Mostly Books celebrated its twentieth anniversary yesterday.

The shop window, which is usually home to one of its distinctive painted displays, currently features How the Oceans Work by Dr Lucia Perez Diaz. Copies of the book are on display alongside a display for Paint Abingdon Pink. Framing the door is an arch made from balloons and books, looking like something oceanic.

Twenty years ago, on 1 July 2006, the doors opened for the first time. There were still books in boxes and shelves were being sorted as customers wandered in. It was the hottest day of the year. There was Wimbledon and World Cup Football, but people kept coming through the door on that first day, delighted to find Abingdon had another bookshop (the town already had The Bookstore).

Champagne was offered to customers, although many preferred water in the heat. One customer asked whether they could buy a Pride & Prejudice deckchair like the one in the window. Another volunteered to run toddler story sessions. And the card reader gave up in the heat of the afternoon. The customer whose payment was being processed emptied the contents of her purse, and was given a staff discount so she could still leave with her books.

By the end of that first day, the shop had sold books, cards, mugs and cookware. The premises had previously been the second outlet for Added Ingredients, trading as “& More Ingredients”, and some of that cookware was still being sold alongside the books. After months of planning Mark and Nikki Thornton had a bookshop.

Eleven years later, in June 2017, the keys of the bookshop were handed over to a new owner, Sarah Dennis, who has now been in charge for nine years. Yesterday’s anniversary brought Mark and Nikki back to visit Sarah. See Anna’s Book Blog at https://annabookbel.net/mostly-books-is-20-years-old for a short report and picture.

The former Jhoots Pharmacy at 19 Bury Street, which was taken over by Allied Pharmacies following Jhoots’ administration last year, has reopened. A notice in the window announces: “Under New Management – Kings Pharmacy from 10 July”. The Allied Pharmacies website still lists the branch as Allied Pharmacy, but the notice suggests a change is in progress.

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.

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.