The annual election of the Mayor of Ock Street took part today in town. The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers host the event, and the person voted in by the people of Ock Street becomes the Mock Mayor of Abingdon for the year.

Visiting teams were Bampton Traditional Morris Men

and  Wychwayz Border Morris.

Dancing took place round town in a large number of places including a return to Tompkins Almshouse, after an absence of 3 or 4 years.

Duncan Brown was elected Mayor of Ock Street in a closely fought  contest, narrowly beating Harry Knight and Roger Cox. Duncan was presented with the sash, sword, goblet, and hat of office by the Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames Helen Pighills.

Duncan was then paraded up and down Ock Street.

Duncan  was born in Abingdon and attended Dunmore and Fitzharrys Schools, He was the youngest ever Mayor of Abingdon in 2010, and is the first person to have been Mayor and Mock Mayor of Abingdon. For a living he sticks needles in people on behalf of the National Blood Service.

The day was generally dry, but following Duncan’s election came heavy rain, thunder and lightening, and then a rainbow.

The Card Factory in Bury Street is making a big thing of Father’s Day on Sunday.

While, the South Abingdon Children’s Centre is making a big thing of Dad on Saturday. They are putting on what dads, and male carers, with children under 5, like best … drumming.

Two people asked me to mention the Cumnor Craft Fair is on.

Trinity Church Fair is also on. As is the St Edmunds School Summer Fayre, and the European School Fete. So lots on for dads, and other people.

“For sale” boards have sprung up along one on Abingdon’ most desirable roads. Brecon & Brecon are the estate agents – helping to advertise the Carswell School Fair in over 50 front gardens throughout Abingdon, a dozen of them along, the very desirable, Bostock Road.

The Summer Fair will be 11.30-3 on Saturday 13th June and will include BBQ and refreshments, face-painting, a well stocked plant stall, an obstacle course supplied by the army welfare team as well as plenty of games and entertainment. The children will perform a sponsored “Big Dance” in aid of UNICEF, and The Mayor of Abingdon will be there to judge.

The John Mason School ‘Art Beat’ exhibition opens this Thursday 11th June (3.30-7pm) and also on Saturday Morning 10am-12.30pm for public viewing. There are over 1000 pieces of fine art, textiles, 3D Design and Graphics work on display. ‘Excellence through Creativity.’

Caldecott Allstars will be performing at the Rugby Club on 13th June.

Also lots on offer at the Dunmore School Summer Fete on 13th June.

Then the week after, Saturday 20th June from 11am to 3pm, there will be the annual Summer Fete of the European School Culham and Europa School. This event is open to the public and there will be lots on offer.

Today saw the second Abingdon Food and Drink Festival, at The Miele Centre, in Abingdon, – any where else would have been a compromise.

The event was organised by The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper. Money raised supports their charity  work, and that of SeeSaw – who provide grief support for children and young people.

Added Ingredients, from Stert Street, Abingdon, had two tasting sessions for Portugese wine and cheese, and one for Italian wine and cheese. They also had a stall. Like lots of the stalls the atmosphere was very relaxed, a chance to try samples, and buy if you liked.

There were 45 stalls in all – I believe.

BBC Radio Oxford were also there, and you could look round the amazing Miele Experience Centre, watch chef demonstrations …

or sit on their lawn and eat and drink and listen to the entertainment. Pictured are Seth Bye and Katie Griffin.