Paul Townsend, possibly the youngest ever president of Abingdon Chamber of Commerce, was promoting Abingdon business on Radio Oxford last week, and today had moved part of his own shop, Goffs Newsagents, onto the Market Place.

Lewis Baker were there too. The invitation had been given I believe to shops affected by the current hoardings, and extended to Bridge Street.

Round the other side of the hoardings there is now a mural showing bun throwing through the ages. Only 34 days to go until the real thing!

Throwing Buns, the business, now have an ice cream stall, and tables, on the Market Place. It is to be a regular feature during the spring and summer until the work is complete.

We are used to Keep Clear signs near schools and junctions but there are areas where they are more controversial. This is from a Hadland Road correspondent …

“The first of these markings was put down in January, the second painted this week. At this rate we will not be able to use our own street by the summer or perhaps space is being reserved for a royal wedding street party….. It would be interesting to see if there are residential roads with more paint!”

Our correspondent says “I need sunglasses such is the glare off the fresh white paint when looking out of the window in the full morning sunlight… Horrendous and unnecessary“

The installation of some fitness equipment was being worked on today near the Chaunterell Way play area.

This is play equipment that can be used by teenagers and adults.

Kieran lives down by the river in Abingdon not far from me and sent me a few pictures of ‘our lovely little town of Abingdon’. Here we look over the hedge at the back of the Long Alley Almshouses towards St Helen’s Church.

There is quite a lot happening round the back of the Old Gaol with large embankments being built on the far side. This view of the water front with willow branches hanging in the river will be interesting to compare with the new waterfront with restaurants and public access.

Finally, a lovely backdrop, with a plump pigeon and the paint peeling in the foreground. I believe the black paint was added for aesthetic reasons using a Grant from JET (the Joint Environmental Trust) some time back. Only the stretch nearest the town centre was done and it does look better than the standard grey underneath.