Here is the Abingdon Michaelmas Fair with the County Hall as a backdrop.

There seemed to be a lot of spider men about this year – as prizes. Here is just one at the bottom of Stratton Way.

Dodgems…

Rides …

The Fair Operators look nonchalant. They have seen it all before.

Quite late, there was a bit of a confrontation between two groups of lads. But plenty of police were on the spot, and I hope not much came of it.

Finally a Swing Roundabout with Bellingers, the Abingdon Vauxhall dealer, in the background.

You will have to see the Harry Dog Blog to see Harry getting blessed as part of a Vicar of Dibley Style animal Service at St Edmund’s.

But Harry is not the only one got blessed. The Fair also got blessed at the annual Fair Service.

Revd Richard Bittleston from Trinity led the proceedings.

The Abingdon Town Band led the hymns which were all old favourites of mine.

Thanks to Anne – who borrowed my camera – for these pictures. Here is the Mayor, Patricia Hobby, with Nigel Warner, the Town Clerk.

These two were having a Lib Dem / Conservative debate as the fair got set up around them.

Town Council workmen were manning the barriers.

As always there were the kids on the bikes having a look round.

All run by Bob Wilson and his wife. Sorry I have not got a picture of the great couple.

But here at least is one of their stall holders, about to drive into the Baptist Church carpark now the service is over.

And here is Revd David Fleming, himself, Abingdon’s second longest serving church Minister at 8 years. He has seen that same man with his lorry take the same pitch in front of the church for 8 years now, and it has always worked out well.

Finally Steve Rich, Town Council Technical Officer, and Nigel Warner, Town Clerk. This is a busy three days for them. They have a final inspection with Bob Wilson this evening.

Guide Dogs for the Blind were collecting.

Riverside Pre-School had a stall. They are a nursery off Preston Road – in the Thameside School grounds – which was recently in danger of closing because of not enough volunteers. They still need people to help, but are safe for now. My son went to the Riverside playgroup – as it once was – at the St John’s Ambulance Station when it was run by Mrs Barratt – I think – circa 1990.

Also the Monday Market Fruit and Vedge man was there. There will be Fairs the next two Mondays so he has shifted to Saturday during that time.