This pair on the Abbey Mill stream have seven cygnets.

And this parent at the entrance to Abingdon Marina has eight.

Swan Upping comes to Abingdon on Friday July 18th this year. The final day of the week long Royal swan count should end at Abingdon Bridge at 17:30. But if these large swan families are anythingto go by, the final toast to ‘The Queen’ could be late.

So what were all the marquees doing near the river on Saturday? I am told there were between four and five hundred people there for the final event.

They came to celebrate 50 years of GBM Radio.

Near the Old Abbey Buildings is the Abbey Baptist Chapel. A few doors along Abbey Close they have their recording studios – GMB Radio. From Abingdon they are producing broadcasts for the Far East and Africa.

At Abingdon and Witney College an exhibition called VIEW – The End of Year Show 2008 is happening. It is the work of young artists from the college… most about to leave Abingdon for university.

Figure 1: An Architectural Project

Figure 2: Fashion Designs

Figure 3: This may be their last…

Figure 4: Broken Window

(Pictures by my wife. A few more to follow. Catch it yourself at Abingdon College from 23rd to 26th June – 10am to 7 pm )

The Mayor of Ock Street was being elected today, and the morris men were dancing all around town. They were in the precinct from 10:45…

11:45: On the Market Place,

with some invited guests from other Morris Men

13:30 Punch Bowl

15:00 Brewery Tap & Mayott House

16:00: Close of Polling


16:15 Mayor Elected at Brewery Tap

It was Roger Cox for the second year running

Then in style he was carried to

17:00 Trinity Church Hall

For some non alcoholic refreshment – cups of tea and sandwiches, and other entertainment.

Before the evening events…
18:15: White Horse
19:30: Cross Keys
19:45: Brewery Tap
20:15: Punch Bowl
21:00: Guildhall for dinner