Local write up

The 31st Raveningham Country Fair in September had its usual magic aura, with blue skies throughout the day!

Starting with the parade of vintage tractors and beautiful steam traction engine "Achilles", there followed demonstrations of birds of prey.   The children were kept enthralled with entertainers, whilst dogs had their moments of glory being compared to their owner.

Who could forget the LARP (Live action role play) team, dressed as fantasy warriors they taught the children how to fight and had a tournament to sort out the best fighters.  The winner was only just saved from a final onslaught with a foam mace!  Great fun and entertainment.

The addition of the air displays this year starting with the Pitts Special was superb.  The second display from the Chipmunk and Yak 52 was truly breath taking.  Finally the vintage air racing display from the "Dukes of Cassutt" completed the aerobatics for the day.  However all the flying was not over...11 teddy bears made death defying leaps from a low flying plane to land, mostly, safely one the field.  Three injuries were sustained but the Loddon on call ambulance team bandaged up the injured and with the help of oxygen revived the last of the bears.  the organiser would like to pass on their heart felt thanks for the rapid response and attention the bears received.

Food was kept coming by the well stocked tea tent and BBQ, while suitable dressed wenches served behind the bar - which sold out by the end of the evening.

There were more than 3000 visitors, who had more than 60 stalls to look around.  Live music kept the tempo going into the wee small hours with superb music from "El Gato's Men" and much dancing in around the bar until late into the night.  A second BBQ supplied food to keep dancers going.

The History

Originally an idea formed by the Raveningham Group of Churches calling it ‘The Raveningham Threshing Fair’ which started in the seventies.  This was to bring back the celebrations of the farming community at the end of harvest.  Having got so big they opened it to a local committee to run. Hence the rebirth and a new name.

It takes place on the first Saturday of September every year in the Raveningham area.  We are kindly offered the use of a stubble field by a local farmer or Sir Nicholas Bacon at Raveningham Hall.  The committee a very dedicated group of people, meet in Norton Chapel each month and put the fair together on paper hoping that all will work well on the day.

Previous Years Write Ups

Numerous stalls surround the fair with crafts, local wares, tom bolas, food and drinks. Also the threshing machine. Steam engines. Classic Cars, Motor Bikes and Tractors.  In the centre a grand ring, where entertainment continues all day. The Loddon Fire brigade give demonstrations on how they cope with bad road accidents, and have the fire tender there all day which the children love.  A dog show with many appealing categories, the one I like is the dog most resembling its owner.  After which a demonstration of dog agility and you can have a go with your dog for fun.

The Steam Engines have their turn in the ring its wonderful to see these great big engines moving not just standing by the side.  Classic cars, motor bikes and tractors also come in the ring with a commentary so you get to know all about them.  Above our heads the aeroplanes do there stuff and I mean do there stuff, if you can bear to watch some of there stunts how they do not hit each other or land when they are not supposed to is amazing. We are adding attractions all the time.

The Children are not forgotten with half hour shows alternating between Punch and Judy and Charlie Cheese Cake (a magician).  Mums and Dads have the Beer tent where local musicians play all day and well into the evening, until the beer runs dry. 

The Aims

We now support other local charities Scouts, pre schools, first schools, Village halls, children’s playgrounds. In return for their help we donate the takings of the fair to them.

Here's what the press said about last year:

"A superb family event.  A one off in Norfolk.!"

"Where else can you see old steam engines then aerobatics, followed by eagles and warriors.  Once you're through with the shows, then dance the night away in a corn field under stars.  Truly unique and at £4.00 how much more do you want."