Andy has made a lasting impact on the shooting community. He is a highly valued shotgun coach, generously offering his time, skill and expertise to assist BASC at shows and events across the country. Andy is highly respected by his fellow coaches and BASC staff alike and has introduced countless new people to shooting.

You can find out more about BASC honours and awards here.