After the last one disappeared, the secret crocheter quickly created a new post-box topper for the Market Place.

The Market Place was a popular destination today, with people drawn to the Market Place by the mostly sunny weather and the variety of stalls selling local goods at the Local Excellence Market.

It included: beer, biscuits, bread, burgers, cakes, cheese, chillies, fruit and vegetables, gin, gluten-free foods, honey, Indian food, pies, artificial flowers, glassware and ceramics, jewellery, knitted toys, photographs, soap, upcycled bags, and wooden toys.

One local trader told me that Saturday afternoons are as busy as the morning now. Is that partly because of the popularity of coffee shops? They have transformed the centre from a mostly retail space to a place for people to meet up with friends and family.

BBC Radio Oxford hosted a cost-of-living clinic at the Monday Market in Abingdon today. The clinic brought together several local organizations, including Citizens Advice, the Abingdon Foodbank, Abingdon Larder, and Abingdon Community Fridge.

People from BBC Radio Oxford were also there with a survey to gather information about the impact of the rising cost of living on local residents. BBC Radio Oxford are taking this roadshow around Oxfordshire and inviting local groups in each town or part of Oxford.

Also on the Market Place is a Wimbledon-themed postbox topper with tennis rackets, a ball, and strawberries. The famous tennis tournament is currently about halfway. It began on Monday, July 3, and ends on Sunday, July 16.

Strawberries, a Wimbledon staple, were on sale at the fruit and veg stall at the Monday Market.

The Local Excellence Summer Craft Market was on in the Market Place today. The Town Crier had a birthday greeting for one of the stallholders. He would not say the stallholders’ age but let us know that it was worth marking.

One of the stalls had some colourful cakes, essential for any party.

Others had crafty present ideas.

The birthday was for Martin Wackenier, who regularly runs a stall at the market with photographs and cards.

In the evening, there was a birthday get-together at the Loose Canon Brewery, where Martin joined the band Rockingham for a couple of songs.

Happy Birthday, Martin.

The Town Crier and many local people were at the sunny Local Excellence Market in Abingdon today.

There were 36 stalls. During 2023 there have been 77 different traders so far. They have come the following distances:
* within Abingdon = 39
* less than 5 miles = 17
* 5-10 miles = 11
* 10-30 miles = 8
* 30+ miles = 2

Natural Bread from Botley was new to the market, with a selection of sourdoughs and yeasted bread.

There was still room for tables outside Market Place cafes, and on this table were three people standing for the local elections, which are this Thursday (4th May 2023). Take a photo ID to vote.

Near the Market Place were the Abingdon Peace Group with the message for every £1 we spend reducing UK carbon emissions, we spend £7.30 on the military.

The Women’s Rights Network was highlighting the Respect My Sex Campaign, which they want to highlight to local politicians.