We woke to the first snow of the winter.

Schools broke up for the Christmas break – some children even came home at midday.

It was cold for those on the Farmers Market.

Thanks to John E for these last two pictures. These are the Church in Abingdon Carol Singers. They shocked bystanders by singing “While Shephers Watched Their Flocks” to the original tune – “On Ilkley Moor bar t’at“.

The event started with a performance by some pupils from Larkmead School.

Tea and food was served about half way through.

The winners of Abingdon’s Got Talent then performed, and young Miles Burton even came back to do an extra song when there was a gap in the program.

And it ended with a sing-along-a-carol with music by The Abingdon Concert Band.

The story starts in The Punchbowl in Olde Abingdon Town where King George has a fight with a man with a wicked moustache. King George gets killed.

Then the story goes to a number of other pubs before I catch up with it at Ye Olde Anchor Inn.

A Doctor, in a top hat, revives King George… Another battle ensues… This time the man with the wicked moustache gets killed.

It takes a Widow Twanky look-a-like to revive him with a prod up the behind from a flashing Jedi umbrella thing.

Then together they bring us Glad Tidings and take round the charity collecting tin.

Crazy?

A blog just cannot do it justice!

Last Friday was the annual St Nicolas Day celebration at St Nicolas School in Abingdon. The day included a church service and special lunch at school and a visit from St Nicolas himself, who arrived in a horse-drawn carriage attended by children dressed as “peters” – St Nic’s mischievous helpers. (Thanks for sending the picture. More pictures from the same event in 2007 are on the School’s Website).

Another custom happening here tonight in Abingdon will be the Mummers. A full schedule is here.