Country fun for all the family (From Stroud News and Journal)

Country fun for all the family

AN EXCITING celebration of country skills took place at Frampton Country Fair on Sunday as the annual event marked its 20th anniversary.

More than 10,000 people turned out for the show despite the damp start to the day to raise funds for local good causes and countryside organisations.

In addition to the many favourites who frequent the show held at the Frampton Court Estate at Frampton-on-Severn, there were a few new stars this year.

As this is the year of Trafalgar, organisers invited the Royal Navy into the main ring to battle it out with some field gun displays from HMS Dolphin and HMS Excellent from Portsmouth.

And world fly-casting champion Hywel Morgan also drew in the crowds.

There were dog shows, and horse shows, ferret racing, tent pegging and falconry, clay shooting, and a pigeon plucking competition, as well as numerous craft displays, produce stalls and the chance to see some real farmyard animals close up.

"We were very pleased with the turnout. There was a nice flow of people all day and the field gun display was a real coup for us; everyone thought that was a huge success," said event secretary Rose Hewlett.

"We would like to say a big thank you to the police who get better and better every year at moving more than 10,000 in and out of the estate, smoothly and efficiently, which is a major undertaking."