Co-op Building - October progress

This is the view down Lombard Street. The four-storey block fits well into the street scene.

The pavement has been laid, and the shop windows are being put in, and it will soon be time to knock out the brieze blocks that have kept it secure while it was windowless. But lets hope it still turns out to be a Co-op. There are doubts because we also have a Somerfield in Abingdon...

From the Scotsman on 21 October 2008 'THE Co-operative's £1.6 billion takeover of Somerfield has been given the green light by competition watchdogs in a move cementing its place as the UK's fifth-biggest supermarket chain. But the Co-op will have to offload at least 126 stores to address competition concerns in local grocery markets, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) said.'

A Few Halloween Haunts

One good haunt is The Plough where you can not only enjoy a pint but also see The Grim Reaper.

The Old Gaol is a building where prisoners once met a grisly end at the gallows. One boy was only eight. Tales of its being haunted are well documented.

The room above the Abbey Gateway was an even older Gaol, and it too experienced bad things, and is said to be haunted.

This picture outside the Abbey Grounds shows the results of the excavation for Abbey House. Abingdon has a lot of history.

Tales of hauntings in East Saint Helen Street abound. So its safe to say all the buildings down this way are possibly haunted, and that King William III (of Orange) could still be kicking around in the house - with the blue plaque - where he stayed.

Local Roots, at the top of East Saint Helen Street, also have a witch in the window.

But for a lot of people Halloween is a chance to dress up and have a party.

Pumpkins 2008

Artistic Pumpkins at Fabulous Flowers.
Pumpkins for Sale at Peachcroft Farm

Not all the pumpkins are destined for Halloween. Some will end up in the Christmas Dinner.

Herald - A New Day

Last week the Abingdon Herald went on sale, as it always has, on a Thursday

But this week, and from now on, it goes on sale on Wednesday. They have a great picture of a bulgarian acrobat in the Big Kid Circus - currently off Dunmore Road.

The only picture I have so far is from outside the big top, but there is still time. Thats the A34 behind.

Looking for Bargains

These are to be found at the bottom of the Tesco Curry Sauce shelf .

This is a rare chance to turn back the clock, and buy something for a shilling (5p in new money) and still get change.

Most offers benefit the shopper - but look at the small print - Not All.

MG Works Donation

This donation is from the MG Works Centre in Abingdon towards the museum project which will include MG exhibition space.

It's always good to see MG cars back on the market place.

And open up the lid to look inside.

Wouldn't It Be Loverly

From 27th October - 1st November at the Amey Theatre at Abingdon School, Abingdon Operatic Society will be performing such songs as: "Wouldn't It Be Loverly", "I Could Have Danced All Night", "On The Street Where You Live" and "Get Me To The Church On Time".

But can you name the show?

Incinerator Protest

On Monday, the Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC) will be considering its response to the proposed Incinerator between Sutton Courtney and Appleford. Some of the campaigners were in town warning people of the air quality and health dangers. They will be back on Monday to petition councillors.

(Picture borrowed from the Sutton Courtney against the Incinerator Site. Its their Copyright.)

The County Council is the real decision maker but the VWHDC is consulted, and will be considering:

• The visual impact of the development with its tall chimney
• The effect on traffic - a 10% increase is expected
• The effect on outdoor air quality and the environment generally