The NSPCC stall on the Abingdon Market Place on Saturday was fundraising to help the NSPCC provide crucial services like the Childline helpline, support programs, and educational resources.

But they weren’t just there for money. Being at the market helped them remind people of their aim to keep children safe. The NSPCC has a 10-minute digital training called ‘Listen Up, Speak Up’ giving advise what to do if you’re ever worried about a child or their family.

The Abingdon Community Hospital League of Friends is a local charity that raises money for all the departments in the hospital. This money helps to buy equipment and provide other services that make the hospital a better place for both patients and staff.

They are looking to increase their membership; the annual subscription is only £5. The AGM is a place to start. There is also information at http://achlof.weebly.com/.

Unlike other hospital league of friends groups, ACHLOF does not manage a café. Instead, the organisation relies solely on the dedication of its fundraisers, along with generous donations from the community, to generate funds.

Ernie, a car park attendant at Coxeter House, has been raising money for Children in Need by dressing up in fancy dress throughout November. As of last night, he had collected an impressive £1,570. This morning he had a frosty start. A lot of November has been wet. Ernie’s fundraising efforts will continue until Thursday.

The Local Excellence Market marked the beginning of a series of Saturday events at Abingdon’s Market Place. Next week, the Market Place will host the Christmas Extravaganza, followed by the Christmas Craft Market.

Free parking will be available in the Vale of White Horse District Council operated car parks on the Saturdays of December 2nd, 9th, and 16th. Cllr Mark Coleman, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, did say, ‘Whilst ideally, we’d urge everyone to walk, cycle or use public transport where possible – we recognise that being a largely rural district some people will need to use their cars to drive into town. If you can car share with others, that would also really help reduce congestion and local air pollution.’