Masons are celebrating 75 years as a family run business in Abingdon this year. The family bought the shop at 39 Stert Street in 1939 and initially sold children’s clothes, hosiery, and knitting wool.

That was joined by the shops at 20 Bath Street

and 22 Bath Street in about 1961.

The above adverts from the Abingdon Directory in 1960 and 1973 show that they have always been a shop you will enjoy visiting.

Masons now specialise in knitting wool and upholstery at 39 Stert Street, Fabrics and Haberdashery at 20 Bath Street, and crafts at 22 Bath Street. They also have a fourth shop window on the world wide web.

The new barber appears to be doing well. They are open when other barbers are not – evenings and Sundays, and always appear to have customers waiting for a haircut by the smartly dressed barbers.

Meanwhile, in what was the Stert Street pop up shop, Sparkle and Dream opened on Saturday – selling Pretty Princess costumes and accessories. I think they have plans to diversify into super hero costumes and good quality satchels. A wall slogan at the back of the shops says “It is not easy being a Princess”.

Coming soon will be new flats where Withy King once were in West St Helen Street. They have moved to the corner of the Vineyard and Stert Street.

Nearby Eben Lark opened a couple of weeks ago.

At the top of the road Efes Turkish Barber are also Opening Soon.

The newspapers in the window are from a time when low initial expectations had turned to hope.

Hope was dashed and now we must wait another 4 years for the dream of World Cup Glory …

The Abingdon Exchange (selling 2nd hand DVDs and CDs) did close and reopen and then closed again so I’m not sure what is planned next.

William Hill have opened in the former newsagents / convenience store two doors up from there.

Greggs have been closed for a week having a refit and are open again today. Vodafone should soon follow.

Breckon and Breckon also opened a week or so ago Selling and Letting properties.

It is a lovely morning: Mayors Day today, as well as the Trinity Fair and St Edmund’s School Fete. So plenty to help forget the football..

Everybody coming up West St Helen Street has a good view of the shop that was Abingdon Fashion and soon will become a Turkish Barber.

When the transformation is complete this new business could provide a new experience to the men of Abingdon. As well as shave, cut, or wet cut I gather there are options like facial steamer, hot towel, mask, and head massage. Or a special including all of them.