David's Digest

Five years ago a Norfolk based exhibition company decided there was a gap in the market for a game and countryside event in East Anglia. They approached the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association with a view to hiring its showground for a spring weekend. A deal was done and the first East Anglian Game and Country Fair was held.

It was a great success and the decision was made to hold it annually. Five years on and the organisers are confidently expecting a crowd of over 40,000 at the showground during the two day fair next Saturday and Sunday.

In fact it has almost become a mini Norfolk Show with more than 300 trade stands featuring all aspects of country life, shooting, fishing, fly casting, clay pigeon shooting, duck driving with sheepdogs, falconry and so on.

There will be entertainment in the main arena, including parachute jumping, horse logging and many other activities to amuse the crowd. And this year local food is being featured as well with some of East Anglia's top chefs in attendance.

It's been a hard winter and spring is not proving much easier. I reckon I deserve an enjoyable day out among people I like and I certainly intend to have a wander round to update myself on the latest in country sports. Doubtless I shall also meet lots of old friends who I haven't seen for ages. It will be worth the effort for that alone. Maybe I'll see you there too.