Mr Harry Knight was elected the Mayor of Ock Street this afternoon. The election result was announced by Mr Ewart Hemmings, President of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers. The Mayor of Abingdon, Angela Lawrence, was there to present Harry with the sword and chalice of office. Angela joined in with the dancing when everybody had a go on the Market Place, and showed that she was a good dancer herself.

Mr Harry Knight said it was a great honour to follow Stuart Jackson, and Roger Cox, his predecessors, both who were there. Roger Cox, who has been Mayor of Ock Street from 2007-2014, was the first to congratulate the victor Harry. The Mayor of Ock Street also becomes the Squire of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers.

There followed the traditional chairing of the new Mayor up and down Ock Street.

The ballot took place at The Brewery Tap where Ock Street Ale was on tap – from Loose Cannon.

The day itself saw Morris dancing around the town. The youtube video above shows ‘Princess Royal’ one of the Abingdon Dances, performed by the Abingdon Morris Dancers for centuries, and again today.

There were five visited teams including the Armaleggan, a Border Morris side, who rehearse in Cumnor Village Hall, on the old Berkshire Borders.

Also visiting town today were the Foxy Rangers from Didcot, in South Oxfordshire. They were raising money for Chanel, a child who needs special equipment to get a decent quality of life. One of those Foxy Rangers was chosen to be danced round in ‘Maid of The Mill’

After which every passing Morris Dancer kissed her on the cheek – some more than once. The Armaleggan kissing got very smutty.

More Pictures on the Abingdon Blog Facebook Page.