Author Archives: Backstreeter

Puntastic Aldi framework erected in circus field

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The framework of the new Aldi store has been erected in the field once known as the Circus Field – so named because it was previously a circus and funfair venue.

The Aldi framework was erected as quickly as a big circus top. But will not be coming down. Aldi has stolen the show and there will be no more circuses or funfairs. They killed them off by going straight for the juggler, and I don’t think we can claim for funfair dismissal. So, there is no point in going there anymore as a trapese artist. They would just let you go. However, in the cheese department, you might get some stilton.

Radley Lakes – May 2022

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The pile of bricks left after the demolition of the house Sandles has been flattened. A new area for parking cars is being made for visitors during May. The car park will include an information board and, in time, be screened by a hedge.

Yellow flags brighten the bank near the road as I set off around Thrupp Lake.

Black-headed gulls nest on some small islands, and I saw them swooping and catching some of the many insects. They are opportunist feeders. Some squabbled and attacked each other for places on the islands. I only saw the one swan on Thrupp Lake.

This duck had a slipstream containing eight ducklings, keeping very close wherever the duck went.

On one of the smaller lakes nearby were baby coots. A cuckoo could also be heard around the filled-in lake near the railway.

Back round to Thrupp Lake, and the sun was going down.

These pictures were taken on Sunday evening.

1953 – Coronation Year – Percy Holmes – Mayor

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At the Monday Club this evening, Helen organised a quiz. She also showed some pictures from 1953, the year her Grandfather, Percy Holmes, was the Mayor of Abingdon. Helen intends to give the package of photos to the Town Archivist. They were curled up, and I weighed them down with jigsaw puzzles to make copies of a few of interest.

Preparation of an Ox Roast for the Coronation celebrations.

Mayor Percy Holmes, carving the Ox Roast outside the Queens Hotel.

Members of the Abingdon Council with the Mayor as he addresses the crowd using a 1950s PA.

Cooling off in the Abbey Meadows Open Air Pool – at a swimming gala.

This is probably the Welfare Food Campaign with an event at the Roysse Room; some well-nourished children with a bottle of something. The campaign entitled all infants and expectant mothers to free milk, orange juice and cod liver oil. Does anybody recognise themself?

Pictures are mainly stamped on the back by H.J. Milligan, but not all were stamped. I added the words on the front to show provenance. Thanks to Helen.