Here we are at the traditional Monday Market in Abingdon at about 9 a.m. The traffic is not so bad this morning. It started off cloudy and mild, and the sky is clearing to a sunny morning. The man at the fruit and veg stall is still setting out the bananas.

Lots of plants on the plants stall are displayed already, together with seasonal holly, and mistletoe and wreaths. The Christmas trees have been reduced.

There is a traditional butcher from Birmingham, and a baker.

There is a stall selling hats, and coats and gloves. I got some super stretch, one size, thermal gloves for £2. There are stalls selling bird and pet food, cards and stationary, sweets, toys, baskets, vacuum bags, watch straps and batteries, and lots more.

The Farmers Market was on the Market Place in Abingdon this Friday lunchtime. Every third Friday of each month local farmshops and producers come to Abingdon, all at the same time, to sell their produce at this special market.

Christmas lights were also being put up in preparation for the big switch-on on Saturday December 1st.

The Christmas Extravaganza Parade is at 12:00. Then there will be time to do some Christmas shopping, visit coffee shops and cafes, and get your hair cut, or have a tattoo done, before the big switch-on and fireworks at 18:00.

There was also this Jessops telescope for sale in the Sue Ryder shop in Abingdon. It is a great shame Jessops no longer have their camera shop in Abingdon Market Place. The best we can hope for now is an occasional second hand telescope.

After a two week break because of fairs the Monday Market was back on Abingdon Market Place today.

Not only was it is Market Day, and sunny, but it is also the start of half term and there were lots of young families in town. It felt very busy in town when I popped out for lunch.

I see that Abingdon Museum has wild art autumnal activities during half term – on October 25th – with print making from leaves, and hedgehog making from clay and sticks and pine cones.

On the subject of leaves, a week ago the Thames by St Helen’s Wharf became a place where leaves turned the river gold.