There can be 200 daily adult visitors coming from the river to use the town during the boating season. Some time back the Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC) abolished mooring charges and allowed boats to stay for up to five days, without charge, to encourage such trade.

Downstream from Abingdon Bridge where the banks are higher and better for cruisers there are mooring rings fixed into the concrete.

Upstream from the bridge two separate lengths of timber edged mooring were put in some years back: one length opposite the swimming pool, the other nearer Abingdon Lock. The banks are lower here and more suited to narrow boats. Stakes are driven into the bank here to secure the boats.

Every Friday from 9:30 to 11, in the Roysse Room, you will find the Country Market. Here you can buy cakes, preserves, bread, craft, plants etc. . You can also get the cheapest tea or coffee in Abingdon.

Customers used to queue outside to get in, but nowadays trade is quieter.

The Country Market, better known as the W.I Market, has been running for over 50 years in Abingdon.

I cannot guarantee there will always be a Friday Country Market in Abingdon, so visit soon. Rent is up and customer numbers are down as everywhere in Abingdon.

An e-mail from Hesta suggested an idea called ‘Spring into Abingdon’

What about making the Market Place lively and interesting from March to May? Invite bands and community groups so there is something every Saturday.

The town council also wants it to be used more to make the town centre more colourful.

Community Groups can book at the Old Abbey House and use it for free on Saturdays. Ring the information desk at 01235 522711 if you want to check out a date. There’s room for three groups a Saturday.

Also see the Abingdon Information Centre diary for a Whats On in Abingdon.

Here we are in precinct. And all I see are red hearts

more red hearts

Even the British Heart Foundation have Hearts with messages written by celebrities and messages by ordinary people. Stuff like…

This town has been here long as I remember
This town will be here long after I am gone
This town has had her up and down times
This town keeps going on and on