Graham Downing, a stalwart in the shooting, fieldsports, and countryside sectors, has announced his decision to retire as secretary of the British Shooting Sports Council (BSSC) later this year. With over 40 years of service to notable organizations like BASC, CLA, and the Countryside Alliance, Downing now plans to spend more time on his farm.
Throughout his distinguished career, Downing has navigated significant challenges in the political landscape of the countryside, including the aftermath of the Hungerford and Dunblane tragedies and controversies around hunting with hounds. He played a key role in advocating for improvements in firearms licensing and engaged in strategic discussions with civil servants, police, and politicians, often through a process of “quiet diplomacy.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Graham remarked, “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 stressed the continued importance of the BSSC in ensuring that the shooting sector remains recognized as a voice of knowledge, experience, and reason. He expressed confidence in the council’s future role in uniting the shooting community and advocating on both national and international stages.
As he prepares to step down, Downing extended his best wishes to his successor, emphasizing the need for continuity in leadership to sustain the progress achieved over decades of advocacy. The BSSC, representing a broad array of shooting and collecting organizations, remains a key entity in discussions surrounding shooting sports and rights in the UK.
In our next issue, we will sit down with Graham to discuss his career and the insights he has gained throughout his years of service.