There was a lot going on in Abingdon this weekend. I was taking pictures of the Abingdon Head of The River rowing event – pictures of that tomorrow – and so arrived at the Abingdon Freewheeling Spring Festival after a lot of people had left. 
But it was a great pleasure to meet the Didcot Phoenix CC and see their stall. They have 70-80 members and do time trials and club rides. Their regular Sunday ride was to start at Abingdon Market Place today for a change.
The town crier had what should become the town crier’s bike. He saw it a while back and borrowed it for the event. He is stood between two young ladies who were there to promote cycling safety. Be seen!
Abingdon Freewheeling had lots of rides on offer this year: 4, 10, 27 & 50 mile road rides and 12 & 22 mile off-road rides. This is the leader of the 27 mile road ride with tandem.
Beyond Bars Cycles (to be found in Coxeters) were there with a large stand and a large assortments of bikes. They were also doing repairs on alien bikes.
Lastly the Kings Head and Bell were serving some tasty food. Perhaps a chance to ask you to put World Fairtrade Day in your diaries as there is a link ….
World Fairtrade Day is Saturday 12th May, and the Abingdon Fairtrade group is holding a Fairtrade Continental Breakfast at the KH&B. Steve (Kings Head and Bell) is donating the breakfast and the venue free of charge. Debbie (Patisserie) will supply croissants and Waitrose will provide the Fairtrade fruit. In return you can just come a long and maybe give a donation to a Traidcraft charity. I’ll remind you nearer the event.
I got my bike from Behind Bars (hint). It has served me well for three years of commuting.
How many Town Criers does Abingdon have???
The one pictured is different to the one at the World Bun Throwing on Saturday and also different to the one who announced the Bun Throwing last year!?
There is Guild of Town Criers and over half a dozen willing individuals. But there is only one uniform so you will only see one at any one time.
If I recall, we did buy another uniform.
Brilliant, thanks for the info 🙂
Emily and I were spectators at the 59th Annual National Town Criers Championships in Hastings last October. I was on the look out for the Abingdon one to cheer him on, but didn’t see them…
As I’m quite stentorian Emily (and others) have suggested I become a Town Crier, she asked Luton’s Mayor if there is one here and he said that the Luton Town Crier lives in Gloucestershire, but there’s not much call for him!?
If you’re interested here’s my report from the 59th Annual National Town Criers Championships in Hastings http://hamandeggerfiles.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/59th-annual-national-town-criers.html
Just had a read of your previous Town Crier blog post – “The Town Crier announces” https://www.abingdonblog.co.uk/?p=1425
Very good.
I have been told that there was once a female Abingdon Town Crier too.
Abingdon Guild of Town Criers has had three lady Criers in the past and would be very happy to know of anyone, female or male. interested in becoming a new volunteer Crier. The Guild has proved a very useful and colourful addition to events, and Town Crying is really good fun. If you are interested in becoming one, give your name to the Town Council on 01235522642 and they will pass on the details to me and an audition will be arranged!