In former years this November Fair at Trinity Church was more a jumble sale where people could get rid of their old knick knacks and books. But now it is more high class with home cooking, raffles and Tombolas, and craft things for Christmas.

Outside it was raining but inside it was jolly festive.

We have seen Abingdon turned pink for ‘Against Breast Cancer’, and now it’s time for a man thing…

During November many men are growing moustaches. A work colleague of Derek – on the left – succumbed to prostate cancer and a group of them are growing moustaches in November to raise money for research and awareness into prostate cancer with the Charity Movember.

By the end of the month he may have as fine a moustache as Mick on the right. Derek and Mick are both essential people at one of Abingdon’s great success stories: Preston Road Community Centre – Derek is the Caretaker and Mick the Chairman.

Last Weekend I got sent this picture from The Unicorn Theatre of Spiers & Boden. And this report…

It was a brilliant night, packed house and great atmosphere. As you know, John Spiers is an Abingdon lad – St Nic’s and John Mason – he said that last time he performed in the Unicorn was when he was at St Nics. His father is still involved with the local Morris dancers. He and Jon Boden are among the leading young folk musicians in the country – performing both as a duo and as part of the highly successful Bellowhead (who are 11 or 12 strong so wouldn’t fit in the Unicorn!)

Abingdon is rapidly becoming the book signing capital of Europe.

Last Saturday…

Inspired by the Oxford Canal, D.H. Clacher (on the right) has been writing the Muddy Waters stories and was at The Book Store on Saturday to sign copies. The books about Canal Boats are illustrated by Stephen Preedy (on the left).

Meanwhile Mostly Books had a culinary theme to the day with a number of authors. Over lunchtime pumpkin soup was available. It was a recipe from this local book – The Little Book of Soups and Stews – prepared by Alison who works at the shop – and very good too.

Coming Soon at The Book Store Terry Wogan will be signing copies of his Book ‘Where Was I?’ on Tuesday 24th November from 12:30 – 1:30.