“Wow, what a great little town we live in!” This was the reaction of Carol Goodchild, of the Saffron Walden Art Society, when she saw the magnificent displays set up by the 25 societies at this year’s Societies Showcase, held in the Town Hall on Saturday (June 7).

Throughout the day, a steady stream of people visited the stalls, discovering what was on offer, enjoying the Museum Society’s challenging quiz, appreciating the musical talent of the Music Hall Society and admiring the skills of Art of Tai Ji Quan, many deciding to sign up for membership on the spot.

Amongst the clubs new to showcase this year, it was a pleasure to see some of particular interest to young people, including the Saffron Walden District Girlguiding, the 1st Saffron Walden Boys’ Brigade and Freshwell Youth Art and Crafts.

Regular showcase supporters attending included the Camera Club, the Friends of Bridge End Garden, the Horticultural Society, the Castle Hill Tennis Club, NADFAS, Amnesty International, the Workers Educational Association, Saffron Walden Arts Trust, Saffron Screen and the United Nations Association.

Also new this year were the Dig-It Community Allotment group, the Royston & Saffron Walden National Trust Association, the Saffron Computer Club, the Inner Wheel and the Ladies Circle.

Jean Wilmot, from Adult Community Learning Essex, brought welcome news of educational opportunities opening up soon in the town.

A visit by the mayor, Sandra Eden, who spent time talking to various society members, gave recognition to the vital role played by the many clubs and societies in the town that help make Saffron Walden such a great place to live.

Ginny Eley, on behalf of the organisers, Saffron Walden Initiative, said: “This year the clubs’ displays were more varied and colourful than ever. We wish to thank the many dedicated volunteers from the participating clubs and societies for so enthusiastically promoting their activities and making Showcase such a success.

“There truly is something for everybody amongst the clubs and societies of Saffron Walden and local people are very lucky to have such a wide range to choose from.”