A new hairdresser Dawsons Hair and Beauty Lounge has opened in the premises at the corner of Spring Road and Edward Street, previously used by Abingdon Beds. Abingdon Beds are now on Marcham Road near Majestic Wine.

Inside there is a display of old photographs, including one showing the building in the 1970s when it housed Knights Chapel Works – where garden ornaments and other stone items were made and for sale. In the 19th century the building was a Primitive Methodist Chapel.

Delicious Abi, the patisserie on West St Helen Street, closed in March, and the shop front has changed to Abingdon Thai Massage. They will give head, foot, back and oil massage.

I did look up Thai Massage on Wikipedia and read ‘Traditional Thai massage uses no oils or lotions.’ That just shows that Wikipedia does not always get things right.

Wikipedia also says the founder of Thai massage and medicine is said to have been Shivago Komarpaj the Buddha’s physician over 2,500 years ago.

Thankyou to Peter for this piece.

A new bar, Tipsy Mercer, has just opened in Ock Street.

It is run by Henrietta and James, ably assisted by Brittany. James has fitted out the bar himself.

The wooden table tops came from Blenheim and he made the supports and wine glass racks from copper central heating tubes! Both floors have been restored in the very fashionable shabby chic style, like the remarkable Wilton Music Hall in London.

It was once Beesley, outfitters and mercers, which is where the name came from. Before cars were popular, they made deliveries in their 1908 De Dion van.

A smart, fashionable addition to Abingdon.

(Apologies to the Tipsy Mercer I did not report this sooner as they have been open for a couple of weeks. The Herald has done a couple of good reports. For more about Beesley’s see The town portal historical people section. )