Abingdon Bowling Club had their annual open day on Friday Evening and Saturday Morning. This allowed people to come and try the game, and if they like come back and play some more.

On the near side (of the second picture), two of the more experienced players show how it is done. The game is very simple to start with, but can become a complex strategy game to the better players.

Abingdon Bowling Club celebrated their centenary last year. The first bowling green in 1913 was thought to be have been in the south west corner of Albert Park. Now they are established in the South East.

Their first known match was against Witney on June 20th 1914, with a return game in July 1914, when a brake (forerunner of a coach) was hired to take the team to Witney.

There is to be a centennial rematch against Witney Town on Saturday June 21st 2014, from 2:30pm. But times have changed, and the game will not be followed by a Smoking Concert.

Thanks to Michael for this preview

April 6th sees the Abingdon Head of the River 2000m rowing race upstream on the River Thames. 400 competitors from across the UK visit Abingdon for this annual event on the river. All boats sizes and all classes race in four divisions through the day starting at 9:30 – 16:00.

He says “Come and watch the racing and entertainment along the river bank, ample parking and hot and cold local refreshments available all day (Rye Meadow, by Abingdon town bridge). We have fantastic BBQ serving local organic meat, with fresh bread rolls that get delivered to the field that morning. We also serve teas, coffees and cakes all day long, and after 11am we have beer on sale supplied from the local Loose Cannon Brewery.

For more details see www.abingdonrc.org.uk.

Abingdon has a great tradition in river sport. 100 years ago you might have gone down to the river to watch the Abingdon Skiff Regatta in July, or the Abingdon School Regatta in June. You can find more of what was happening 100 years ago on the Abingdon Heritage Twitter Feed.