St Michael's Transformed

The work at St. Michael's is finished! The pews are gone, and the chairs should soon arrive.

The first service will be Sung Mass at 9.30 am tomorrow, 14th Dec 2008. It is the one church in Abingdon where you are likely to get incense thrown in.

Their big service of the year, the Carol Service, will happen on Christmas Eve at 6pm.

This Victorian church has been transformed. As a central feature, there is a labyrinth and centralised font. The heating and social rooms have also been modernised.

Thanks to John for the pictures. He also sent me the before picture.

But their vicar will soon be leaving, and they and St Nic's, who share a team vicar, will be looking for a replacement. The outgoing team vicar, Revd Dr Peter Doll, is to become the Canon Librarian of Norwich Cathedral - responsible for Education and the large historical library at the Cathedral.

Closing Down - Halfords and Woolworths

Three well known national names in Abingdon: Ladbrokes, Halfords and Woolworths ...

If I were a gambling man, I could go into the newly opened Ladbrokes in Bath Street and ask for the odds that Woolworths will close before Halfords.

Halfords were going to close their Abingdon shop on January 4th 2008. They even had a closing down sale with large posters, that is, until they found there was another year to run on the lease. The notice now says 'This shop is closing on January 2nd - 2009 - Your nearest Halfords is at Didcot / Oxford'.

It now looks as if Woolworths could close, even, before Halfords. (Most of us have have never known life without Woolworths.)

Since the announcement by the Woolworths administrators, Deloitte, yesterday, that they could not find a buyer, the up to 50% Sale is soon to become the total liquidation, Woolworths closing down sale.

Christmas is Coming

Only two weeks to go!

This is another frequently photographed, and painted, Abingdon view. It looks down the River Thames to Saint Helen's Church ,with boats moored on Nags Head Island. (Saint Helen's Christmas church services can be found here.)

The second picture was taken inside Trinity Church after the second advent candle was lit last Sunday. The last candle, the white one, will be lit on Christmas Day morning.

Abingdon Weir Extremes

Perhaps the most photographed place in Abingdon: Abingdon Weir begins with a row of radial gates with a walkway across.

The walkway continues but you are advised not to stray off the path - even to take photographs. Here are the walled-in sluice gates which jet foaming water across to the far side of the weir pool.

Finally there is the calm landing area for Abingdon Lock.

Growing a Hedge

A new hedge has just been planted at the end of Chaunterell Way in South Abingdon.

The hedge is made of native species that produce berries and haws.

This blackbird is eating berries from a tree at the back of the Ferry Boat House, off Wilsham Road. If the new hedge works out, there will be lots more berries.

(Hedge planted by the Abingdon Town Council outdoor staff)

Keep Trade Local

I'm Sorry that I missed last Friday's 11 AM launch of the national 'Keep Trade Local Campaign' in Abingdon, but I was working.

The campaign is aimed at raising awareness among local businesses of the skills and resources available within the town itself.

Thanks to Mark for the pictures.

The FSB ( Federation of Small Businesses) organised this event. Here Dr Evan Harris, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, appears to be pointing at the www.localroots.co.uk sign, for the press. (Hopefully it will make the Herald who did an excellent two pages on the Christmas Extravaganza. There are also lot more pictures on Abingdon Flickr of the Extravaganza - see side link.)

Floodlights through the trees

"Abingdon put in a much improved performance to record their first league victory for 10 matches with a 1-0 win at home to Fairford Town. Jelroy Constant is the hero with the only goal in the 72nd minute."

I heard the cheers, shortly after taking this picture of the floodlights through the trees, while walking the dog...

It may seem strange to see 'Abingdon Town Football Club - sponsored by Station Flooring Didcot'. But as I was told Station Flooring, Didcot, have been a good friend to the club over the years.