The annual election of the Mayor of Ock Street took place today in Abingdon, hosted by the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers. As ever, the event drew crowds.

There was dancing at various locations around town. The morning was overcast and humid. A lunchtime shower gave way to sunshine later in the day.

This year’s visiting teams included new friends, Chiltern Hundreds NW Morris,

and old friends, Bampton Traditional Morris Men.

Two familiar names stood for election: Rob Charlton, who served as Mayor last year, and Harry Knight, who has held the title several times in the past decade.

It is the only day in the year when the original Ox Horns are on display. At others times a replica is used. It is also the only day when the Coopers Tavern opens, thanks to Pam and Alick, who give out free drinks.

Residents and workers of Ock Street, and its tributary streets, and Morris Dancers had a vote.

A town crier introduced the dancers.

When the ballots were counted, Rob Charlton had received 115 votes, while Harry Knight received 146 — a large turnout. Rob congratulated Harry on his win.

The Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Rawda Jehanli, presented Harry Knight with the sash, sword, goblet, and hat of office. Harry Knight thanked the visiting teams and several people by name who had helped in the event including Mac who organised the event.

The newly elected Mayor of Ock Street was then paraded in a sedan chair made from scaffold poles, followed by more dancing along Ock Street.

This afternoon, a VE Day 80 Tea Dance organised by the Royal British Legion was held at Preston Road Community Centre as part of 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Penny and a young volunteer welcomed guests at the door, selling raffle tickets, and later served tea, biscuits, and a selection of cakes.

Over the course of more than two hours, guests enjoyed dancing — both ballroom and line dancing —accompanied by music from Sugar and Spice.

The event was organised largely by Ron on behalf of the Royal British Legion. At the start he asked how many people present had been alive at the end of the war. About half a dozen hands went up, including three individuals now in their nineties.

The afternoon ended with Sugar and Spice singing ‘We’ll Meet Again’.

On April 12th, 2025, while Abingdon slept, Duncan Bhaskaran Brown put on his bells and ribbons for what he described as a mad challenge: over 11 hours of Morris dancing to raise funds for charity and to set a world record.

Starting at 5:00 AM, Duncan was joined by a small group of Morris dancers and official monitors. Every step was meticulously logged for verification, with a video camera capturing the entire event for additional proof.

Throughout the day, supporters dropped by, including Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon.

There were a group of Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers to support Duncan, and they also danced a couple of dances.

At about 4:10 PM, Duncan completed the challenge, and the video above captures the last 2 minutes.

Duncan was then greeted by wife, Sreeja, and daughter.

Duncan raised over £1,500 for the Mayor’s Charities: One Planet Abingdon and the Abingdon and District Volunteer Centre. One Planet Abingdon provided children’s activities on the day. One of their main stays is their volunteer Graham who is always on hand to lift equipment and help set things up. The Volunteer Centre showcased a car used to transport people to hospital appointments.