Spring Festival

One thing was missing this year from the Spring Festival: A Maypole.

However there was dancing from The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers

and the Abingdon Scottish Dancers.

Punch and Judy (a little bit too scarey for some),

a little Big Band ( 4 members from the Oxford University Big Band.)

and a climbing wall. The Spring Festival marks the launch of Abingdon in Bloom, and so there are also plant stalls.

Pat Hobby, a well known retired primary school teacher and the new deputy Mayor, is taking part in a dance called Maid of Mill.

But no Maypole.

More Spring Into Abingdon

The “Spring into Abingdon” shopping promotion kicks off tomorrow and runs from 17 to 31 May. The yellow posters have begun to appear at participating shops.

This poster is mounted in Fabulous Flowers.

This one: Enjoy Every Step... Spring into Abingdon... at Clarkes.

And another poster in the doorway of the winner of 'The New Bookshop of the Year - 2008.'

"Nicki Thornton (left) and Mark Thornton (right) of the New Bookshop of the Year, Mostly Books in Abingdon, with sponsor Meryl Halls of the Booksellers Association. "

Picture BAGGED from the Booksellers Association Gallery. More details on that at the Mostly Books Blog. I knew them before they were famous.

New Mayor

Sorry to see the last mayor go, but that is what happens in Abingdon. Each year there is a new Mayor. Patrick Lonergan is the new mayor. With Pat there is not pretence or spin. What you get is what you see.

New Magazine

There will soon be a new magazine called CT (Community Times) Abingdon, produced by Linda and Martin, pictured here. They have been out promoting their forthcoming publication and handing out leaflets.

The Abingdon Morning Update

I spotted my first 'Spring into Abingdon' poster walking the dog this morning. The scheme begins this Saturday and involves the town being divided into 4 zones (red, blue, green, purple). The participating shops and restaurants (mostly independents) stamp a card if you spend over £5. Get a stamp from each zone and you get entered into the prize draw. I'm going to try to use a shop I've never used before in each of the zones. Thanks to Hester for the information on this one.

As Stephen commented to the previous post 'The Abingdon Evening News', cladding of the Co-op began yesterday.

And as it turns out, only small parts of Stert Street were resurfaced such as the Bridge Street junction and road markings. That should help people like Tipsy who left a comment some time back.

The Abingdon Evening News

Down Bath Street, Cafe Zeko are finishing off the conversion of what was 'The Eben Lark.'

The new room will serve as an art cafe room, with art supplied by Jennifer Gerard - who until recently ran the gallery in Stert Street.

(There are rumours that her former gallery - next to Mostly Books - has an interesting new owner. But that will become clear in days or weeks to come.)

Meanwhile, Stert Street is closed overnight. Workmen have resurfaced Broad Street and the entrance to the Charter Carpark,

and have begun on Stert Street again.

Abingdon and District Camera Club

There has been a week long exhibiton at Abingdon museum by Abingdon and District Camera Club marking their 30th anniversary. The pictures in this case show The Camera Club at work.

The exhibiton was in the MG room at the top of the County Hall - the room with a view over the Old Gaol. It was part of Oxfordshire Artweeks.

Dragon Boats by Vesper Rotary

The boats were pushed into the water this morning.

The Abingdon Vesper Rotary Club programme was on sale on the way in. All proceeds to charity and they made a lot of money.

The crowds came in great numbers on a glorious day.

The starter lined up the boats for the heats.

There was some friendly banter between opposing teams.

Then they were off! For the first time this year the race was through the heart of Abingdon.

Booming

And shouting.

Between races there was a fun fair, stalls, and even the chance to dry off doing some dance steps.