The Ramblers left Abingdon Market Place yesterday morning for Radley. They did not take the bus or car but followed public footpaths through fields high with grass

and wild flowers. Rambling at this time of year is not easy for hay fever sufferers.

The ramblers enjoyed views of Radley Lakes and the River Thames along the way and must have arrived safely and returned without mishap in Abingdon because one of their members sent me these pictures.

I saw them drinking coffee at one of the many coffee places on Abingdon Market Place before their departure.

The Kingfisher Canoe Club and guests were at Abingdon Weir on Saturday evening enjoying the white water.

Somebody was scoring the event with points for difficult manoeuvres. Canoeists attempted to hit the blue target dangling from a rope with the paddle. Some tried to do it twirling the paddle like a helicopter, and others with a front or back swipe.

There could have been extra points for throw and catch and hit.

Whatever the rules, the River Thames gave them some good water.

The last room I visited was the grand Council Chamber where the large portraits of royalty and Abingdonians looked down on Clubs and Societies Day, hosted by the Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, Councillor Margaret Crick.

Abingdon Horticulural Society have their Spring Show on Saturday the 6th of April at the Northcourt Centre from 2pm until 4pm. Members compete in classes for Spring Flowers, Baking, Photographs and  Handicrafts. There is a special section for young people to enter a range of exhibits. The Mayor of Abingdon will present the prizes to winning exhibitors at 4pm. The entrance fee for non members is £1. There will be a plant stall and refreshments will be available.

The ABCD Film Society are nearing the end of their annual programme of films at the Abbey Centre off Audlett Drive. They have a special event on 28th March when the film Cold War will be introduced by Polish Historian, Hubert Zuwadzki.

Assisted Reading for Children in Oxfordshire (ARCh) are on the look out for more volunteers to give additional help listening to children read. Children are specially chosen by schools, and volunteers go through a specially designed training programme.

 Abingdon Music Centre help Abingdon people make music whatever their age. They run a wide variety of groups from learning instruments like guitars and recorders to being part of a choir or orchestra.

 Abingdon Fitzharrys WI was formed in 1966 and continues to flourish with more than 40 members. They meet at The Northcourt Centre on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.

The Abingdon Lions were recently featured on the blog for their fund raising and charity work. They were in the Council Chamber near the Gainsboroughs.

On the second part of covering the Clubs and Societies Day, we are in the Magistrates Court, and the first view is from the dock – looking down.

The Earl of Manchester’s Regiment visited the event in the search of new volunteers.  They had details of their forthcoming events,  including one at Cropredy, and information about just how easy it is to have a taster at a reenactment weekend. They have an Oxford group. Their website is http://earlofmanchesters.co.uk

The South Abingdon Family Centre had a stall manned by Lesley Legge who is the chairman of trustees. Also at the stall is Michael Matthews, a governor of Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon – who have supported the Family Centre. Michael was the Mayor of the Borough of Abingdon in 1972/3. Lesley was the Mayor of Abingdon 2000/2001.

The Abingdon Astronomical Society were there for anybody interested in astronomy who would like to meet fellow enthusiasts. They will will help you appreciate and understand stars and the universe, and give advice on telescopes and equipment.

The Friends of Abingdon were there with a stall. One of their initiatives is  the AbiBinit litter picking Initiative led by Helen.  There will be a River & River Bank Clean-up on Saturday 13th April. You can also do an Anytime Litter Pick. Email South and Vale Waste Team for bags and a litter picker.

The Abbey Meadow Lacemakers were demonstrating lacemaking near the judges bench. They meet on the third Tuesday of every month at Preston Road Community Centre.

The Abingdon Bowling Club told me that they are happy for people to look in and watch when they have a match at the Albert Park Green. They have taster sessions on Friday 17 May from 5pm.

I learned that there are two Fencing Clubs in Abingdon. The Abingdon Fencing Club  were in the Magistrates Court. Normally they meet at St Helen and St Katherine School. A new adult Taster Session is being launched and will take place on the 4th Thursday of each month, costing £5 per person.

The Friends of Abingdon Community Hospital do an excellent job demonstrating the community support for the local hospital which is so important to keep. Their fund raising helps buy equipment for the hospital.

Tomorrow we go to the Council Chamber.