Thanks to Spike for the first picture. Today on the Market Place the Nasio Trust provided most of the stalls and music.

They work with young people locally and in Africa. It is “a unique programme offering young people the opportunity of taking control and turning their lives around by engaging in positive activities and fundraising.”

Also with a Stall were Youngstar TV – a chance to try out acting this summer at a course at Abingdon Baptist Church, or from September at the Northcourt Centre.

On the Market Place yesterday the Abbey Sax were playing. They comprise members of the Abingdon Concert Band now in its 35th year. The full band can be seen at Trinity Church next Saturday at 7:30 pm, performing an evening of film and musical favourites and a rousing Last Night of the Proms Jubilee Finale. Or at the same time at St Helens Church there will be a performance of Carmina Burana with Abingdon and Didcot combined choirs.

The Abbey Baptist Church (down Checker Walk) were giving out free literature – including Jubilee new testaments. They also had a stall at Fun in The Parks.

And Vale House had a stall. They have moved their home for people with Alzheimer’s from Botley to Sandford-on-Thames last year, and by so doing have doubled their capacity, and are now in the middle of a big fund raising drive.

What I did not visit was the Armed Forces Play Day at Dalton Barracks. So I hope there was a good turn out and can feature any pictures you send.

It is the first time that Patisserie Pascal have taken part in the Local Excellence Market and they were doing a roaring trade this morning. Their produce is much better value than what you will get at the French Market in a week or so.

The Abingdon Carbon Cutters were cooking up fritters and doing a survey.

There was also an aeroplane to try out. It was there as a reminder that Abingdon Air and Country Fair is on soon – 6th May. There was the chance to climb up into the cockpit …

which I did – and this is the reaction I got. Always good to see Mick Busby – a one time parachutist with the forces. Until recently Mick was Chairman at Preston Road Community Centre where he did an excellent job running and improving the centre for over ten years. Mick is now concentrating on his other passion – falconry.