Nationally, one year after going into administration, just 400 of 1400 – First Quench (Threshers / The Local) premises continue as stand-alone off-licences. Of the three Abingdon shops two have become convenient stores, and one – in Peachcroft Shopping Centre – has become a betting office. Odds are 7/2 I think.

Two more shops opened last week in the town centre …

Remade Guitars – an already established business that sells, repairs and customises guitars – have acquired a shop outside Coxeters. This establishes Abingdon as a centre of excellence for guitars with two shops and a number of good bands.

Abingdon is also fast becoming a centre of excellence of beauty with Funky Nails opening where the Charter Barber used to be.

The Broad Face public house is at the junction of Bridge Street and Thames Street. The building  was erected in 1840 but there are records of a public house called the Broad Face as far back as 1734 (Inns and Alehouses of Abingdon 1550 – 1978 by J.Carter and J.Smith).

Many will remember the iconic sign which stood above the pub for years and which has been rediscovered by the current owner. It needs a little restoration but the big question is after that …  Should it become the pub sign again?