The annual election of the Mayor of Ock Street took place today in Abingdon, hosted by the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers. As ever, the event drew a lively crowd, with residents and workers from Ock Street and its surrounding roads casting their votes to choose this year’s Mayor.
There was dancing at various locations around town. The morning was overcast and humid. A lunchtime shower gave way to sunshine later in the day — not as hot as Thursday, when all that dancing would have been far more draining.
This year’s visiting teams included new friends, Chiltern Hundreds NW Morris,
and old friends, Bampton Traditional Morris Men.
Two familiar names stood for election: Rob Charlton, who served as Mayor last year, and Harry Knight, who has held the title several times in the past decade.
Residents and workers of Ock Street, its tributary streets, and Morris Dancers has a vote.
A town crier introduced the dancers and kept everyone informed about the day’s events.
When the ballots were counted, Rob Charlton had received 115 votes, while Harry Knight secured 146 — a strong turnout overall. Rob graciously congratulated Harry on his win.
The Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Rawda Jehanli, presented Harry Knight with the sash, sword, goblet, and hat of office—symbols of the honour bestowed. Harry Knight thanked the visiting teams and several people by name who had helped in the event, particularly Mac who organised the event.
The newly elected Mayor of Ock Street was then paraded in a sedan chair made from scaffold poles, followed by more dancing along Ock Street.
Author Archives: Backstreeter
Up with the sun
In Abingdon (and Stone Henge), the earliest sunrise happens about a week before the longest days of 20th and 21st of June. The latest sunset happens about a week after. The Earth is tilted as it goes around the Sun, and its path is oval-shaped. Sunrises and sunsets are not synchronised.
Depending on where you are, the Sun will not be visible right away anyway.
This week also brought another seasonal change. The fishing closed season, which runs from March 15th to June 15th, has ended. Rods are out again as fishers return. One was up with the sun.
A Hot Day in Abingdon
It was a hot day with temperatures up to 32°C. Not a cloud in the sky.
The hole in Bridge Street was filled in yesterday and tarmacked today, with the temporary traffic lights now removed – to the relief of drivers.
At Abbey Meadow, the open-air pool was brightened by sun umbrellas and people with beach towels.
Over by the splash pad, children ran screaming through the fountains of water
The town began to have a holiday feel.
Early opening of Open Air Pool for Heatwave
Staff were preparing the Abbey Meadow Outdoor Pool in Abingdon for an early opening for the current heatwave. This weather-dependent trial opening is the first – others may follow, depending on conditions and staff availability.
Better UK, who manage the pool, are offering this early opening at no extra cost to Vale of White Horse District Council. Booking times are available on the Better UK website. The first sessions run from Thursday, 19 June to Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
The Abbey Meadow splash pad and kiosk — also operated by Better UK on behalf of the council — opened at the end of May. Full seasonal opening of the outdoor pool begins on 19 July to coincide with the school holidays.
Councillor Andy Crawford, Cabinet Member for Leisure Facilities, said: ”This is such welcome news – and I’m sure it will be positively received by everyone who looks forward to enjoying the pool in the warm weather.”
Thermal covers are in place overnight to allow the water to be warmed and retain the heat.