Friday, September 12, 2014

Bun Throwing at Abingdon Fire Station

A variation on Abingdon's tradition of Bun Throwing to take place in September.

This year Abingdon Fire Station celebrates its 50th anniversary and to mark the occasion a special bun throwing will take place on Saturday 27 September.

Bun Throwing normally takes place in the market place, with local dignitaries throwing currant buns from the roof of the old county hall down to townsfolk gathered below.

The Abingdon Fire Station bun throw will see buns launched from the Drill Tower!

Both my brother Jon, and Alastair at the Abingdon Blog let me know the event will be happening. Unfortunatley with such short notice I can't make it. I look forward to hearing about the event and seeing photos of the action.

The Fire Station's 50th Anniversary event runs from 11am - 3pm on Saturday 27 September at the Fire Station on Ock Street. The bun throwing will be at 1pm. Other entertainment, including Morris Dancing, exhibtions and a general open day will also be taking place.

More details can be found on the Abingdon Fire Station Facebook event page and the Abingdon Blog.

The last Bun Throwing took place to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee on the 3 June 2012. The event was the 33rd since the first throw in 1761.

Bun Throwing in Abingdon-on-Thames
One of the special '60' currant buns at the last Bun Throwing in 2012

Earlier in 2012 the town had held the first-ever World Bun Throwing Championships to find the best throwing arms in the town!

Bun Throwing in Abingdon-on-Thames
Throwing a bun at the first World Bun Throwing Championships in 2012

Links:
- Abingdon Fire Station on Oxfordshire County Council's website
- Red Watch, Abingdon on Thames Fire Station on Twitter
- 365alive - an Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service Initiative website
- Abingdon Blog