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.

The first Local Excellence Market of the year was on the Market Place this morning with crafts, food and drink. The next one is on 29th April.

An Abingdon-based supplier of hampers and gifts was there for the first time with cheeses, pickles, and charcuterie, including the prize-winning Norton and Yarrow Cheese, from the Earth Trust Farm in South Oxfordshire.

Margaret Horton had an art stall and will be at the Table Top Sale in Trinity next Saturday.

There is also a Jumble Sale tomorrow at Fitzharrys School. £1 entry. Children Free. All money raised will go to Fitzharrys School.

MG enthusiasts gathered on Abingdon Market Place for the Boxing Day social gathering, organised by Richard of the The Abingdon Works Centre MG Car Club.

MGs began gathering around 10 am, and some stayed until after lunch.

The sun shone, and many people enjoyed the fresh air and exercise.

The cars included an MG Midget made in the Abingdon works in 1977, with driver Roy. Bridget the Midget drove around the world in 2008/9 and then from Abingdon to Cape Town in 2011. Earlier this year, Bridget went across Europe to visit the west of Ukraine. Roy’s blog at http://www.bridgetthemidget.co.uk/ has details of their adventures, including how Bridget’s registration number causes interest at border crossings.