Nottinghamshire Country Fair raises its game for charity

One of the biggest countryside events to be organised in Nottinghamshire raised an impressive £50,000 for charity at the weekend and was deemed a fantastic success by all those attending.

Even the sun shone brightly on this important fund-raising country fair, which was organised in support of a leading wildlife research charity, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).

More than 1,000 people, including High Sheriff Nicky Weston, MP for Sherwood Mark Spencer and GWCT Chairman Ian Coghill were welcomed to North Lodge Farm, Widmerpool by Chris and Julia Butterfield who generously organised a feast of entertainment in conjunction with the Trust’s local Committee. The farm was transformed for the day into a glorious country fair complete with a spectacular main arena showcasing a huge cross-section of action-packed countryside themed displays and activities. The afternoon even included a Dakota flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

A main arena was set up in one of the pristine fields providing a host of entertainment for visitors of all ages throughout the day with top billing given to Katy Cropper, the world-famous sheepdog trainer. Falconry by Ye Old Redtail Falconry Display, a side-saddle exhibition by ‘A Bit on the Side’, the Quorn Hunt Parade of Hounds and Oakley Foot Beagles to name but a few added to the excitement and fun. Equestrian fans had the opportunity of enjoying manège events with show jumping displays and dressage proving popular with visitors. A team of magnificent Shire horses competed with vintage tractors to show-off their prowess in the ploughing demonstrations. For the shooters there were a number of competitive clay events, for steam enthusiasts a magnificent 1911 traction engine and for the car enthusiasts a stunning display of vintage and classic cars.

Chris Butterfield said, “We are thrilled that the day was so successful and that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the varied and exciting programme of events. The icing on the cake was raising so much money for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust’s important wildlife research. It was a marvellous opportunity to showcase the workings of the countryside and to highlight amongst other things how we strive to balance agriculture, rural recreation and conservation. We are indebted to the many people who helped in the preparation, on the day and who sponsored the event. It made this day very special.”

In addition to raising funds for the GWCT, Chris & Julia hosted two other charity events during the week organised by the local Cancer Research and NSPCC committees which raised a further impressive £50,000.

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Photocaptions: (1) Chris Butterfield (left) and Julia Butterfield with GWCT Chairman Ian Coghill. Julia and Chris Butterfield generously opened their farm gates to host the Nottinghamshire Charity Country Fair, which raised an impressive £50,000 for the GWCT and drew crowds of more than 1,000 people on a glorious sunny day.

(2) The Oakley Foot Beagles were a huge draw when they appeared at the Nottinghamshire Charity Country Fair in support of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

(3) More than 1,000 Visitors to the Nottinghamshire Charity Countryside Fair were entertained by a feast of wonderful demonstrations and activities, including these talented side-saddle riders.