Trinity Festive Fair 2009

In former years this November Fair at Trinity Church was more a jumble sale where people could get rid of their old knick knacks and books. But now it is more high class with home cooking, raffles and Tombolas, and craft things for Christmas.

Outside it was raining but inside it was jolly festive.

Movember for Men

We have seen Abingdon turned pink for 'Against Breast Cancer', and now it's time for a man thing...

During November many men are growing moustaches. A work colleague of Derek - on the left - succumbed to prostate cancer and a group of them are growing moustaches in November to raise money for research and awareness into prostate cancer with the Charity Movember.

By the end of the month he may have as fine a moustache as Mick on the right. Derek and Mick are both essential people at one of Abingdon's great success stories: Preston Road Community Centre - Derek is the Caretaker and Mick the Chairman.

Spiers & Boden

Last Weekend I got sent this picture from The Unicorn Theatre of Spiers & Boden. And this report...

It was a brilliant night, packed house and great atmosphere. As you know, John Spiers is an Abingdon lad - St Nic's and John Mason - he said that last time he performed in the Unicorn was when he was at St Nics. His father is still involved with the local Morris dancers. He and Jon Boden are among the leading young folk musicians in the country - performing both as a duo and as part of the highly successful Bellowhead (who are 11 or 12 strong so wouldn't fit in the Unicorn!)

Coming Soon... Terry Wogan

Abingdon is rapidly becoming the book signing capital of Europe.

Last Saturday...


Inspired by the Oxford Canal, D.H. Clacher (on the right) has been writing the Muddy Waters stories and was at The Book Store on Saturday to sign copies. The books about Canal Boats are illustrated by Stephen Preedy (on the left).

Meanwhile Mostly Books had a culinary theme to the day with a number of authors. Over lunchtime pumpkin soup was available. It was a recipe from this local book - The Little Book of Soups and Stews - prepared by Alison who works at the shop - and very good too.

Coming Soon at The Book Store Terry Wogan will be signing copies of his Book 'Where Was I?' on Tuesday 24th November from 12:30 - 1:30.

Abbey Fish Ponds Nature Reserve

It is thought that the Abbey Fishponds once supplied fish to Abingdon Abbey. Now, this historic wetland is an area of green in the heart of North Abingdon stretching between Radley Road and Audlett Drive...

with built up banks, reedbeds, fen and wetland meadow. The pond has recently been cleared by volunteers, previously it was invisible behind a thick curtain of reeds.

On Saturday, when I visited, the Abbey Fishponds Conservation Volunteers were clearing areas of scrub and bramble near the long path to encourage the growth of wild flowers.

They are always looking for new volunteers. Next work parties are on November 21st, and December 5th. Regular workparties are held on the first Saturday of the month with occasional extra ones arranged for a Friday or Saturday morning depending on the amount of work to be done.

Contact Marjorie White on email saveradleylakes@ntlworld.com or phone 01235 530174.

Remembrance Sunday

The crowds applauded as the troops, and then the veterans, and then the uniformed groups, marched by after the service round the War Memorial.

Sales of poppies have gone through the roof this year.

On Wed 25th Nov, the army will be back in numbers again when the Royal Logistic Corps, from Dalton Barracks, will exercise the Freedom of Abingdon with a Parade and Medals Ceremony from 10:30.

Long Furlong, Abingdon, Fireworks 2009

The Sea Scouts were celebrating 100 years and so Councillor Alison Rooke, who started the fireworks, got an eleven year old girl, whose birthday it was today, to begin the count down... 10..9..8... Before that we sang Happy Birthday to her and the Sea Scouts.

Here is the last minute of the Fireworks. Turn down the sounds if you don't like loud bangs.

TODAY IS REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY. Two minutes silence at 11, but the service at the War Memorial starts a few minutes before that.