Category Archives: Events

Thames Street

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Thames Street
This view on Thames Street could well look familiar because of a picture by Peter Bellingham. The notice says  ‘Abingdon Abbey’, and these buildings – the Bakehouse, Checker Hall, Checker and Long Gallery – were once part of the much larger Abbey. They are cared for by the Friends of Abingdon and open until September 30th  (except Mondays) between 2pm and 4pm.
Thames Street
Over the road, the area fronting the Abbey Millstream would also have been inside the Abbey. At this time of year there is a display of flowers along the railings as part of Abingdon in Bloom. The Britain in Bloom judges usually come round during July.

Open Day At Dalton Barracks

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Dancing at Army Day
Today was Dalton Barracks Open Day. It is a chance for families associated with the barracks and the local community to get together.
Bangra Dancing Group
There were quite a few different types of ethnic dancing. This group of Bangra dancers invited members of the audience to join in. In this picture I recognise Lorrain Oates (ex Mayor), two army officers, John Flood – Mayor of Didcot, and Elizabeth Drury – local historian. All had a go.
Bomb Disposal Robot
Fom Didcot were members of the bomb disposal team based there at Vauxhall barracks. This gentleman is having ago at controlling one of the bomb disposal robots.
Chair and Mayor
The Chair of the Vale, and Mayor of Abingdon took part in a grog tasting ceremony which included them being given some garlands, and drinking a potion that numbs the lips.
Parachuting in the Flag
There were lots of displays and stalls, all quite different from what you get at a usual fete or fun-day. Sky divers dropped in flying the flag.
Raising The Flag
There were also the ceremonial parts, such as the flag raising.
Dancing at Army Day
There was a good turnout since England had been knocked out of the World Cup. They would have been playing today. And the weather was fantastic.

Keeping The Flag Flying

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Dressed in England Flag
Clothes that were fashionable last Saturday and Sunday, like these bright England whites and reds, were replaced by more dowdy blues and browns by Monday.  England flags also disappeared from the sides of cars.

Tabloid newspapers treated the England Team with the sort of scorn last used on Gordon Brown just before election day, saying “YOU LET YOUR COUNTRY DOWN”.
England Flags by houses
But England flags are still flying outside a lot houses. Perhaps people have not got round to taking them down, or maybe the flags have another significance – not just football. Who knows.
Kathryn and Lucy and Firemen

Last Saturday morning I went to a Fun Day on Sutton Way – the new Charity Shop – which raises money for Help For Heroes. Tomorrow is Open Day at Dalton Barracks where Help For Heroes is one of the charities.

Abingdons Got Talent Auditions – 2010

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Abingdons Got Talent Auditions
This is the third year of Abingdons Got Talent. Acts came from far and wide.
Abingdons Got Talent Auditions
The judges this year were:
Steve Rich – Abingdon Town Band
Judy Gray – Head of Performing Arts, Abingdon & Witney College
Councillor Duncan Brown – Mayor of Abingdon
Eileen Bagshawe – Abingdon Drama Club
Abingdons Got Talent Auditions
There were dancers.
Abingdons Got Talent Auditions
This young lad of seven did some break dancing.
Abingdons Got Talent Auditions
Friends came to support friends.

Abingdons Got Talent Auditions
I didn’t see all of the acts but near the end there were two female singers who stood out as very good.
Abingdons Got Talent Auditions
The final in on July 17th.