American pizza chain Papa John’s have opened a franchise today in the former Smarts Fish and Chip Shop in the centre of Abingdon-on-Thames.
Papa John’s is the third-largest pizza delivery chain in the world behind Pizza Hut and Domino’s. So now Abingdon-on-Thames has the big three – as does Abingdon, Virginia.
But Abingdon, Virginia have a lot of other pizza shops we have not even heard of yet: Pizza Plus, Bella’s Pizza, Moon Dog Brick Oven, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Lyons Den Pizza …
70 years after the first OXFAM shop opened in Oxford on Broad Street, a pop up Oxfam shop was set up in Abingdon on Saturday. This was in addition to the permanent Abingdon shop on Stert Street.
Lots of volunteers helped set up a variety of stalls at the St Ethelwold’s pop-up shop, down East St Helen Street.
They were there all day to help as customers came and went. I got there rather late when they were packing up so did not get a picture of the sleigh outside.
The manager said it was a wonderful day with so many good people helping. To her it was very heart warming after what had been a bad night. The Stert Street shop had been broken into, through the side shop window. Objects were stolen, as were the contents of a charity box made by school children to raise money for a village in Africa.
Day 2 of Advent…
The Christmas Extravaganza was on all day. The event got into full swing at midday when the Oxford Caledonian Pipe Band led the parade.
People came out of their shops to watch. This is Sue Ryder.
Following the pipe band were: The cast of Aladdin, Strawberry Fayre Majorettes, Kingfisher School, Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council
Next came the ever changing Town Crier, and last but not least … Father Christmas in his sleigh.
All the way along Bath Street was a large street market with craft and charity stalls including the one for Helen & Douglas House.
There were also lots of things happening on the Market Place. Father Christmas was there throughout the day.
There were also performers on the Market Place and in St Nic’s Church.
As the time for switching on the lights came near Back 2 Back performed at 16:00. If you heard their last song then go to their facebook page and like them, and say what was their last song. They are going to draw a name from a hat and perform for free at the winner’s next party.
Following on from the success of S Club 3 last year, this year we saw The Honeyz.
The weather was a bit against us this year. Not the snow which was fake, but the rain.
The evening culminated in the turning on of the lights,
and the brilliant fireworks (by Illusion Fireworks). This picture is taken from a 5 minute video you can view on youtube.
The event was organised by Abingdon on Thames Chamber of Commerce, in particular Paul Townsend; and sponsored by Abingdon & Witney College, Mays Properties, Wenn Townsend, Smeg, and The Crown and Thistle.
The Advent Candle was lit
and the 2nd Abingdon Beer Festival began at the Abbey Buildings. The Friends of Abingdon have joined forces with Abingdon’s Loose Cannon Brewery to organise this event. Local beers and ciders were available. Local bands were playing and there was food on sale outside.
It also runs on Saturday 2nd December from 6pm to 11pm, so somewhere to try after the Christmas Extravaganza Fireworks. Entry is free and tickets costing £7 buy 2 pints or 4 halfpints.