The autumn British Eventing fixture is always an exciting time of the year with a flurry of final events before everyone goes into hibernation for the winter.
As many competitors will know, Aldon near Yeovil Somerset used to host the International event. It was always a highlight for many BE competitors finishing their season with the BE100 3 Day or even stepping up to a 2* or 3*.
Sadly, the land at Aldon was sold in 2018 which meant the fixture had to move locations. You can read more about my Ode to Aldon here.
Thankfully Helen West & her amazing team at Bicton offered & embraced hosting this exciting International event in Devon. Now in its second year, Bicton Arena International 2019 24th – 27th October 2019 is all set to see out the end of the 2019 British Eventing fixture calendar in style.
I caught up with Meg Cleal Managing Director of PURE Estate Management who will actively be involved in Bicton International this autumn as a sponsor to get the low down. Country Bumpkin Chic first met the PURE team at Nunney Horse Trials & loved how they brought something a bit different & more personal to a local horse trials.
Hi Meg, & welcome to Country Bumpkin Chic….
First off, tell us a bit about PURE…
PURE Estate Management is a local independent agent covering all aspects of Estate Agency. We’re a hybrid, office based agent, which allows us to focus more time on you, without being yet another agent flooding the High Street! This means we have flexibility built into our business model and it also makes our outgoings less, allowing us to pass savings on to you – the client.
Here at PURE our message is simple – everything we do is “driven by you…”
We’re able to offer bespoke property services to all our clients, ensuring we are listening to your needs and meeting your expectations.
And how did PURE get involved in the eventing scene?
PURE got involved with the eventing scene because each of the Directors of the business had a personal connection to the sport in some way. For Ryan & Ella it was their Grandfather ‘George of Aldon’ and for me Meg, it was once a much-loved hobby throughout her younger years, so being able to be a part of the eventing world was something that we could all relate too.
We decided to look for possible links into the sport and decided to focus on local independent rising stars of the eventing world, specifically riders who were based local to us. This is where we found Aaron Millar & Rosie Fry. We’re incredibly proud to have them both on board as PURE ambassadors and have great pleasure in following their progress through the ranks.
What does it mean to you & PURE to be involved in Bicton International?
“Once we had met with Helen and Beccy it became clear that their passion for the sport and everything and everyone surrounding it. PURE is built on the idea of people and communities. The estate agency industry is full of huge companies clogging up the High Streets of our once beautiful towns, driving rent prices up and keeping good businesses out.
Bicton for me share this ethos in their own way, yes there are bigger brasher events to go too, but finding one better run with more passionate people for whom the eventing world is more about looking after one another than money, I think not.
We are very proud to support Bicton and we will continue to do so into 2020 and beyond” Ryan Smith
What will PURE’s involvement be at Bicton this October?
PURE is proudly sponsoring a fence within the BE100 class at this year international, alongside the start box on the Cross Country where all competitors will start their cross-country journey.
We’ll also have a trade stand / office set up at the event where we’ll be hosting our Sponsored Rider – Rosie Fry & Aaron Millar and their teams, plus catching up with their owners with a round up of this seasons eventing!
And not forgetting PURE will be co-hosting the End of Season Party with Bicton Arena – we will be serving the welcome drinks and introducing you all to the PURE team!
Tell us about the fab trophy for the 3* class in dedication to George?
Ryan & Ella Smith have a personal reason for presenting the trophy, “For us it is a small way of keeping my Grandfather’s name in and around the sport he so dearly loved.”
George of Aldon (Ryan’s Grandfather), was an incredible man who dedicated his retirement to managing the Aldon Estate and everything involved with it. For over 30 years George gave his all to Aldon, from pony club meets, to building international level courses, to school cross country races, the dog walking scheme and not forgetting the day to day upkeep for the general public using it in between.
He loved nothing more than to be out and about in his infamous land rover seeing the many people enjoying what Aldon had to offer. If ever he wasn’t up at the Round House you could be sure to hear Nan telling you “he’s over Aldon!”.
Where will your fave spot be to watch the XC action from?
We’re super excited to be sponsoring the start box and can’t wait to see the atmosphere and action taking place over the weekend- we expect to see lots of excited horses and riders down there.
Our jump on the BE100 course is also set to be a cracking spot to watch your favourite competitors. If you do see us on the xc course, please do come over a say hello!
If we want to meet you & the PURE team, where can we find you?
Some of the PURE team will be at Bicton from the Wednesday and will be there for the remainder of the event! We’ll be located in the shopping area above the show jumping arena – you won’t miss us just look out for the very large PURE flags!
What plans do you have for the weekend on the stand?
We will have free refreshments, competitions, freebies, Rosie Fry will be with us on Sunday to do a course walk, meet and greet – keep an eye on our social media channels for more info!
What else are you looking forward to over the Bicton International weekend?
We’re looking forward being able to connect with our local independent businesses like Hiho Silver, Chatham Footwear and Salcombe Gin. We’ll get chance to catch up with our ambassadors and their owners, will be having lunch on the stand with old and new clients, working from a different location for the week and of course hosting the End of Season party.
How do we get an invite to the End of Season Party?
We’re very proud to be co-hosting the End of Season party of the year alongside Bicton Arena.
Tickets are available to purchase from us on the trade stand or with Helen & Beccy from Bicton Arena. The tickets are £10 which include entrance and a Hog Roast roll. The amazing Riveria Dogs are booked to entertain everyone with some upbeat music to dance the night away.
And for those who can’t make it to Bicton International, how can we stay in the loop of all the action?
You can stay in the loop with PURE – be sure to follow us across our social media channels:
Instagram @PureEstateManagement
Facebook – Pure Estate Management
If you’d like to find out more about PURE & how they can help you with selling or letting a property or even finding your ideal property get in touch with Meg – meg@pureestatemanagement.co.uk / 0800 540 4035 / 07849069879 / www.pureestatemanagement.co.uk
