In February 2008 this blog reported that Bee and Lark have flown. Two shops had closed in the same week: the Busy Bee (West St Helen Street Newsagent), and the Eben Lark (Furniture and Furnishings – now the Art Lounge of The Lounge Cafe).
The Eben Lark is returning to Abingdon – descending into the Busy Bee’s old shop in West St Helen Street.
Colin @theabingdontaxi May 18
I see yet another estate agency is to set up on the High Street #Abingdon in the old A-Plan offices.
Weddywoo @Wendywirdz May 18
Just what we needed!! #estateagents #Abingdon
Abingdon Blog @AbingdonBlog May 18
… and another betting shop. This could be our lucky week!!!
Weddywoo @Wendywirdz May 18
All we need now to complete the arrival is a charity shop……or maybe a hairdressers?
The Choose Abingdon AGM took place on Wednesday in the Council Chamber of the Guildhall. The music from a band downstairs in the Roysse Room was overwhelming at times – part of a Guildhall promotional event trying to attract community groups to the Guildhall. There was also bell practise at St Nics. So speakers sometimes laughed and waited a few moments until they could be heard above the noise. THEY WERE REPORTING BACK ON WHAT HAD BEEN GOING ON LAST YEAR.
The year began managing projects that came out of the government’s High Street innovation fund. You may remember that Abingdon wasn’t chosen as being in the top 6 schemes by Mary Portas but was given money anyway. That money was put towards projects like:
Long standing projects such as community gazebos and Local Excellence Market carry on. Also Choose Abingdon continue working with festivals like the Cycling Festival.
A sub group run by James White created the new Atom Science Festival. This was a great success and plans are to make it even bigger next year.
But at times Heather Brown, the one paid employee, was overstretched. That is why the Good Living Event was cancelled this year, and not all the Christmas programme went ahead. There were not enough Helping Hands. They need more Hesters.
Up to now Choose Abingdon has been dependent on public funding from councils. It could change from a partnership of councils into a Business Improvement District (BID) by next year. Local businesses will be balleted on that idea in October / November. A BID would be be paid for out of business rates and so be more of a business partnership.
Another lovely window display from finishing touch in Stert Street this Easter.
Further up the street a shop window, formerly Sweet Chocolate, is under wraps. So we can no longer get our Easter treats from there this year.
According to an article in the Oxford Times the new proprietors already have branches in Oxford, Cowley, and Witney where they promote and sell E-Cigarettes.