FOR the first time ever, permission was given for the 250-year-old Abingdon tradition of bun throwing to take place away from County Hall – at Bridge House Care Home.

As a special Good Friday celebration, the Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Margaret Crick in full ceremonial robes, climbed to the highest point at the home in Thames View and threw 71 hot cross buns to families and members of the community below.

Seventy one buns were hurled from a first floor window to represent the home's 71 residents.

The bun-throwing tradition which started in 1761 to mark the Coronation of King George 111, last took place in the town in November 2018, to commemorate the end of WW1.

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Home manager June Maharaj said: “So many of our residents have memories of this unique Abingdon tradition, with some remembering catching them in upturned umbrellas.

"We thought it would be a lovely thing to do to recreate the tradition here where they could all enjoy it and the whole event has been a huge success."

One resident, 87-year-old Jean Underwood, revealed she still has six hot cross buns, preserved by varnishing, from a bun throwing event from over 30 years ago.

She said: “I have so many memories from bun throwing ceremonies over the years and it’s so exciting to have one here for us at the home."

The unique annual Abingdon tradition usually sees the town mark major royal and national occasions by hurling buns off the roof of County Hall to crowds in the Market Place below.

The care home, which is rated as outstanding by the CQC, offers residential, nursing and dementia care.