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A
visit to Chatsworth Country Fair
 I
always feel privileged and kind of proud when I visit Chatsworth, maybe
it's because this lovely estate is on my doorstep or perhaps some of
the majesty just rubs off - but a visit to Chatsworth is always special.
Early Saturday morning I joined the traffic queues flooding into the
stately grounds, I thought I might have missed the crowds by being early,
but alas - everyone else had the same idea. Not to worry, the County
Fair has a huge amount of space allocated to it, so parking wasn't a
problem.
At this stage I've got to say the event wasn't just angling - nope -
this was a country fair in the true sense - everything connected to
the countryside was here for you to enjoy. With over 300 trade stands
and rural craft displays - there was something for everyone - and to
be honest there was just too much!
  Of
course the first port of call for me was the angling section - with
lots of fly-fishers in attendance and the dependable Salmon and Trout
Association giving everyone the chance to have a go at casting a fly.
There was a dozen or so casting instructors, all of them kept busy by
'wannabe' fluff chuckers. If you've never tried fly-casting, give it
a go, it isn't as easy as it looks.
I must admit fly-fishing is a passion of mine, while fly tying is a
frustrating hobby that one day I will master... maybe.
But it was good just to wander around and meet up with old friends and
pick-up the gossip and banter from all the exhibitors.
Moving on into the main section of the fair, I was impressed by the
layout and organisation - I wasn't wandering aimlessly, all the stands
were well laid out and grouped together, making exploration easy. Well
fairly easy, by 11am the sun was scorching and the crowds had filled
the isles and everyone was in a carnival mood. Mums, Dads, kids
and the dogs were bustling along picking up some great bargains and
getting a chance to try their hand at various crafts and activities.
Throughout both the Saturday and Sunday events were held in the main
show ring - dog shows, horses, parachutists, hot air balloons, marching
bands the list goes on. The only problem was deciding what to watch
and when! It's quite a dilemma - do you stand and watch the Band of
the Brigade of Gurkhas or do you wander over to the country clothing
stand and try on that waterproof jacket you spotted...it's a hard life!
Something for everyone is a phrase commonly used - but it rang true
here at Chatsworth, I've never seen so many interesting and different
trade stands, so many dogs, shooters and green wellies - a proper country
fair - as we say in Derbyshire.
Be prepared
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, a shooting-stick or lightweight
collapsible chair is a good idea, I felt as if I'd walked for miles
and I probably did. I must learn to pace myself more!
Immensely enjoyable, very entertaining and very well organised with
lots to see and do and combined with a backdrop of England's finest
stately home, could you ask for more?
See you there next year.
Kevin Miles
Editor
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