On June 15th Appleford village will host a country fair to celebrate the opening of the railway to Oxford175 years ago. This is part of special events at all stations between Didcot and Oxford.
The Appleford 175 fete s will appeal to all members of the family. The steam theme will feature steam trains passing the fair ground (courtesy of GWR) and steam traction engines on the field, and railway history displays. There will be food stalls for all tastes, cream teas, local beers, curries and barbeques. Children’s stalls, rides, shows and competitions. For pet lovers there is Abingdon Dog Training Club display, and an animal sanctuary corner. There will be stalls for bargain hunters, for toys, books, confectionary, cakes, plants and much else. Exhibition displays of local activity groups and businesses. Special interest displays, vintage tractors and cars are in planning. Village sideshows provide traditional events, tombola, raffles, bottle stall, coconuts shy and more.
GWR is supporting all events by running special trains and buses. Event buses will run between Didcot (Railway Centre), Long Wittenham (Pendon Model Railway), Appleford and Culham. The fair is free to enter and will run from 12:00 noon on 15th June to early evening on the recreation field in the centre of Appleford. This is alongside the railway line and 4 minutes walk from Appleford Station. This will be a very popular event so make sure you don’t miss it!
For real rail enthusiasts the day will start with the Flying Scotsman steam engine passing through the station around 8:40 am, Great for photographers!. Go on line to Culhamstation.co.uk and click on “175th Anniversary celebrations” for a full programme of day events at all stations Didcot, Appleford, Culham, Radley and Oxford. Special one-day tickets are available for travel between the stations and for events.
In the months before, special competitions, photographic, adults and children’s paintings and artwork on railway themes are being run. Prizes and work will be on display on the day.
For further information on Appleford 175 fete, and if you wish to make contact or have a stall you wish to bring, e-mail Appleford 175@gmail.com or ring 01235 848336 (Chris & Mary) or 07768 490 277(Greg) and leave your details.
