Sticky Beak Flies In For The 2017 Chatsworth Country Fair
Published On Friday 8 Sep 2017 by Sticky Beak
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The Man Bird and I have returned from a brilliant day at the Chatsworth Country Fair. Before I go any further I’m just going to have to get something off my chest that will probably ruffle a few feathers, and for that I do apologise, but it needs saying. Today reminded me of how Bakewell Show used to be in days gone by; a proper celebration of all things rural with plenty to do for all the family, and lots of activity in the show rings to see.
The first thing that struck us both was the brilliant organisation of the car parking, both sides of the road were being used simultaneously to park visitors and there were no hiccoughs at all. As you walk from your car to the hub of it all there is a fantastic display of vintage vehicles, commercial and military, and displays of camps set up around the world in war zones (courtesy of the Military Vehicle Trust).
Our tummies were loudly letting us know that it was long past re-fuelling o’clock so we grabbed a programme from a lovely young cub scout and found our bearings. In no time at all we were tucking into a rather delicious Bacon Butty from Gourmet Hot Dogs (I know, who would’ve thought it, eh?) ; the bacon was very tasty and cut nice and thick too, just the job to get us going!
One of the first things I had spotted in the programme was the British Ferret Club enclosure. Now I know a lot of people don’t like the smell of Ferrets (it is a bit musky) and these clever little fur-beasts can be rather nibbly, but do you know what? I love them. When I was young we lived about 5 doors down from a vet and his son kept Ferrets as pets and I have fond memories of watching them frolic about and handling them myself; no doubt I had a few nips given to me but I can’t remember them, although I can still remember another friends hamster giving the end of my finger a good chomp. That blooming hurt, and to this day I’m not a hamster lover.
The Ferrets were strutting their stuff as they were judged in various categories; we watched the judging of “Best Kit”, and there were some lovely youngsters on display. When they weren’t in the show ring, the ferrets were all reclining in very comfortable looking bed hammocks and catching a quick forty winks. A lovely man had got an Albino Ferret out and was chatting away to inquisitive children and letting them have a gentle stroke of the Ferrets back; a great way to introduce children to something a little different.
As we wandered around we also came across CJ’s Birds of Prey and several species of Hawks, Falcons, Eagles, and Owls were perched for viewing. Later in the day Charlotte was giving a talk about the birds, their characters and purpose, and her passion for these beautiful birds came shining through. If these magnificent birds catch your breath too then why not get in touch at www.cjsbirdsofprey.co.uk and book on one of their experience days or falconry courses.
In the distance I could hear high-pitched whistles and as I glanced up to the hills on one side of the country fair area I could see the Sheep Dog Trials taking place. Loud bangs were coming from the other side of the park and this was where the Clay Pigeon and Muzzle Loaders stands were located; clearly someone was having fun shooting the clays!
I was getting a little thirsty at this point so The Man Bird and I went in search of the press tent for some hot drinks. The press and invited guests area was really set out with some thought; small fresh Lavendula plants in pots decorated each table and the chairs were purple too, continuing the colour scheme. A lovely lady came to ask if we would like tea or coffee and a pastry to nibble on, so we rested our tail feathers for a while and just took in the buzzing atmosphere of the Chatsworth Country Fair. The press enclosure is fairly close to the grand ring and we could see glimpses of the Mounted Games Association of Great Britain ponies and their riders, as they whizzed from one game to the next, through gaps in the spectators. Mary Worth was providing her expert commentary as always, peppered with her witty insights, and getting the crowd involved with all the action and cheering for their favourite team (Derbyshire, obviously!!).
Feeling a little perkier after elevenses we had another wander around and came across the impressive wall being built by the Dry Stone Walling Association. These guys have been beavering away at this wall since Friday when the Chatsworth Country Fair opened its doors and as you can imagine it was looking mighty fine as it neared completion. It isn’t until you stand and watch something for a while that you begin to appreciate the skill that is involved and the stone workers are quite something to behold. The wall had holes in for wildlife to pass through, as well as steps for walkers to climb over and even seats for weary bones to rest on!
Exotic Animal Encounter had got several of their animals on display, all being watched over by Matt’s feathered deputy, Sirius the Raven. The Meerkats were standing to attention, especially the baby ones who were as eagerly watching the humans as the humans were watching them! Wilbur the Coatimundi and his companion were constantly on the hunt for food and Matt was saying that he has never managed to fill them completely up, not even after a feast of their favourites of Banana and Grapes. I bowed to their superiority; even I am occasionally beaten in the appetite games (The Rectory at Chesterfield is still fresh in my mind!).
His Nibs and I walked over to the Fine Food Village and chewed the fat for a while with our friends at Amber Valley Wines and Derventio Brewery. Before you could blink an eye we were enjoying a cheeky glass of Lindway White wine as we purchased a bottle of Three Choirs Rose and several bottles of Barbarian Stout for the Tribal Elders (purely for medicinal purposes, *ahem*). As often happens with alcohol, once you end the drought it all comes along at once, and as if by magic we found ourselves imbibing the delicious Prosecco from Premier Estates. Not so long back we had been sent a couple of bottles of Premier Estates’ Prosecco to review and it was very nice I have to say, so it was no hardship to savour these beauties again :)
Cookery Demonstrations in the Stoves Cookery Theatre were well underway and we took some time out to listen to, and watch, Jose Souto as he took us through preparing a haunch of venison. In his book Venison: The Game Larder Jose describes the butchery of this superb meat in fine detail, as well as sharing some of his delicious recipes for this and other game meats. I had wanted to meet John Torode as I’m a huge Masterchef fan and Matt Gabbitas (of award-winning restaurant Masa fame), but sadly the logistics just didn’t work out.
Another meander around the Chatsworth Country Fair saw us encounter Wattle hurdle maker Simon Fowler of Peak Traditional Fencing and he was just completing one of his incredible Wattle fences, which are very sturdy. Close by, Maggie Cooper was making one of her baskets and yet again I found myself spell-bound as she literally weaved her creative magic. I had to grab a jar of local Derbyshire Honey too whilst I spotted the stall next door; well, it would’ve been rude not to!
High in the sky the Parachute Display team from Jump4heroes were showing their remarkable skill by jumping from an aircraft and landing in the relatively small area of the Grand ring; all came down safely and spot on target I’m pleased to say. Another military team are The Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team aka The White Helmets, and sadly this year is their last as a team; after 90 years of history this remarkable band of brothers is to be discharged. I’m sure they will have delighted today’s crowds as much as they have thrilled them on the previous two days. I have been lucky enough to see them several times at Bakewell Show and they never failed to amaze me; farewell guys, you won’t be forgotten in this birds nest.
Country pursuits can be hot and sweaty, and nowhere was this more evident than in the Farriers arena. When we arrived the first half of the Amateur Farrier competition was underway and each competitor was sweating as he heated and then beat the metal into shoes to then be fitted onto waiting horses. Fine adjustments to the shoes were made which involves more heating and beating; under the confines of a tent you can imagine how hot it soon gets, thank goodness it was a little cooler weather-wise for them today.
Despite The Man Birds’ best attempts to keep guiding me in the opposite direction, I eventually found my way to the main trade stands area (albeit after visiting the Craft and Gift tents). This area was equally well signed as the rest of the Chatsworth Country Fair; in fact, I remarked to The Boy Wonder that it was incredibly easy to find your way around due to everything being so well sign posted. The amount of space between the rows of traders and space on roads in general meant that although there was a phenomenal amount of dogs in attendance they weren’t getting their paws trodden on, bless them. More space also meant that it was easy for owners of dogs to avoid other canines if necessary.
Essential purchases were made (well they were essential in my eyes; candles etc etc) and so it was time for us to wend our way back to the car. On our way back we took in the fishing skills on display at Fishermans Row and also watched as they occurred on the river from a specially built platform. One last look in to the Grand ring saw us rewarded by the awe-inspiring horsemanship of the Dzhigitova! The Way of the Cossack Warrior team. High speed acrobatics and sword-bearing feats had the crowd ooh-ing and aah-ing appreciatively, including myself.
It was the first time at Chatsworth Country Fair for The Man Bird and I and we had an absolutely belting day, bring on next year is all I can say. If you’ve missed out on this great family day out this time around, as I say don’t despair it will be back in all its glory next year. In the meantime, and don’t shoot me please, Christmas is approaching and that can only mean one thing; Chatsworth House itself will be transformed into a winter wonderland for the Festive Period.
In previous years themes have included The Nut Cracker and Toad of Toad Hall, and for 2017 the theme is “Oh Dickens, it’s Christmas”; and we all love Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and its transformation of Scrooge form miserly curmudgeon to Christmas’ biggest fan don’t we?
I think that after all the excitement of Chatsworth Country Fair I’m in need of a hearty Sunday roast to help me last the day. Now, where to go?....
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