Nearly every Monday there is a market on Abingdon Market Place. This Monday the market was small with just three stalls: bread, fruit and veg, and olives. It was no surprise not to see cards, coats, bags, carpets, vacuum bags, and watch batteries – as they are all non essential. But there was also no meat, eggs, or fish.

Last Monday was a bank holiday and there were no stalls.

There were queues at the bread and fruit and veg at the market, and also at the banks. The Newbury Building Society has a notice to say ‘During this worrying time we wanted to say we’re here for you’.

Meanwhile Waitrose are encouraging us all to Give a Little Love..

Advertising must be difficult at this time. Many companies acknowledge the pandemic in their promotions.

Yesterday there were men putting lights and giant baubles on the Christmas Tree on Abingdon Market Place.

The Bookstore has put out the reindeer decorations. Even though they are not open because of the November lockdown, they do have a Click and Collect Service.

Added Ingredients have the annual display of Pandoro (Italian) Christmas Cakes in the window, and are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10-3.

Chic It Up have also put out their Christmas display and people can Collect items.

Only four days to go to Halloween. The top pumpkin farm in Abingdon this year looks to be Peachcroft Farm.

You can select a pumpkin and take it to the size checker at the farm shop to find the price.

By morning, when the worst predicted storms since October 1987 have struck town, there could be more than a single pumpkin on the ground.