Masons, the fabric and wool shop in Stert Street, Abingdon, is the oldest of the three Masons shops and is a family business that has been in operation for over 80 years. It is managed by a lady who has been there for 40 years, starting as a Saturday girl.

The shop was originally owned by two elderly ladies, and when one of them passed away, the other decided to sell it but asked the new owners to keep the name, Masons. So, although it has been run by the North family, they have kept the name Masons (ref 1).

The shop is still known for its wide selection of knitting and crochet wool. There was a decline in knitting in the 1980s and 1990s, but during the 21st century, knitting and crocheting have become increasingly popular (ref 2).

Knitting and crochet are both relaxing and enjoyable activities. They are creative activities where people can use their imagination to create unique and beautiful items. They are also relatively inexpensive hobbies. A bonus for Abingdon people is that they have Masons in the town centre.

Source:
1) https://www.masonsfabric.com/about
2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_knitting

A couple of shops are currently being fitted out in Abingdon town centre. One is in the former Abingdon Sports shop on High Street, but there is yet to be a sign of what it will be. The other is in Bath Street and will be a tech repair shop.

The gas pipe laying work in Bath Street appears to be complete now.

It was a sunny day in Abingdon today.

There have been some recent business changes in West St Helen Street.

The Udon Thai Market closed its doors earlier this month after 4 years of trading. The store was probably the only place to buy many Asian ingredients in Abingdon. Now, Abingdonians will have to venture to Oxford or London to get their hands on things like Galonggong, Pandan Leaves, and Indian Trumpet.

A flooring specialist with a long history in the area is moving to West St Helen Street, and has been working on the property. The business, established in 1976, was previously located in Kingston Bagpuize.

P.S. I sometimes don’t name businesses in the text of a blog post. This is to avoid search engines sending potential customers to the blog with comments like ‘Do you do parquet flooring?’

A new barber and vape shop has opened in Abingdon town centre. The shop is located at 22 Stert Street, in the former premises of the Nursery Shop.

The barber previously traded off Spring Road in Abingdon before moving to Stert Street. It offers various services, including haircuts, beard trims, and shaves. The vape shop is accessed through the barber’s shop.

The shop’s opening follows the recent granting of planning permission for “alterations and change of use in order to create a mixed development comprising a retail unit and 9 flats.”