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The Edinburghs

Earl and Countess of Wessex set to attend Frampton Country Fair

The 30th Frampton Country Fair will be welcoming some special royal visitors this Sunday, as the extravaganza is set for a visit from The Earl and Countess of Wessex.

During their visit, Their Royal Highnesses will view the various rural skills demonstrations, as well as observing the many displays that will be put up across the lakeside. The Countess of Wessex is Patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations, and will undoubtedly be very interested to see how the Fair promotes the beauty and value of the British countryside.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex on a previous engagement in Stornoway.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex on a previous engagement in Stornoway.

The Frampton Country Fair is an annual country fair with a view to creating a welcoming and hands-on approach to the countryside. It began in 1986, by Paul Walkden and Theo Rhys-Jones, the latter of whom was the paternal grandfather of The Countess of Wessex (formerly Sophie Rhys-Jones). Mr Walkden served as the organiser for six years before the organisation of the Fair was taken over by the Estate Office, and Mr Rhys-Jones remained actively involved in the event until his death in 2007. His legacy was carried on by his brother, Chris Rhys-Jones, who is the Steward of the Frampton Country Fair to this day.

The Fair is open to people of all ages and backgrounds and has some events along the lines of shooting, falconry, jousting and dogs events including Deer Hound Coursing and Water Retrieving Racing. It showcases the skills that are imperative for the livelihoods and well-being of the section of the population who reside in the countryside. Besides this, the Fair also serves as a fundraiser for charities related to the country and runs entirely from the efforts of tireless volunteers.

“Over the years the Fair has gone from strength to strength,” said Rollo Clifford, who is in charge of the event. “A huge amount of effort goes into pulling all the exhibitors and demonstrations together but the result on the day is fantastic. There really is something there for everyone and the fact that the proceeds go to support countryside and local good causes make it more than just a good day out.”

“The Countess of Wessex is hugely committed to the well-being of the countryside – as evidenced by her patronage of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations,” he added. “Her visit to Frampton will be a huge boost to the hundreds of exhibitors who, either through their professions or their voluntary work, do so much to look after and maintain this green and pleasant land.”

Photo credit: Events happening in Harris and Lewis/welovestornoway