Category Archives: Business

The biggest day of the year for small business and The Christmas Craft Market

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It is ‘The biggest day of the year for small business’ …

an initiative to encourage consumers to shop locally – today and beyond. And so it was good to see lots of people in town.

On the Market Place there was a Christmas Craft Market. The town crier was letting people know from the County Hall Roof.

George Haslam was conducting a group of saxophone players. Some are his students. Others play in a number of other bands.

The flag on Abingdon County Hall was at half mast in memory of Nelson Mandela.

It was also the day when we said a tearful goodbye to Harry. See Harry Dog Blog.

Christmas Lights – town centre

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Thanks to Peter for a picture  of the Extravaganza as the lights were turned on. It is always a dramatic moment.

The lights have been on for a few evenings now.

What still looks new is the display along Bury Street.

Scottish Widows put their lights on two weeks before the Extravaganza.

I always enjoy the lights whether they come from Independent Retailers, Town Council, or Pension Funds.

Crown and Thistle Re-opens

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The Crown and Thistle re-opened today after a major rebuild and refurbishment.

Before …

and After.

Before …

and After.

In a few short months the interior of the Crown and Thistle (hotel, restaurant, and bar) has been transformed, and externally it has been made safe against the elements.

The Old Barn was an old storage place. Now it makes a much bigger indoor bar area which can be closed off and used for private functions.