Today they will be lighting the first candle of the Advent Crown in Churches round Abingdon. Yesterday I took this video of some members of Abbey Brass, conducted by Chris Macklow, performing Oh Little Town of Bethlehem. I cut it just before the last note – sorry!

While doing this I was asked by one of the ladies from The Riverside Playgroup if I knew how to get into contact with Santa Claus because they are hoping he can make an appearance on 17th December. Let Joyce know if you have any useful contacts on 01235 524833. And ask him if he has been CRB checked.

The notices say they are opening on 30th November – but they are open today as well.

Looks like work is underway to remove the puddle in front of Somerfield.

This is how it once looked – in it’s heydey – if you had forgotten.

Also I went into Somerfield and see that there are a lot more Co-op branded products in store. The Somerfield website says “Now Somerfield is part of The Co-operative family, exciting times lie ahead in your local store with the arrival of new Co-operative branded products.“

There were still groceries from the Somerfield Simply Value Range in store. As you can see I got as many as I could just in case.

Thanks to David Rayner from Abingdon Walks for this picture and the next.
See more of his pictures and the big versions on his site .

The crowd included family members with this a ‘Daddy You’re My Hero’ banner.

Brigadier Chris Murray, the commander in chief of the Army Logistics Corps, gave an excellent speech welcoming the troops back from Afghanistan and thanking the people of Abingdon. Currently, he said, the troops are being shown more public support than at any time he could remember.

The Mayor and other dignatories presented medals.

Lt. Col. Nigel Allison then asked the Mayor whether they army could exercise the Freedom of the Town.

They were led by the band…

and marched in close formation with bayonets fixed.

At the BBC Oxford Stall, they were asking people to record a Christmas message for the troops still out there, and this one time soldier was very pleased to oblige. Thanks to Steve for most of the pictures.