2011 Report
Despite the summer not being very bright this year the sun shone on the 3rd September at The Old Mill, Aldermaston. Overall the Show was a success. The car park was full. The ground full of activity with coconuts shy; skittles; ferret racing; face painting for children and of course the famous Duck Derby. This year the Duck Derby had sold an extra 350 tickets on top of the usual 1000. Good job it was not too cold for the men in the stream coordinating the ducks ready for their races. Extra tables in the craft tent were selling their wares of cards, jams, decorated tableware and woodwork to name just a few. Support and displays from the local community with Aldermaston primary school; neighbourhood police and Tadley’s response team, as well as the Newbury MS society being present. The arena this year included the Tadley Brass concert and the Sainsbury Singers, singing songs from well-known Shows. There was a spectacular falconry display, and the classic cars and vintage bikes brought back memories of days gone by. The raffle prizes included a ticket for a match at the Madjecski stadium; meal at Hinds Head; hair cut at Blades to name a few.
The produce tent had an increased number of contestants, giving a rise to an increase in the number of overall entries. This year we had added new classes which proved a success. Although the weather had not been brilliant over the summer following the sunny spring, there was a good display of vegetables. The judges had a difficult time to decide the 1st’s, 2nd’s and third’s. We all had a giggle at the limerick; and went “wow” at the photographs. Then said “beautiful” at the sight of the floral section called “Vintage Elegance” and the dinner-table decoration, not to mention the design featuring driftward. Everyone was amazed at the high standards the children’s section. The “Best Dressed Duck” was to an extremely high standard and hard to judge.
Next year we will be celebrating 70 years of the Show, with 50 of those being held at The Old Mill, so put the 1st of September 2012 in your diary now. Look out for the competition schedule next year in order to enter in good time; you never know you could be a cup winner next year.
Jenny Lacon – Secretary
