Frampton Fair surpasses even its own success (From Stroud News and Journal)

Frampton Fair surpasses even its own success

FRAMPTON Park was teeming with people, dogs, ferrets, otters, rabbits, birds of prey, horses, tractors and children on Sunday at what must surely have been the biggest event in Gloucestershire this year - the Frampton Country Fair.

Set in acres of parkland against the majestic backdrop of Frampton Court, the fair this year was supported by a crowd estimated at over 12,000, including children but not counting the thousands of dogs which were not only welcomed but encouraged.

And the crowds were rewarded by immaculate organisation and literally hundreds of attractions for the whole family.

One-way traffic from the A38 to the village, supervised by an abundance of officers from Gloucestershire police, ensured that the queues of previous years were kept to a minimum and motorists were safely guided to their parking slots by members of the Round Table.

The threat of a return of foot and mouth disease necessitated every visitor having to walk over disinfectant mats before entering the park but again the queues were short.

Inside the park there were bands playing, horses jumping, otters swimming, fishermen casting flies, gunmen shooting clays, ferrets and lurchers racing, birds and arrows flying, tractors driving and food cooking.

Crowds around the main ring were feet deep as dogs showed off their skills, horses were put through their paces and ancient vehicles were gleamingly displayed.

Arena events took place almost non-stop for six hours and perhaps the most dramatic was a skillful display of tent pegging by officers of the Legion of Frontiersmen from the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, charging on their horses to spear tent pegs with lances as they passed.

From the expert commentary the crowd learnt that in days gone by the horsemen would first bring down the tents of their enemy before returning to swiftly despatch the occupants while they were floundering under canvas.

Attractions around the rest of the ground included fly fishing, gun dog displays, archery, rifle shooting (including ancient muzzle loaders), dog shows, pony rides, helicopter flights, bouncy castles, games of skill and a vast array of trade and craft stands.

The Frampton on Severn & District Silver Band and Panache steel band from Thornbury provided musical accompaniment for most of the day and refreshments of every description was available in abundance.

The weather stayed fine, children and dogs were well behaved and the stalls and trade stands did a roaring trade.

Cecil Weir, one of the event organisers, said he was delighted with the support not only of a record number of visitors but also of the traders, craftsmen, sportmen and volunteers who made the day such a success.

Proceeds from the event will be divided between local charities and organisations and countryside groups.

For the visitor is was a truly memorable day out in Gloucestershire.