It is the first time that Patisserie Pascal have taken part in the Local Excellence Market and they were doing a roaring trade this morning. Their produce is much better value than what you will get at the French Market in a week or so.

The Abingdon Carbon Cutters were cooking up fritters and doing a survey.

There was also an aeroplane to try out. It was there as a reminder that Abingdon Air and Country Fair is on soon – 6th May. There was the chance to climb up into the cockpit …

which I did – and this is the reaction I got. Always good to see Mick Busby – a one time parachutist with the forces. Until recently Mick was Chairman at Preston Road Community Centre where he did an excellent job running and improving the centre for over ten years. Mick is now concentrating on his other passion – falconry.

The Chamber of Commerce AGM was last Night. Paul was re-elected as President for another year, and Mike as Secretary. They can be seen together on this rather fuzzy picture.

The Market Place has been comparatively quiet over the winter months, but things start happening in March when Paul and Mike organise the first ever Fair Trade Market on 3rd March. It involves local business that sell Fair Trade products coming out together onto the Market Place. There is also an Abingdon Fair Trade directory.

Paul and Mike are also planning the next Local Excellence Market on the 31st March. And many more events during the year. All visible on the 2012 Program of Market Place Events.

A lovely sunny Market Day in Abingdon. I did think the black bag sign would disappear from Abingdon Market when the wheelie bins took over, but the black bag sign remains. Perhaps it has a greater significance than just saying that there are black bags for sale.

On the subject of interesting local traditions, I read in the Wikipedia of Abingdon that “some people from families that have lived in the town for generations follow the superstition that in walking under the Abbey Gateway one should hold one’s breath to stop the gargoyles that decorate the gateway from stealing it.“