Friends, photos and fun at Brailes Country Show

This was the third year we’ve been to Brailes Country Show.  For a village, it’s an almighty show, although this year didn’t seem to have as much as usual.  Mind you, we were parked in the overflow field for the first time so it was as successful if not more than previous years.

Again, it was beautiful weather, so I did come back slightly pink on my forehead. I must get myself a hat sometime soon.

We went with my friend and her 2 sons, one who’s N’s friend.  N had been so exciting about seeing H, he kept going on about seeing him all through lunchtime.  The boys are both starting school, and with farmer dads, they’ve a lot in common.

As with most shows, we did end up spending a bit on rides, but the boys had a great time.

They loved the bouncy slide – makes me wish I was still little so I could go on them.

The fairground ‘clown’ car ride

And they managed to persuade us to let them go on the go karts.  By that stage we’d bumped into an NCT friend, so the 3 four year olds could go on the karts together.  It was so funny to see their personalities come out.  E may turn out to be a boy racer from his love of going fast, while N took it steady to get the hang of it before speeding up.

Great fun, and I wondered whether we’d be able to drag them off.

The vintage tractors were obviously going to be a draw for our 2 small tractor fans.

There didn’t seem to be as many as last year but N did get a second look at the one named Joe on the way home when we overtook it just outside the village.

The only other ‘act’ we watched in the main ring was an escapologist.  It gave the boys chance to eat their ice creams, and for us to wonder why and how on earth someone decides they’re going to be an escapologist. N obviously pondered the same thing because he kept asking ‘why?’ as members of the audience were tying the guy up.

The playground was a great draw as usual, and we spent some time there.

Of course, one of the big draws each year is the craft, produce and baking marquee and the chance to see all the entries and winners in the different competition classes.

There were some pretty spectacular entries in the produce section

And flowers,

As well as some lovely crafts and baked goods.

This year I’d entered 5 photos at the last minute, in 3 categories.  I was a bit gutted not to get any placings for one of my human portraits (all 3 of the prizes went to ‘character’ portraits – a note for next year’s entry).  But I managed to get 1st place in the single flower category which I was really chuffed about.  My prize…the princely sum of £1.50 and the title award winning photographer which makes me chuckle.  I think the photo that won was probably taken on my phone camera as well! Just goes to show that it’s a lot more than a great camera that takes brilliant photos.

Were spent a couple of hours there, then it was time to head home.  Another country show, another beautiful summer day.

Do you go to country fayres or village fetes?  What activities do you look for at them?