Work has begun on the redevelopment of the former Saxton Arms pub. The development will see the former pub turned into 6 apartments. A previous plan to turn the former public house into a convenience store didn’t work out. I think the plan was withdrawn after people said they did not want another convenience store.
The rainbow flag is currently draped round the monk on the roundabout on the Marcham Road entry to Abingdon.
Last year, Town Council Leader, Mike Badcock, was quoted in the Oxford Mail saying ‘he would like to see a return to the practice of decorating the abbot, who has sported everything from football shirts to Santa hats down the years.‘
In view of the monk, the Hilton Garden Inn extension is taking shape, with the first of four storeys.
The 150 room hotel, more than twice the current size, could be open in summer 2018 as part of this £12m build and revamp. The existing rooms will be revamped to bring them up to the new standard.
Specsavers have been celebrating 25 years in Bury Street at the weekend and have been giving out cake and goody bags. They moved from next to Greggs to the premises previously used by Halfords a few years ago. This gave them two floors and more space for opticians, hearing tests, and dispensing.
Other businesses that I think have been in Bury Street for 25, or more, years include:
New Look (moved)
Baker Oven (now Greggs)
Lunn Poly Travel (now Tui)
Mister Minit (now Timspon)
Supadrug (moved)
Abbey National (now Sandander)
Cancer Research Campaign
H Samuel
Dorothy Perkins
Boots (The Chemists)
Precinct Dental Practise
The Gift Centre (moved and now Abingdon Gallery )
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.