A giant Christmas tree has become a festive landmark along Picklers Hill in Abingdon.
Picklers Hill is next to South Avenue, the estate that first did advent windows in Abingdon, and they have another good display in 2023.
Day 10 was ‘Batman Saves Christmas after Joker steals presents – the Abingdon Press.’
Day 24 is a nativity scene.
Not long to go. Its is 22:36 and the bells of St Helen’s are ringing, calling people to the Candlelit Midnight Mass.
Clare has been watching advent windows being revealed in Exbourne Road and was particularly impressed by one by Roz and Faith that shows a silhouette of our County Hall.
I walked that way this evening and saw some of the others. They are on the ground floor and easy to see. Some are more for daytime viewing.
The Abingdon Peace Group held their usual vigil by the war memorial early this Monday Morning. The vigils began at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and continues during the Gaza crisis.
The Gaza Crisis Appeal is prominent in the Oxfam window in Abingdon.
In Bethlehem, Christmas is muted this year. There are few tourists and pilgrims. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has made it difficult for people to travel and celebrate. In solidarity with Gaza, church leaders in Jerusalem and the Bethlehem city council have decided to cancel or scale back Christmas celebrations. This has left many businesses in Bethlehem struggling, as they rely on the holiday season for a large portion of their income.
(ref https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2023/1217/1422481-bethlehem-christmas/)
There was carol singing on Abingdon’s Market Place today from 10 am to noon. Over 100 people gathered to sing carols, led by Sally Mears. A tuba and percussion instruments provided accompaniment for the singers. There was also a crafting table with an Advent theme.
A pop-up nativity scene offered a photo opportunity for people to capture the Christmas spirit. Some of the Abingdon Street Pastors, who will be patrolling the streets tonight from 10:30 pm, were having their photo taken.
Abingdon Street Pastors is a volunteer-led charity that patrols the streets of Abingdon on Saturday nights to offer support and care to people having a night out. They work with the police and local businesses to create a safe and positive atmosphere in the town. They have been doing this since 2011.
The carols finished with We Wish you a Merry Christmas, which you can hear here.
