The bells of St Helens were ringing for some newly weds who came up East St Helen Street on a tandem.
They were cheered on their way by people on the Market Place, then rested for a few moments at the Abbey Gateway, to allow the walking guests to catch up, and take some pictures.
Mostly Books were celebrating Shakespeare today on the 400th anniversary of The Bard’s death.
At the Clubs and Societies Day, at the Old Abbey Buildings, Abingdon Drama Club were there. The last Shakespeare they performed was Henry V in 2014.
Henry V Act 3 Scene 1 – The speech begins with ‘Once more unto the breach, dear friends‘, and ends
… I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game’s afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry ‘God for Harry, England, and Saint George!‘
The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers were dancing round the town centre on St Georges Day. They danced at various pubs, then made a visit to the Clubs and Society Day before going to the beer festival at the Nag’s Head.
The Scouts were there too. Baden-Powell chose Saint George to be the Patron Saint of Scouts.
More about the Clubs and Societies Day soon.
The Town Crier could be heard through the day announcing the Queen;s 90th brithday. Thanks to Lesley for this picture.
People gathered on Abingdon Market Place this evening before the beacon lighting.
It was not as big an event as the bun throwing on 11th June (The Queen’s Official Birthday). Roads were not closed. Local people could find a place on the Market Place, and even watch from the comfort of a seat.
The Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Helen Pighills, lit the beacon flame above the County Hall at around 8:30 pm. Other beacons were lit across the country to celebrate the Queens 90th Birthday. Thanks to Elizabeth for sending this picture.
Colin covered the event on his famous twitter feed The Abingdon Taxi.
‘..and as the beacon was lit above The Bing, a chorus of Happy Birthday started up in one corner of Market Place..’
Meanwhile over the River Thames, near Nags Head Island, Rob send me a picture of balloons being blown up. There is more than one way to celebrate a birthday.
It is almost 60 years since the Queen opened the restored County Hall in the popular Thameside resort of Abingdon, and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event.
Back then Abingdon had a Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses. Nowadays there is a Mayor and Councillors.
On the eve of Her Majesty’s 90th birthday, three of Abingdon’s Charity Shops have 90th birthday displays:
Helen and Douglas House.
Cancer Research UK
and Sue Ryder.
There will be a lighting of the Beacon on the County Hall Roof – Thursday, 21 April 2016 – 8:30pm.