This really is a spectacular event in a truly lovely spot. The fair celebrates
all things rural, with dog shows, rare breads, vintage vehicles, and lots of demonstrations
from highly skilled crafts people. As if that was not enough we were also able
to enjoy dragon boat racing on the lake, a circus and all kinds of displays in
the main ring. Other favourites included the varied stalls and a
silent auction.
Eliza James Flowers
The Silent Auction
This looked like so much fun!
Mother and her camera shy baby
No day out is complete without buying at least one book! This is Steve Burnside the author of Fergus and Friends, signing books for our two little granddaughters.
Sherborne Castle home page
I loved watching the Terrier racing. Half the time the dogs were chasing each
other rather than the lure (a piece of cloth), but the spectators loved it.
I adored everything on the Dogs & Roses stall. Tracy, the
stallholder was incredibly friendly and happy for me to photographer her designs. She has a soft spot for dogs, so much so they have become the inspiration for
her interior design business, and most recently her fundraising for a variety
of dog charities.
Read more here
Read more here
Aquilegia, Lupins and Foxgloves
These ladies were cooking up a storm!
Such a beautiful creature
Dragon boat racing on the lake
Plant stalls with the perfect backdrop
I loved this mix of vintage things
View of the castle and lawns with ‘willow deer’ in the
foreground
I almost got Terry one of these signs, but I wasn't sure he would appreciate it!
Furgus the tractor books waiting to be packed and sent to Australia
together with two dolls also bought at the fair. Each Rebecca Stidson rag doll is
personalised with a hand-painted name. Rebecca has lots of ready
painted names and was able to supply one for Zoe, but the one for Lilly is coming in the post. I chose
the doll and just have to wait a few days for the name to arrive.
Zoe in her ballet outfit (now you can see why I chose that
particular doll)
Lilly is only two but she already enjoys a nice cup of tea!
What a fabulous day, and sunny. We changed our plans due to the horrid rain down here in Sussex.
ReplyDeleteJean x
Hello Jean, we dressed for a wet, cold day and then the sun shone! I can’t believe how lucky we were as it seems to have been raining just about everywhere else. Sorry you had to change your plans it’s always disappointing when that happens. Barbara x
DeleteYou had such a wonderful outing Barbara! I love all your photographs and wish we had something quite as spectacular to wander around down here.
ReplyDeleteYour granddaughters are adorable, your doll choices perfect, and books signed by the author? Amazing! (he looks really happy) :)
So glad you had a good time. Have a lovely evening xx
Hello Yvonne, it really was a fabulous fair, one of the best we’ve been to. Quite expensive at £11 a ticket but with so much to see and do it was worth every penny.
DeleteWe think Zoe and Lilly are perfect, but then we would. It’s lovely of you to say such nice things about them.
I think the book signing must have been going well as he certainly seemed like a very happy chap, and nice with it!
I hope you are having a good week thanks for calling in. Barbara x
What a great day out. My daughter and her boyfriend went to a similar show near Watford but being an old git I didn't go. They had a really good time and I regret it. Next time they'll have to hold me back.
ReplyDeleteI almost talked myself out of going. Terry had to go as he was taking photos for the local papers but the weather forecast was awful and for two pins, I would have stayed at home. I’m very glad I didn’t.
DeleteMake sure you go next time – you can always go home if you don’t like it! :0)
What a lovely visit you had, your granddaughters are so cute.
ReplyDeleteI liked all the pictures :)
Thanks Aunt Mary.
DeleteGood evening Barbara dear! This is so fun and warm to see your outing here! The castle in the backdrop, the dragon boat races, little Zoe and sweet Lilly pouring tea! I love it all. The flower stalls and the book signing, now this is all my kind of county fair. Wasn't it a lovely weekend? We too enjoyed time out in the garden.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs and thank you for this tour! Anita
Dear Anita, it was indeed a lovely weekend. I love the ‘photo of Lilly with her tea set. It makes me smile every time I look at it.
DeleteI’m glad you enjoyed the virtual tour Anita, maybe you will do it for real one day :0) Love Barbara x
Gorgeous photos which made me feel as if I was there. I'm intrigued by the silent auction - how does that work? Is it all secret signals? And how can you have a silent hammer? :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, Nothing as exciting as that! :0)
DeleteYou get a bidding number just like a normal auction. Each lot has a number and all you do is write down the amount you are willing to pay against each lot you are interested in. Everyone else does the same, and you can see their bids, just as they can see yours. You can pop back and forth throughout the day to increase your bid if you wish.
I much prefer your version with the silent hammer!!
I love events involving dogs..especially if I can take my dog with me!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie, there were dogs of every kind and they all seemed to be having fun! Thanks for calling in, Barbara.
DeleteLooks like an amazing event with something for almost everyone. I'd love this.
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy, I really think there was something for everyone, and best of all the sun shone. Thanks for your comment. Barbara.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful time! And of course you had to buy something for the girls. They look beautiful in those pictures. I'm sure Zoe and Lily will love the dolls and books. It's also a good choice not to get one of those signs for Terry ... lol. You know, Barbara, I didn't know you guys had dragon boat races as well! It is common over here, and in fact, we'll be celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival in a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteHello Claudine, it was a fantastic day! We’ve never seen dragon boat racing before but loved it. It was exciting and colourful and very competitive. I remember you did a post about the Moon Cake Festival, but I can’t remember one about the dragon boats. It would make a good post, and I would love to read more about it. I really enjoy reading your comments Claudine, thanks so much for leaving them. Barbara.
DeleteLooks like a wonderful time was had by you. Thanks for sharing the pictures they are wonderful and the fair looks as though it had something nice for everyone.
ReplyDeleteHi Shashi, it was a great day, but it doesn’t look half as exciting as your trip to Rome. I loved looking at all your ‘photos, thanks for sharing them. Barbara
DeleteGreetings Barbara,
ReplyDeleteYou have captured the quintessential ambience of a wonderful day in this green and pleasant land. Magic for children of all ages. Zoe and Lily are as adorable as their grandmother! :) Of course, the sight of terriers racing, sort of, got the attention of Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!
Thank you for this. I must take a gentle stroll with our beloved dog to Rudyard Lake. Only a couple of miles from here.
Gary
Why thank you! I agree my grandchildren are the most adorable things on the planet, but I’m not so sure that can be extended to me – but I like it!
DeletePenny would have had great fun at the fair, there were dogs of every size and kind.
I wish I could join you both on your stroll it sounds idyllic.
Enjoy your day, Barbara.
What a lovely day with so many fun things to do. So pleased you found books and dolls for the little ones. A country fair with a castle in the background is like a fairy tale for me.
ReplyDeleteHello Darlene there is a ruined castle right next door to the 'new' castle, so I can’t help but think it would make an ideal setting for one of your Amanda books.
DeleteSherborne itself is a lovely old market town with lots of little coffee shops and historic buildings, just perfect as a backdrop for an adventure story.
It would indeed make a great setting for an adventure story. I'll tuck that idea in the back of my mind. I may have to come and do research.
DeleteThis looks like a lovely day! What beautiful pictures! I love that the wide variety of goodies at the fair.
ReplyDeleteI bet your package will be a big hit. It is filled with all kinds of fun treats. :)
Karen tells us the girls look forward to parcels from England, and we enjoy sending them so it’s a happy kind of thing to do.
DeleteThanks so much for your comment, Barbara.
Hi Barbara! Trying to catch up on some posts today and couldn't pass up a visit here! Oh how I wish I could have gone along on your trip to the castle! What an amazing day and so many lovely vintage items too! Your grand-daughters are just adorable, those black and white photos would be lovely framed! Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, I was thinking exactly the same thing re the ‘photos. I might just do that. The ones I have framed at the moment are from our holiday with them last November, and they have both changed a lot since then.
ReplyDeleteI’m sure you would have enjoyed the day at the castle. It was really special. Thanks for your visit, Barbara.
What a lovely day. Some of those items I wouldn't be able to resist.
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful day, and the sunshine was a bonus!
Delete