Three or four years ago, when this time of low or negative economic growth began, companies appeared in Abingdon buying gold. First they hired space at the Guildhall on Saturdays.
Then to our surprise one of them opened up a gold buying shop on the Market Place.
That shop has just closed – possibly a sign that better economic growth is about to return.
Gold prices have been falling in the last couple of months. Stock prices have been rising.
Lots of young families turned out for Fun in the Park which ran from 11 – 3 today.
The main feature that struck me, comparing this to previous Fun in The Parks, was all the activities for younger family members … crafts activities, and play tents, and
sports. Not just the Abbey Gardens, but also the carpark had play buses and a fire engine, and then people could go to the riverside park area for more free entertainment. Even the Open Air Pool was free.
A family could spend their time at Fun in the Parks without spending money. Only balloons and food and drinks cost money.
Everybody was cleared out at three from Fun in the Park in order for preparations for Music in the Park which opened at 5:30.
Nearly 3000 people were there – many partying and picnicking in family / friendship groups. The entertainment included the likes of Green Onions (UK Blues Brothers Tribute Band), Bruno Mars (Michael Buble tribute act) and Elkie (covering popular songs from the last four decades).
The Mayor gave a big thank you to the staff, helpers, and volunteers who had worked so hard to make these two events possible. Then Abingdon Town Band performed the Proms,
where the Deputy Mayor sang Rule Britannia,
and at about 10pm Spyrotechnics did a brilliant firework display.
Two new shops have opened this week.
Pedro the Cobbler opened up a new shop on Stert Sreet. He mends shoes, and sells a few shoes, cuts keys, and engraves. (Beyond Bubbles, who used to be there will be selling more at craft fairs, local events, and online, but some of her products are still available from Pedro, I believe.)
Meanwhile on East St Helen Street, Belinda Chong opened a new studio selling artwork and jewellery.
Last Thursday of every month there is “Out of Bounds” Comedy at the Guildhall.
Johanna, who puts on these events, created such a warm ambiance in the Roysse Room with the decor. It was a long way from being the school room that it once was.
Rudi Lickwood, the headline act, was real class. He took us out of bounds with some of his jokes.
Comedy at the Guildhall suggested to him a grand venue. There was a good audience, and it worked well, even if the microphone did fail at one point.
I look forward to the July event when two prominent acts come to Abingdon before starring at the Edinburgh Fringe.
P.S Abingdon Blog will be unavailable from 7pm this evening (31/05/2013). This will last about 6 hours. Host Servers are moving.