CROPTHRONE Walkabout celebrated its 30th birthday with a two-day event that attracted thousands of people to the Vale of Evesham village.

Richard Mumford, who was the first chairman of the event and is currently treasurer and publicity officer, is justifiably proud of the origins and what has been achieved in the village over those three decades.

"It is believed that Cropthorne Walkabout is the first of the Open Gardens events to be called by this name," he said. "Starting in 1975, Cropthorne Church was hunting round for a way of raising money and to avoid the constant coffee mornings and summer fetes and the like."

He explained: "The idea grew to open the gardens, since many of the gardens in the village of Cropthorne run down to the River Avon and cannot be seen from the road."

Thus started the first Walkabout, with a display of old farm tools, flat irons etc., open gardens and one or two stalls.

Mr Mumford said: "The event has now grown into an important annual event in the village, which not only raises a lot of money for the church, but the church is able to contribute to good causes, giving money to the village school, the Cropthorne & Charlton joint village hall, Holland House and the Youth Group, among others.

"The Walkabout has also enabled the church to build up a healthy fabric fund, which is vital at the present time, due to over £150,000 that has to be spent on Cropthorne Church for the repair of the tower and other matters."

Although the cash it generates it vitally important, Mr Mumford stressed: "The importance of the walkabout is not only raising money, but the tremendous team spirit which exits with many people living in the village but only really meeting at the annual Walkabout. People come from all parts of the country and schedule their visit to Worcestershire to coincide with the Cropthorne Walkabout."

A feature of its popularity within the village was, said Mr Mumford, that a number of the helpers had been involved every year since the first Walkabout back in 1975.

One is Mamie Blizard, of Middle Lane, who said: "I have always been in charge of the handicraft stall and involved with the Flower Guild. It is a really good event in the village and involves a lot of people."

Jean Gray, of Field Barn Lane, has also been involved for many years - she was chairman for 16 years - is also very enthusiastic about the Walkabout. She described it as a big success story.

Fourteen gardens from small to big were open at this year's event last Sunday and Monday there a display of flowers in the Norman Church on the theme of Reflections, based around some very innovative photographs around the churchyard and church, display of classic cars and old motorbikes, reed band and jazz band, displays of pictures, narrow boat painted objects and display of oil engines, Maypole dancing, Morris Men, magicians, puppets, hand bell ringing and organ recitals, alongside a host of stalls.

6 An enthusiastic crowd enjoy the Morris dancing (dc8438-d)

5 Richard Mumford in the middle of the walkabout crowd (dc8438-e).