Changes on Bath Street

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There have been a few changes along Bath Street recently. Empire Tailoring Services has now closed. Jo / Yusuf, the proprietor was clearing out the shop today and will be relocating to London. He offered tailoring and alterations for ladies and gentlemen, but also helped with all kinds of sewing jobs — from cushions and curtains to sewing on military uniform badges.

Meanwhile, a newer addition to Bath Street continues to appear in the former Lounge café. The pop-up shop there has become a place to browse bric-a-brac, vintage items, pictures, tools and plant containers.

Scaffolding has also gone up the full height of the four-storey building above Papa Johns.

The Blue Boar seems to be doing well, after its recent refurb and reopening, and was busy when I walked by this afternoon.

I have already mentioned the traditional butcher’s shop being actively worked on ahead of opening, and another premise that has a “Grand Reveal – Opening Soon” notice in the window that has been there for a while.

Thanks to the person who dropped me a note that began with ‘Since your last visit to Bath Street…’ and ended with the ‘St Helens Wharf closure for 5 days from 8 June.’ I will get to that soon.

Tree Trunk Chair

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A tree trunk in the Abbey Gardens has been cut to form a chair. A horizontal cut forms the seat which, when I sat on it, left my feet dangling above the ground. The backrest has larger oval rings where the cut angled through the trunk. An old scar marks where a low down branch once grew.

Here is the same tree – a low-spreading conifer – about five years ago. The nearby bench has since moved, and a litter bin stands in its place.

On the subject of trees shaped by unusual cuts, this tree near Tower Close Play Area has been left where it swallowed the upper part of the fence.

Thanks to Michael for pointing out the tree chair. I remember another one – near the lower entrance of the Abbey Gardens – cut from a larger tree – possibly a redwood. That must be thirty years ago.

The Finishing Touch says ‘Time to say Goodbye!’

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Inside The Finishing Touch today, it was cool and calm: past the sky-blue boat and fish ornaments, beneath colourful open umbrellas, through fragrance, jewellery, candles and handbags. The shop has colour-themed displays that at Christmas become a wonderland.

Now, after 23 years on Stert Street, the owners have announced that the shop will close at the end of July. The owner is ‘retiring’, while her daughter is moving on to ‘a new adventure.’

The news brought a response from passers by, with one describing it as one of Abingdon’s best independent shops. They remembered the Christmas displays, wrapped presents, window displays, and a place to go to for gifts for friends and family.

Its closure will be a loss for Abingdon town centre. In the meantime, there’s 25% off full-priced items. Before it closes, there’s still time for a final finishing touch.

Nine Days, Nineteen Degrees Difference

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The hottest day in May ever recorded in the UK saw temperatures in Abingdon reach 33°C.

The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, last seen at the St Edmund’s 850th celebrations (May 16th), began their day at the Harwell Feast. They took part in the parade and danced at the Feast before hot-footing it to Bampton for the Bampton Whitsun 2026 celebrations.

Back in Abingdon, Bank Holiday Walks were organised by the Friends of Abingdon. I caught up with a couple of the walk leaders after they finished. The 1556 Boundary Walk was partly led by the Town Crier, Cllr Penny Clover. It may have been the hottest Boundary Walk in 470 years.

The Lost Abbey tour, led by Dr Philip Kendrick, came 9 days after he led the same walk as part of the St Edmund’s 850th celebrations when the maximum temperature was 14°C according to https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/@2657780/historic