Meet The New King of Scones

This young man, Dom, took first prize in the hotly contested scone category, of Aby Village Show.   He made cheese scones - and as I purchased them in the auction afterwards, I can tell you that they definitely deserved to win the prize.   He is this year's Scone King.  Well done Dom!

I had to run a few lab tests on them, of course.   When young Francesca (almost 7 months old) came to visit her Gran and Grandpa she snatched a piece of the cheese scone which her mother (was sampling/quality control testing) and chomped quite happily.    They have her seal of approval too.

Next year, Dom, next year....

How did the Pear Tree Log folk get on?  We did OK.  Here are our certificates.

I got first prize for my chocolate biscuits, and my lemon meringue pie, both prizes were completely unexpected.  I also got firsts for the box of mixed produce and another for a cucumber, with second prize for my onions, and another for the hedgerow flowers which I gathered this morning, while walking Toby near the fishponds.

My loaf of bread was third.  

George got firsts for his shallots and onions, with third prizes for his runner beans and another for his batch of lemon biscuits.     We were surprised and very happy.  The effort was worth it.

This wonderful piece of embroidery was done by a friend, Paula, she was inspired by a piece of Elizabethan embroidery which she had seen - and this was the result.  Paula deservedly scooped first prize in the needlework section...I could be wrong, but I think that was also awarded the 'Best in Show' for the Crafts section.

Paula also scooped first prize in the lemon curd class - she very kindly passed on her winning tips, so who knows what will happen next year!


I completely forgot to photograph the lemon meringue pie, it is hidden under a fly cover, luckily the judge found it.

We often tease that the village show brings out the Midsommer Murders side of village life, but it really isn't like that.  There is much fun, laughter, gentle teasing and good humour around the village hall on days like today.

People have time for one another, help one another, we talk and we laugh, we raise a decent amount of money towards the upkeep of the hall, while we are at it.

One particularly nice moment this year was the presentation of a special plate in honour of Sheila, a stalwart of village life for many a year, who unfortunately passed away a few months ago.

Sheila was a strong and remarkable woman.  No nonsense, practical, with a heart of gold and a wonderful sense of humour and I really liked her.  She left a big hole in the heart of our village.  One of her best friends, Joan was presented with the plate this year, she was tearful, but thrilled to be honoured this way.

Tea, with scones, strawberries and cream are served and on hot days like today they are taken outside to be enjoyed.    This photograph was taken early, it was soon full and extra chairs were brought out.   You may have noticed, tiny village hall, tiny garden, but we know how to make the most of it!

All too soon the auction was over, teas were finished, people began to drift away...

It is time to dig out those seed catalogues and get planning ready for next year.