There is the danger that school funding will be cut in real terms for many schools, and so the mass parents’ campaign fighting these cuts – Fair Funding For All Schools, were on the Market Place this morning. They had a petition, information, and had met some of the candidates standing for the Oxford West and Abingdon constituency.

Also on the Market Place this morning were Alice Badcock, last year’s Mayor, and Margaret Crick, the new Deputy Mayor.

Fun in the Park, and Music in the Park are next weekend, on 3rd June, and they were selling wristbands for Music in the Park. Wristbands usually sell out before the day. Gates open at 5pm and there will be live performances from Flexamuscle, Shakedown Prophets, AGC Rock Band and Bigtopp. The evening concludes with a Proms Concert by Abingdon Town Band and a Grand Firework Display.

There was also music on the Market Place, and a stall selling cakes, thanks to Abbey Brass who were raising funds so they can continue to buy instruments – for training new members.

At the Local Excellence Market on Saturday about 25 stalls took part.

There was also information about the air and country show on 14th May. More information on http://www.abingdonairandcountry.co.uk/the-show/. It is much cheaper getting tickets in advance.

There was also a whiteboard about the election hustings.

In the last parliamentary election there were two hustings in Abingdon: one organised by the Church in Abingdon, and one by the Chamber of Commerce. This time, as they have not been given much time, they are working together on one hustings to which all candidates are invited. The deadline for the nomination of candidates is Thursday 11th May. So we will know then who will be invited.

At the Local Excellence Market, the vegetable lady from Evesham had a good variety of local early vegetables …

including Nicola Potatoes. Nicola Blackwood will be standing again, as will Layla Moran. Labour have somebody new.

The County Council elections are today (4th May).

The Local Excellence Market was on Abingdon Market Place this morning.

Among all the stalls, selling local produce and crafts, there was one stall selling tickets for next weeks Firework Display at Long Furlong.
There were also a lot of people with running shoes drinking coffee after taking part in the Abingdon Parkrun.

I was reminded that there are just 2 days left to enter the S Club Competition. The lucky competition winner will be joining S Club to switch on the Christmas lights at the Extravaganza on 26 November 2016. Competition details here.

There were two gazebos on the Market Place this Saturday. One with red and white balloons, and one with pink and blue balloons.. There was Slimming World with Kevin. Kevin has lost 5 stone himself and so wants to support others who want to loose weight. He is fairly rare in being a male slimming consultant.

Hester, Ruth, and me had the stall to let people know about the Medieval Festival, and Heritage Open Day on September 10th.

We met lots of interesting people including the Deputy Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, Councillor Jan Morter, her escort, and Duncan Brown. Duncan was the Mayor a few years ago, and has started his own website and blog called The Civic Coach where he gives training and helps Councillors and Mayors to be the best civic dignitary that they can be.

We had a good morning giving out leaflets, and catching up on local news. Then thunder clouds darkened the skies, and rained heavily on anybody standing in the open.