'The show will go on' for country folk

RUMOURS that the Cornwall and Devon Countryman's Fair could be coming to an end have been denied by its organiser.

The popular fair is said to be the biggest one day bi-annual event of its kind in the West Country and is run entirely for charitable and sporting causes within the grounds of Werrington Park near Launceston.

High flier: The Imps motorbike display team in action at the Countryman's Fair. Picture: Paul Hamlyn
The parade of hounds at the Countryman's Fair.
A cheque was presented to SSAFA and Help for Heroes by Mike Bickell at the Countryman's Fair to Brigadier Robert Tailyour SSAFA Devon Branch and Caroline Day of Help for Heroes following Mike's charity horse ride to Buckingham Palace from Lifton in June this year. Pictured back left are Deborah Kivell Harriette Kivell, Amanda Delly, Heather Parr. The money raised was divided equally between the two charities.
Pictured from left, at South West Equine Protection, are Elizabeth Dawson, Alison Rich, Lottie and Emily Dawson, Kat Rich with pony Caramel.
More action from The Imps motor bike display team.

Landowner Michael Williams, who has been involved with the event for the past 25 years, said he foresaw the event continuing, but with new management in the future.

“ I think I will be letting go of it in the future, not in the sense I do not want to have it here, but rather for someone else to take over the responsibility, ” said Mr Williams.

The “bureaucratic burden” of the event was increasing and some of the people involved were reaching retirement age.

“ There are a lot of key players who have been doing this with me and are getting past it, and I do not think I have the steam to put together another team”, said Mr Williams. Despite the wet weather during the late afternoon of this year's event the day attracted plenty of spectators and offered something for everyone, although the second appearance of the Docklands Honda Imps Motorcycle Display team had to be cancelled due to the bad weather.

However, events including the Mounted Games Association of Great Britain, the Eagle and Vulture Show and a massed parade of hounds enthralled the crowds.

Elsewhere, fly casting, clay pigeon shooting and gun dog competitions were to be found along with archery, vintage cars, ferrets plus lurcher racing and crafts and country skills. Although it was too early to say how much money has been raised by the event, Mr Williams explained that the Children's Hospice Southwest Precious Lives Appeal would be a principal recipient of proceeds from the event, which will also benefit other charities.

However, Mr Williams said despite the weather the gate figures had been well up with the best they had had in the past –a lthough not a record –and estimated between 7,000 and 8,000 people had attended on the day.