Thanks to Ian for a report on The Abingdon Horticultural Society Autumn Show held at the Northcourt Centre on Saturday 6th September.

He says “A wide range of flowers and vegetables were exhibited by local gardeners who obtained first class results, despite the strange growing season we all experienced this year.

The Mayor, Councillor Angela Lawrence, presented cups and awards to the many worthy exhibitors.

A large number of visitors and members enjoyed the displays of produce, cakes, preserves, and handicrafts.

The club was very pleased to see the high quality of the childrens’ entries and the excellent wines.

The Committee would like to thank all friends and exhibitors who worked so hard to make the day a brilliant success. If you would like to know more about us do contact Ian at ieshepherd@yahoo.co.uk”.

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.