Category Archives: Events

The Abingdon Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show

Thanks to Ian for the report and Ian and Peter who both sent pictures of the event
Abingdon Horticultural Society's Autumn Show
The Abingdon Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show was held at Northcourt Centre on Saturday 7 September. This year has seen a strange combination of seasons, starting with the long cold and wet Spring, followed by a warm and very dry Summer. Gardeners have had a real challenge on their hands to produce good quality flowers and vegetables; but this had not deterred them! The superb range of garden and allotment products was complimented by first class domestic entries. Cakes, bread, jams and lemon curd were of a very high standard. There were also attractive knitted, embroidered, sown and painted craft entries.
Abingdon Horticultural Society's Autumn Show
The judges were very complimentary about the quality of the wines in comparison with the general standard of home made wines they have experienced.
Abingdon Horticultural Society's Autumn Show
Ian says “If you like what you are reading, why not join us? We have regular talks by gardening experts and visits to gardens of interest. You do not have to be a gardening expert!”
Abingdon Horticultural Society's Autumn Show
Do come along and help to make the club successful. Teas and refreshments are usually available, and you will be assured of a warm welcome. It only costs £7 a year single or £10 a year for family membership. Talk to a committee member, contact our minutes secretary angela.hughes8@talktalk.net, or call Ian on 01235-203873.

More information is on their web site.

Dragon Boats 2013

Dragon Boats 2013
Thanks to Peter for sending me this picture of one of the more colourful teams at today’s Dragon Boats racing.

Dragon Boats 2013
Not everybody gets the paddling quite right on their first run but over time the technique improves and times get better. There were 16 teams this year at the annual Dragon Boat races, and the fastest 4 after the heats went through to the final.
Dragon Boats 2013
The event is run by Abingdon Rotary Vesper. The money they raise helps finance some of their projects, such as Shelter Box – used to bring essential life saving support.

Individual teams also raise money for their own good causes. Kemp and Kemp, who are currently redeveloping 1-3 Ock Street, had a team, and were raising money for The Abingdon Bridge Youth Charity.
Dragon Boats 2013
The Mayor presented the prizes to the winners later in the day, but I got a picture of the Deputy Mayor, there around lunchtime. She had a cork umbrella which was needed as there were showers. There was also a stall selling tea shirts made from bamboo. Neither the cork umbrella or bamboo tea shirts felt at all wooden after clever processing.
Dragon Boats 2013
Dragon Boat racing moved from May to September last year because the River Thames was too high in May. It takes them at least 6 months to apply for things such as licenses so there was not time to plan for May this year either. So it could be always September now.

A Little of What’s On

Abbey Sax
Abbey Sax, a small part of the Abingdon Concert Band, were on the Market Place this morning. The Abingdon Concert Band are welcoming Neil Brownless as their new musical director from September 2013. I was told by one member that Neil is young, very talented, and they are really excited about working with him.

This evening there will be more classical music at St Nicolas’ Church where the “Baroque Trio Sonata” are playing.

This weekend there is a Beer Festival at the Kings Head and Bell with 30 ales and 10 ciders. The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers will be partaking and performing tomorrow afternoon. And if that is not your cup of tea, there is Tea in the Garden of St Ethelwolds from 3:00pm-5:00pm.
Dalton Barracks Play
Looking ahead I see that on Wednesday 28th August there is the Dalton Barracks Play and Activity Day from 11:00am till 3:00pm.

Abingdon Youth Music Festival on the hottest day of the year so far

Following Yeah Baby last Saturday, there was another great free concert on the Market Place this Saturday
Music Festival
In 2012 the Abingdon-on-Thames Youth Music Festival took place in a downpour. This year the performers of the Vale Youth Music Centre Orchestra had glorious sunshine.
Music Festival
One annual event that is not happening this year is Abingdon’s Got Talent. It is having a short rest. Pam Ayers who won last year can keep the crown for a year or two more. She would have enjoyed this young folk group.
Music Festival
Last of the groups pictured are the Larkmead Jazz Band. Helen Ecclestone, seen here on the Baritone Saxiphone, works at Larkmead and leads lots of groups there including the lunchtime Jazz band. She also runs the Abingdon Music Centre and conducted the Abingdon Community Orchestra seen a few days ago on the blog.

The performances continued for three hours in the hot sun and were greatly appreciated by the audience.