Town Centre Christmas Lights 2014

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The Christmas Lights were turned on at 5:30 on Saturday. The big candles above the Market Place have been repaired after their first few years or use, and are looking as strong as ever in 2014.

Thanks to Peter for sending an alternative view of the fireworks that followed the lights being switched on.
Christmas Lights
The most original new light in 2014 is near the war memorial – a simple poppy.

The displays along High Street look best if you can sweep through town in a car.

Sami’s Kebab Trailer must enjoy being at the centre of this Picadilly Circus of lights. The golden lights down Bury Street, behind, got turned on a week before the rest.
Christmas Lights
I read in the Herald that about £15K was spent on new lights and light repairs by Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council round the town centre. The museum lights look as striking as ever, whether viewed outside or in.

Abingdon Voluntary Sector is Massive

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Abingdon Voluntary Sector
A recent survey of the voluntary sector in Abingdon by a team of students from Oxford University identified over 200 voluntary and community groups in Abingdon. This is a massive resource which contributes greatly to the quality of life in the town.

Dave Butterworth, the Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) ambassador for Abingdon, thought that it would be a good idea if voluntary groups could meet to get to know one another, to share experiences and, perhaps, develop joint initiatives.

The first such event was held at 35 Ock Street last week and was attend by 20 representative of groups covering a wide range of interests and activities.

People there really enjoyed the event and were keen to hold similar events on a quarterly basis. For more information contact Dave on dave.vol@ocva.org.uk.

Investigation work to the River Stert Culvert

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River Stert Culvert
Investigation work to the Stert Culvert started on 26th November and will continue for about 2 weeks, in preparation for the main construction work planned for February / March 2015.

The investigation appears to involve holes being dug under the pavement area to make sure the culvert can be strengthened and the barriers removed.

Christmas Extravaganza 2014

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Today was probably the hottest Abingdon Christmas Extravaganza Day on record. It was a lovely sunny day in late November.

The Mayor, Councillor Angela Lawrence – a long time advocate of Fair Trade, visited the Fair Trade Christmas Bazaar, at St Ethelwold’s House, in the morning.

There was no best shop window competition this year. But looking round, and I am no judge, it would have been between Fabulous Flowers …

and Oxfam. Snow was falling throughout the day on the Reindeer inside the window. If they don’t turn the snow off soon it will drift.

At midday, waiting in Queens Street Carpark for the start of the Christmas Extravaganza Parade, were the Mayor, Mace Bearer, Town Crier, and Town Clerk.

Various community groups were also waiting to take part in the midday parade, including some junior members of the cast of a play that will be performed in the Unicorn Theater from Wednesday 10th December to Sunday 14th December – called Scrooge. More Info Here.
Christmas Extravaganza
The Oxford Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band led the parade.

Throughout the day people visited Abingdon shops, and coffee shops. They ate Hog roasted by the Crown and Thistle, partook of beer brewed by Loose Cannon Brewery, and enjoyed entertainment provided by many community groups. Pictured above are the Abingdon Community Choir.
Christmas Extravaganza
The day ended with fire juggling…