On Saturday 9th July 2016 Castlemorton Common Association held their annual Summer Shindig on the common. Although heavy clouds hovered overhead all day the rain held off. The afternoon events were well attended with the Gymkhana and Dog Show showing entries slightly up on the previous year; the recently introduced Bicycle Races also proved popular.

Gymkhana overall winners were:-

Seniors – Ruby Williams

Juniors – James Burford

The new Dog Show judge Emma Surridge put owners and dogs through their paces, there were many happy faces and wagging tails!

The Geoff Leake Memorial Trophy for Best Dog in show was awarded to:-

Cloe Stephenson with Smartie

Two excellent live bands provided the evening’s entertainment. Turnstone from Ludlow got everyone on to their feet dancing, followed by Houses of the Holy who played into the night. An excellent bar, tasty pig roast and a very competitive game of skittles rounded off the evening’s activities. This year additional tables and chairs plus an extra tent helped create a comfortable atmosphere, and kept everyone out of the weather should it have changed for the worst.

The Summer Shindig is developing into quite a large event and it would be not be possible to put it on without the following supporters and sponsors:-

Countrywide - Malvern Branch, Mary Weaver, UK Cycle Centre- Spring Lane, Pioneer Feeds & Country Store – Ledbury, Scott Larkins Transport, Lake House Brewery, Ragged Stone Gold Cider, Piccadilly Whip Ice Cream.

The Raffle raised over £430 thanks to some outstanding prizes from – Three Counties Show, Lovells Vineyard, Marlbank Inn, Robin Hood, Inn @ Welland, Eastnor Castle, Westons Cider, LDA meats, Ferryfast Fruit & Veg.

Thanks also go to the many volunteers who assisted Committee members with all the tasks involved over the three days it takes to put on this event.

Overall the Shindig was a success and the Committee has received some very positive feedback, however it was a shame more local families did not come and enjoy the entertainment provided. From the profit made it has been possible to make donations of £500 each to:-

Riding for the Disabled – Malvern Branch and the Friends of Malvern Community Hospital.

Ann Brennan