On the other bank of the River Thames, at Rye Farm Meadow, on Saturday, big crowds were attracted to the Abingdon Food Festival.
It featured a lot of caterers with flavours from all round the world.
The Greek Souvlaki stall looked the most popular. I did not ask why people were queuing there when most stalls had much smaller queues.
The cookery displays also looked popular.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drat missed it!
Food festival was fantastic, I spoke to the ladies who were also in the town centre. Sounded like a fantastic idea and a new innovative way to provide care the only down side was they don’t take social care clients. I have been desperately trying to find a provider for my mother, who has capacity for her. All in all though a fantastic day and the sun was shining for all
We are organising a picnic gathering for Ukrainian visitors and their hosts at the Meadows Jubilee festival. I wonder if we can use the picture at the top of this post to catch people’s eye? If so please let me know who/how to credit the photographer.
Thanks in advance
Hi Cian, That is fine. You could just say Abingdon Blog.