Before the Royal Wedding yesterday, the Market Place in Abingdon had the Abbey Brass Band playing.

They were supported by members from Abbey Brass who had baked cakes. This was a repeat of last years successful ‘Bakes and Brass‘ to raise money for the Abbey Brass. Their band hut, next to the outdoor pool, like the outdoor pool needs a rebuild, and so they are starting to put plans together for that, and to raise money for what could be a large project.

Also on the Market Place were Abingdon Bowling Club with a tombola.

There were also members and staff from Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council selling arm-bands for Music in the Parks. The bands will be Sidekickz, Undercovers, Oxfordshire Youth Big Band, Abingdon Town Band + fireworks.

Congratulations to Councillor Alice Badcock (on the right) who is not only on the town council but also as a VWHDC councillor has joined the ruling cabinet. Matthew Barber recently stood down after seven years as VWHDC leader. Roger Cox has taken over as leader, and has brought in Alice as Head of Community Services.

The Queen is celebrating her 92nd birthday and the Sue Ryder charity shop window reflected the occasion with flags and memorabilia.

As BykerRode commented the clock is working again on the front of St Nicolas Church Tower for the first time in many months.

On the Market Place today there was a market made up of food and drink stalls with a lucky dip and hook a duck.

The Town Crier did an announcement and afterwards wished her Majesty a happy birthday.

The High Street will be shut to traffic tomorrow for the Abingdon Cycling Festival. There was not one last year so it is good to see it back.

On the Market Place in Abingdon this morning the Citizen’s Advice and NSPCC shared a stall. Here is Lorraine Oates, former Mayor, for the NSPCC; and Hilary Green, former Mayor, for Citizens Advice.

It was a lovely day. Perhaps the warmest of the year so far. The worse that could happen was that the wind blew the papers about on the stall.

Lorraine pointed out the flower bed near St Nicolas Church and how good it is looking.

At the Local Excellence Market in Abingdon today, Totoro, a snow trooper, and Harlequin were there on the Abingdon and Witney College stall to let people know about ThamesCon . This event will include performances, workshops, exhibitions, and food. Sir Tony Robinson will even be there as part of a reunion of the cast of Maid Marian and her Merry Men. It is on 28th April at the college. More information at https://thamescon.co.uk/

Next to Thames con were The Hampshire Gluten Free Company who come from an old farm cottage overlooking Watership Down – which is a real place, not far from Newbury.

There were lots of stalls at the market and the weather this Saturday was good after the snow of last weekend.

The Town Crier was letting people know about the Market. He has grown a moustache for the Abingdon Drama Club forthcoming production of ‘A More Perfect World’. He is one of three characters telling the story of their first world war. It is on from 11th-14th April and tickets can be bought at http://www.abingdon-drama-club.com/

His cries did help to bring the crowds to the Market Place.