Paul Mayhew-Archer, co-author of the Vicar of Dibley, was the Compere for the day.

The crowds were as big as last year’s event.

These were the judges:
Geraldine Peers – News Presenter, BBC South
Eileen Bagshawe – Abingdon Drama Club
Patricia Hobby – Mayor of Abingdon
Giselle Ruskin – Heart FM Breakfast presenter

These are the winners:
Adam Matthews – 18 & over
Nicholas Schneider – 12-17
Miles Burton – 11 & under

There is a fuller report in the Oxford Mail thanks to Andrew Ffrench – seen here interviewing the parents of Miles, the 11 & under winner.

The Abingdon Surgery has a Swine Flu Notice in the window: “Please do not attend this GP Surgery if you are experiencing flu-like symtoms…”

The new flu pandemic has not affected many of us yet, but it has been making headlines with predictions that nationally 30% of people will catch it – that would be about 10,000 people in Abingdon.

From John, and destined for the Abingdon Herald, but copied to me, so I’ll do it as well… “In the past 12 months Abingdon Christian Aid have raised £12,578. This includes £8753 from Christian Aid Week in May. The Week raised funds through a stall at the Dragon boat Races, a Quiz and a house to house collection involving over a hundred volunteers from all the churches in Abingdon and Appleton…”

Down by the River Thames, at St Helen’s Wharf, the flower containers look at their best.

There is a long line of them along the railings.

Alongside, I see that the Old Anchor Beer Festival starts today and runs until Sunday.