These three men – Abingdon born and bred – belong to Mr. Hemmings Traditional Abingdon Morris Dancers.

Their annual day of dance is on the nearest Saturday to the birthday of Tom Hemmings on May 6th.

Tom Hemmings helped revive the Abingdon Morris tradition in the early half of the 20th century and was an important figure until his death in 1960.

There were 5 or 6 visiting groups – including the Winchester Morris Men

and a group from Adderbury,

As well as the dance there was the odd bit of horsing around. The day began with rain but ended almost sunny. Planes overhead sometimes added a roar to the proceedings as they flew in for tomorrow’s air show.

In Caldecott ward there were three parties fully involved… yellow (Liberal), red (Labour) and blue (Conservative).  Labour put all their eggs in one basket as councillors and activists from Oxford, and activists from around the Vale were seen around Caldecott trying to get a unique Labour win.

The number of leaflets, and canvassing from the yellows, reds, and blues had been too much for some people, who were not used to such full on campaigning, or so many high profile visiors. There was Harriet Harman (Labour Deputy Leader), Andrew Smith MP, John Tanner and others for Labour, and Nicola Blackwood MP and Keith Mitchell CBE, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, for the conservatives. Keith Mitchell said in his April 11th tweet “Canvassing Caldecott ward tonight in Abingdon with a good team of Conservative supporters. No-one willing to admit to voting Liberal!”

Most people were excited and engaged by the Caldecott local election. I stood there as a Liberal and should know later today whether I shall continue representing the area, or whether it is time to try something else.

With Thanks to Nick Addison at tracking-shot.com. I even get a speaking part on this one. I’m the one with white hair and fly away hands.