Around 3,000 spectators were there for the annual Dragon Boat Racing. The event run by the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper is one of the high points of the Abingdon Calendar.

Teams of 16 people and 1 drummer, steered by an expert from Dragon Boat Racing, competed for three rounds, and then the three fastest teams raced off in the final.

A lot of the teams wore matching wigs or headgear this year, and the crews had to work hard

driven on by the character beating the drum.

The teams raise money for charity. The M.C. said that one team has raised about £10,000 this year. Rotary Vesper also raise money for its own charity projects such as Canal boat trips for disabled, and Micro Credit in Uganda.

The event also has fair ground rides, and stalls including one for that had recharable (sic) power packs for any mobile phone.

On what was a hot and thirsty day the beer tent did very well. It was a great day, and well organised by the Abingdon ‘Vespers’ Rotary Club. They meet in the evening. The other Abingdon Rotary Club meets in the day.