Graham Downing, a stalwart in the shooting, field sports and countryside sectors, has announced his decision to retire from his role as secretary of the British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) later this year.
Graham, who has dedicated over forty years to various prominent organisations including BASC, CLA and the Countryside Alliance, plans to spend more time on his farm.
Throughout his illustrious career, Downing has navigated the complex political landscape of the countryside, facing significant challenges such as the Hungerford and Dunblane tragedies and controversies surrounding hunting with hounds. He has been instrumental in advocating for improvements in firearms licensing to benefit ordinary shooters and has consistently engaged in strategic discussions with civil servants, police and politicians through a process he describes as “quiet diplomacy.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Graham noted, “In a world of almost constant change it is not easy to maintain the status quo, and where we have succeeded in doing so, or even in making a few small but significant changes for the better, it has always been through careful and painstaking discussion.”
With a new government in place, Downing emphasised the ongoing need for the BSSC to prepare the groundwork to ensure the sector is recognised as a voice of knowledge, experience, and reason. He expressed confidence in the BSSC’s continued role in uniting the shooting community and advocating effectively at national and international levels.
As he prepares to hand over his responsibilities, Downing conveyed his best wishes to his successor, underscoring the importance of continuity in leadership to maintain the momentum gained over decades of advocacy and engagement. The BSSC, known for representing a broad spectrum of shooting and collecting organisations, remains a pivotal entity in the dialogue around shooting sports and rights within the UK.
In our next issue, we’ll sit down with Graham to discuss his extensive career and the insights he has garnered over the years.
You can read the full September 2024 issue below:
