Thanks to Jane E for this …
Today’s farmers’ market was made a little more festive today when a group of singers and brass players from several Abingdon churches sang a range of favourite Christmas carols. The group meets on the same Friday each year to raise funds for Christian Aid. Many thanks to all the shoppers who gave so generously.
Thanks to Peter D for sending this “Merry Christmas” picture of Nags Head Island.
Peter says that this Sunday “There will be a charity artisan craft and art fair in Cumnor Village Hall in aid of young people with dementia. There will be a great variety of art and craft gifts not only for Christmas but other occasions as well.” Peter will also be exhibiting more photographs.
Concerning the Nags Head Island, The Nag’s Head is in the Good Beer Guide for the third year running. Having re-furbished and re-opened what was almost a derelict pub, the new management have worked wonders.
The Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Helen Pighills, hosted the annual Christmas Party for the over 70s yesterday at Preston Road Commnity Centre. (Thanks to her for the pictures from the Mayor of Abingdon’s Facebook Page.)
The Community Centre was being used in the morning by another community group, and so there was only an hour and a half to get it all ready. Elves from the Nationwide Building Society came along to help. As did councillors, firefighters, and PCSOs.
Entertainment included a Christmas sing-along, bingo, and a performance of the traditional Mummer’s play. That play can also be seen in a number of Abingdon pubs on 22nd December
If you missed the party meal, and are over 70, then there will be another chance next year.
The Christmas Extravaganza,organised by Abingdon on Thames Chamber of Commerce, took place in Abingdon today. There were stalls all along Bath Street, and entertainment on the Market Place.
The day really got going with the Parade. It included, among other community groups, the 11th Abingdon Rainbows,
and Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers.
The parade was led by the Oxford Calidonian Pipes & Drums, and included Paddington Bear,
and Father Christmas, who spent the rest of the day meeting children.
I did hear that there had been snow among the fine rain at the end of the parade, but later saw a snow machine at Breckon and Breckon, so it could have been that.
Elsewhere in Abingdon town centre, there was a Fairtrade and Craft Fair in the warmth of St Ethelwolds house; and entertainment and a jumble sale at St Nicolas Church.
At the end of the afternoon the crowds gathered in the Market Place, despite the rain, to listen to the Community Choir then watch fire jugglers.
The Christmas Lights were turned on at 5:30pm, followed by some amazing fireworks.
P.S. Thanks to Steve for sending me the picture of one of the entertainers.