Gamekeeper awarded for 50 years' service

Howard Brittain of the Bramham Park Estate has become one of just a handful of gamekeepers from throughout the country to earn a prestigious 50-year CLA Long Service Medal.

Howard started his career at the age of 15 at Sawley Hall, Ripon, where he worked for 10 years. He spent the next decade on two estates in the North East, before going to Bramham Park in 1985, where he has worked for two generations of the Lane Fox family.

Howard was nominated for his award by Nick Lane Fox, who praised his ability to manage bird rearing alongside a packed programme of events.

He said: “Howard has skillfully adapted his rearing practices over the last decade as the estate hosts up to 70,000 people each August Bank Holiday for the Leeds Festival.

“We also hold many other events throughout the year which Howard has been expert at working alongside.”

Howard was introduced to game keeping from his elder brother, Harold, who was Lord Normanby’s keeper at Mulgrave Castle near Whitby.

Howard said: “I had a chance to see the life of a gamekeeper through another family member’s eyes and from that point it was all I wanted to do. I feel very fortunate to have had 50 years of doing a job I love.”

The award was presented to Howard by CLA President Ross Murray at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Ross said: “It is a great honour to present Howard with his long service award. He has put decades of sterling service into the countryside and is a credit to his estate and local community for the role he has played in preserving our cherished landscapes.”