Displays and Attractions

Simon Whitehead is a unique character amongst modern day Britain, if not the world. He is one of a small band of people that make their entire living from rabbits. He is a traditional warrener and author of many books which include the acclaimed ‘Ahead of the Game’. This is a book that delves into the history, harvest, preparation and cooking of wild rabbit. This forms the provenance of his demonstrations which are both educational and amusing!

 

In-between demonstrations Simon, his ferrets and dogs are on hand for interaction with the public and the static display is always a hive of activity as they are many questions to be answered, ferrets to be held and stories to be told. As ferreting is normally carried out in unsociable surroundings and often in solitude, Simon uses the arena demonstrations and static display to explain and illustrate why ferreting in the true sense of the word with ferreter, their ferret’s, dog and nets are fast becoming a more sought-after figure in the countryside and towns of the UK. The ferreter is the epitome of the organic and environmentally friendly hunter/gatherer and as such a supplier of first class organic, free range meat for the table. The world is moving on, technology is changing our society, but it is refreshing to find Simon trying to not only make people realise and understand why we ferret but more importantly, get newcomers into the countryside to continue such a fine tradition.

 

A raconteur of some repute, Simon can display, demonstrate and educate this traditional craft that has survived the growth in technology, showing why the Pakefield Ferrets motto of “ensuring the tradition of ferreting IS continued for further generations” is long remembered after the show has closed.