While we were away the Chinese Kitchen closed down. It had been run for over 40 years by the Choi Family. Their goodbye notice said they began as the only Chinese takeaway in town in the 1970s, and now they think is the “right time to embrace retirement and to enjoy the next chapter in our lives.”
As for the premises there is a new notice in the window saying “Fish and Chips opening soon.”
Elsewhere in town I see a New Chinese Takeaway is Opening. When one door closes another opens.
After 81 years serving the Abingdon community and beyond, the team at Marie Boutique are sorry to announce they will be closing the doors for the last time this Autumn.
Marie was established in 1936 as a traditional Corsetry and Underwear shop in Abingdon, and has evolved under owner Amanda Prior into a destination boutique and website Pure Marie for lingerie, fashion and accessories from around the globe. Over the years, Marie has established a loyal customer base, through a dedicated and specialist bra fitting service.
Despite a dedicated search, to date no potential owner has been found to build on the longstanding heritage. After 30 years at the helm of Marie, Amanda is looking forward to spending more time with her family, (and in her garden!) whilst Verity will be moving on to a new challenge near her home in Winchester.
Over the forthcoming weeks they would love to see any customers past and present to say goodbye, and of course stock up on your favourites before it’s too late!
Watch their shop for further information about the final stock clearance.
Sometimes when away from Abingdon, I come across places with the name as our home town: Abingdon Street in Blackpool is a such a place
Abingdon Street indoor Market has over 70 stall holders. It has been a market since 1928, and underwent a major refurbishment in 2012.
The Abingdon fish stall got a mention by Rick Stein in a cookery book after he used some of the produce. Other stalls also have the Abingdon name, and I got my hair cut in the Abingdon Market for just £7.
Abingdon Street itself is in the centre of Blackpool, close to Blackpool Tower. It runs from the Winter Gardens theatre complex to Springfield Road 400 yards away.
It is mostly a retail street. I could not find why it got the name Abingdon Street. The fishmonger and barber did not know.
Captain Kaos 2 says “Having walked along East Saint Helens Street more times than I care to remember during my 60 plus years being a born and bred Abingdonian, I have to say the amount of little treasures that I come across never cease to amaze me. But you have to look up, as well as down.
There are at least three properties still displaying their Insurance plates. These would inform the fire brigade (in a time when their attendance was chargeable) that your property was insured and you would be able to cover their charges.
The forthcoming Heritage theme will focus on “Made in Abingdon.”
Here are two companies that have long since gone, both foundries making various iron & steel products.
How many of you know the location of this? A clue is the Box tree growing through some railings.
Also to add that Martin has designed a trail during Heritage Weekend looking for such treasures.