The County Hall in Abingdon looks magnificent from whatever angle you view it.
The hall was built between 1678 and 1683 and amazes people travelling through Abingdon.
Recent architecture looks insubstantial alongside.
The Abingdon Market Place viewed through its arches has seen many changes.
Like Stonehenge the County Hall has stood the test of time.
Back in 2006 I took pictures of some trees, with tree guards – under the title ‘A Young Tree Needs Protection’. I have posted pictures of those same trees several times. This is the 7th.
The first tree, on the Ock Valley Walk, was planted for John Jones OBE, Freeman of Abingdon, by Jean Jones, his widow. It now spreads over the path, and merges with a horse chestnut behind. The guard has long since been removed.
The next two trees were planted together in the Albert Park.
They are still there with their tree guards, growing slowly. One has always had a slight lean.
The final tree was on Caldecott Road.
It got broken off and did not survive to see 2007, but another tree was planted in 2007 with a stronger tree guard. It can be seen here.
From the Co-op door in Abingdon, people queuing for the post office went as far as the door to Belinda’s Jewellery Box; people waiting for the Co-op itself queued up the other way.
From 24th July face covering will become mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England. Belinda has some face masks with a six-layer shield, using copper ions infused technology. They proved popular and sold out and she had more in the shop today. During the lockdown Belinda had plenty of time to make more craft products to sell. The art and craft workshops she used to run have not been possible yet.
The Thames Valley Farmers’ Market visited Abingdon Market Place today on the third Friday of the month.
The sun was shining and traders were having a good day.
Mr Busby, of Busby’s Bees, restocked his Abingdon Honey stand for me to take this picture. Busby Bee apiaries are on working allotments, and in a secluded woodland garden.
Buying at farmers’ markets helps support local farmers and producers. There are no middlemen involved. It also helps cut down food miles and waste. People generally bring reusable bags, and the traders transport their products in reusable crates.