This is the biggest event in the Abingdon Calendar, attracting a huge number of people. Many come primarily to see the air show, but there are a lot of other attractions besides.

In the Arena there were, among others, falconry displays, Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, and The Oxford Caledonian Pipe Band.

In the music tent, seated on bales of hay, the audience listened to singers, choirs, troupes, and bands including the Mangledwurzels – a tribute band to the Wurzels who had a number one hit single ‘Combine Harvester’ in 1976.

The Country Show also attracts a lot of ex military vehicles, and re-enactors. These soldiers could have served France in the Algerian War of Independence, from 1954 to 1962. That war ended in Algeria getting independence from France.

MGs and other vintage cars were there in big numbers. This particular MG is well known in Abingdon, but others came from far and wide. There were a group of 18 MGs from Shropshire who came over for the weekend to take part.

This fire engine has Wallingford on the side, as that was the last place it served, but it served in Abingdon during the 1960s, and attended the Abingdon Maltings Fire in 1968.

Then there were about 20 steam traction engines, and many many stalls – community and trade. They seemed to be laid out differently this year so more of them could enjoy the air displays which were on the other side.

The air displays didn’t go totally to plan.

There was one emergency landing on the grass. Fire engines and ambulances were very quickly in attendance, and the pilot was take to hospital for checking out. So hopefully the report I heard, that it is not too serious, is true.

That led to a delay of 45 minutes before flying could resume. After the flights resumed, the Great War Display team gave an exciting display with about eight aircraft in the air together chasing each other about, simulating WWI fighting, while explosions boomed as they were shot at from the ground.

There were also things for younger children including amusements, ice cream, animals, and Punch and Judy. The young lady on the right is one of the new police cadets that have just restarted recently. It is an alternative to army, navy, an air cadets.

Cadets take part in neighbourhood policing initiatives, community activities and events. This was their first event. To find out more go to https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/join-us/cadets/

There is a lot going on this weekend in Abingdon. Mind in Abingdon are taking part in arts weeks. They will be open for the public this Saturday (13th May) from 10 am to 4pm. That is as well as all the other artweek venues.

The exhibition is called Life Journeys. My wife has already been, and liked the painting above.

The Abingdon Jazz Festival is also on Friday and Saturday. Book Tickets from www.abingdonjazzfestival.org.uk.

The Abingdon Air and Country Show is on this Sunday with a three hour flying display as well as all the other ground displays.

In the Community Shop this week and Saturday the Abingon Bowling Club are encouraging people to try their hand at bowling.

Get any of your bowls within the yellow square at the far end, and you did better than me.

Abingdon Bowling Club also have taster sessions on Friday 19 May from 5pm and Saturday 20 May from 10am.

Thanks to Peter and Anne for reminding us that today is Europe Day

The first picture is from Europe Day 2009 outside Old Abbey House. The next 2 pictures are from 2006 when visitors from all the twin towns came to Abingdon. Peter Says …

Today is Europe Day ! Europe Day is a celebration of peace and unity in Europe and is celebrated on May 9th each year as this day remembers the historical Schuman Declaration of May 9th 1950 which was the start of European unity. ( Europe Day is sometimes called Schuman day.)

ADTTS, The Abingdon twin towns society, celebrates Europe Day each year on May 9th. We think that with Brexit being continually in the news it is even more important than ever to celebrate Europe Day so tonight we will be meeting in the upstairs room of the Kings Head & Bell Pub for a meal on a European theme. The menu will incorporate dishes from our twin towns in France, Germany , Belgium & Italy and we will be toasting our friends in our twin towns and friends in all the European countries.

On the Market Place this morning Abingdon Rugby Club had a stall. It may be the end of the season but they are continuing with activities out of season. Anybody can join in with Touch Rugby every Wednesday at 7pm at the club down Lambrick Way. Book at O2Touch.co.uk. The club is also looking for new young players to join the club (from 5 years and up).

There was also a gathering of Conservatives on the Market Place. Nationally, in local elections, they had done very well. In Oxfordshire, and Abingdon, they had done less well. In Abingdon the pendulum has swung back to the Lib-Dems who won all three County Council wards.

I also thought I heard Morris Dancers performing but it turned out to be a lone accordion player. Mr Hemmings Day of Dance is usually about this time of year on the Saturday nearest the birthday of former Abingdon Morris dancing legend Tom Hemmings.