The History of the Fair

This year we are celebrating our Silver Jubilee on Sunday 12th September 2010.

Frampton Country Fair was established in its current format in 1986. Previously the Gloucestershire Wildfowlers Association (GWA) held a Sports field day at Frampton in the early 1970’s and another at Whitminster in the late 70’s.

When I joined the Committee of the GWA I decided it would be a good idea to establish an annual country fair, with a view to establishing a welcoming and hands on approach to the countryside, open to all ages and backgrounds. I first discussed the idea with Rollo Clifford with a hope that we could use the estate at Frampton. Rollo was very enthusiastic and gave consent to use the area around the gravel washer area.

The first Frampton Country Sports Fair took place on 21st September 1986 and I continued as organiser for six years at which time the fair needed more time than I could give it.  After some discussion with Rollo it was agreed that the estate office would run it. At this time it relocated to the polo ground in front of the Court where it continues to grow and flourish on the theme “The Living Working Countryside” since it encompasses all that is truly great about the countryside. The fair is also a major fund raiser for many locally based and national charities as it distributes all profits. Long may it continue.

Paul Walkden
Steward

“Tales of the Frampton Country Fair - The First 25 Years” 

A book of memories and anecdotes of many of those involved in the first 25 years of the Frampton Country Fair is being produced by Caroline Ractliffe (Fair Secretary 1992-2000) in collaboration with those involved past and present. Caroline will contact many of those who have been involved with the Fair to record their memories. If you feel you have some special tales to tell, Caroline would be delighted to hear from you by email caroline@bowlofbeauty.co.uk or mobile telephone: 07770 450321.