By John Connell

Last updated at 13:20, Monday, 13 August 2012

Whether they came on two legs or on four, there was something for everyone at the Lowther Game and Country fair.

Keith Mitchell and Carol Westmorland with dogs Mischa, left, and Truly Scrumptious

It seemed at times that everyone who owned a dog was at the weekend event in the stunning grounds of Lowther Castle.

There was shooting, gundog demonstrations, a falconry display and more stalls than you could shake a shepherd’s crook at.

There were also dogs of every breed imaginable, though they did not quite outnumber the people who had come in droves to experience the fair.

As you would expect at a country show, there was a healthy turnout of gun dogs, terriers and lurchers.

But alongside the working dogs there were some more pampered pooches

Carol Westmorland was at the show with her husband Keith Mitchell, labrador Mischa and a cavachon named Truly Scrumptious.

Carol, 43, of Cumrew, who used to work at Lowther selling cakes, said: “I like it because it is so handy. We have to support our shows."

Keith, 53, added: “So many shows have been cancelled this year.”

Andrew Hoe, 43, of Thursby, was preparing to shoot a gun for the first time on Sunday, under the tutelage of Jason Rountree, of Doveridge Shotgun Academy

Andrew said: “I have fancied it a few times but I never actually did it. It looks like fun.”

Meanwhile, sitting comfortably in a deckchair to admire the falconry was 89-year-old Geoff Rimmington from Keswick.

There was also an array of more exotic animals on show, including meerkats and a tarantula.

For those on the lookout for a bargain there were hundreds of trade stands selling everything from country clothes to craft and antique stalls.

The Lowther Game and Country Fair was held for the first time last summer in the same area of land where Lowther Horse Driving Trials and Country Fair used to take place.

Falling revenues, health and safety complications and the weather were blamed by organisers for that fair’s demise after 35 years.

Ivan Ballentyne, 67, of Southwaite just outside Carlisle, remembered the old country fair at Lowther and welcomed its resurgence.

He said: “I come here every year and I will be here next year.

“I follow game fairs – we are at another one next weekend – but this is my favourite because its close to us.”

With him was friend Jeannie Winskill who looks after his horses and his two dogs, Chloe and Pippin.

Danielle Derry, a spokeswoman for the fair, said that it was too early to give attendance figures.

But she added that it had been quite busy and that the weather had brought a lot of people to the show.

First published at 11:26, Monday, 13 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk