Monthly Archives: June 2019

Canoe Paddle Hit

Paddle Hit
The Kingfisher Canoe Club and guests were at Abingdon Weir on Saturday evening enjoying the white water.
Paddle Hit
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.
Paddle Hit
There could have been extra points for throw and catch and hit.
Paddle Hit
Whatever the rules, the River Thames gave them some good water.

Abingdon Food Festival

Abingdon Food Festival
On the other bank of the River Thames, at Rye Farm Meadow, on Saturday, big crowds were attracted to the Abingdon Food Festival.
Abingdon Food Festival
It featured a lot of caterers with flavours from all round the world.
Abingdon Food Festival
The Greek Souvlaki stall looked the most popular. I did not ask why people were queuing there when most stalls had much smaller queues.
Abingdon Food Festival
The cookery displays also looked popular.
Abingdon Food Festival
The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper. These Rotary members are from Oxford Rotary but told me that Abingdon Vesper are high flying stars in the world of Rotary for the big events they organise and the amount they raise for charity. In 2019 the Food Festival profit goes to good causes, 50% to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
Abingdon Food Festival
Music was provided by bands at a central stage. This is the Ock Street Band, a group of Abingdon based musicians named after an ancient Abingdon road.
Abingdon Food Festival
Like any rotary event there were also a lot of community stalls. The Stonehill Community Gardens in Abingdon have land off Oday Hill where people can learn about gardening. It is open every Wednesday, 10 am – 4 pm.They say Drop-in or stay all day​. Volunteer and get involved … be closer to nature, learn and share skills and make friends.
Abingdon Food Festival
I had a go with a Virtual Reality headset that gave an idea what it is like with dementia at the Bellevie care stall. They are a commercial group looking to expand in the Abingdon area. They aim to create care teams that give personalised care for the elderly.

First Abingdon Pride Day

First Abingdon Pride Day
The first Abingdon Pride Day was officially opened by the Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Cheryl Briggs, and the MP of Abingdon, Layla Moran.
First Abingdon Pride Day
The event had been put together by Abingdon Town Council in just 4 weeks, with the help of Dawn, who organises events like the Abingdon Chilli Festival. The day came together very well. The very colourful Ashnah were one of the first acts performing.
First Abingdon Pride Day
The Cancer Research stall, and shop had a reminder that cancer does not discriminate. We are all in it together.
First Abingdon Pride Day
The Conservative Party were having fun with their leadership content. Who do you fancy? (for PM) Jeremy Hunt or Boris Johnson.
First Abingdon Pride Day
On the main stage large crowds gathered to watch the acts.
First Abingdon Pride Day
Some of them were very colourful and larger than life.
First Abingdon Pride Day
At the Fire Station in Abingdon there was also a completely separate open day. Carswell School Fete was also happening a street away. It was also the Abingdon Food Festival which drew huge crowds (more of that tomorrow or the next day). The recruiting fire engine had the rainbow flag for diversity and non discrimination.
First Abingdon Pride Day
Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLO) were on the Market Place. LAGLOs work to encourage the reporting of transphobic, bi-phobic and homophobic incidents.First Abingdon Pride Day
The first Abingdon Pride Day was fun. But behind it is a history of discrimination and bullying.
First Abingdon Pride Day
In the evening there was an open microphone night with some poetry at Pablo’s Lounge. This was the first Abingdon Pride Day. It was also the first Open Mic. night for poetry I had been to in Abingdon.

Make Music Day in Abingdon

Make Music Day in Abingdon
It was Make Music Day in Abingdon, and around the globe.
Make Music Day in Abingdon
There were places to play music and listen to music all around Abingdon Town Centre.
Make Music Day in Abingdon
On the Market Place a lot of us gathered and joined arms and sang Hey Jude.
Make Music Day in Abingdon
Ashnah brought us exotic music and dancing.
Make Music Day in Abingdon
There were events on the Market Place, workshops in the Guildhall and at the Library, and then as the sun went down, there was music at the Crown and Thistle, Brewery Tap, R & R, and Pablo’s Lounge. Every kind of musician — young and old, amateur and professional, of every musical persuasion — were there in Abingdon Town Centre, helping to bring us together with music, and it was all free.