On the Market Place this morning the Alzheimer’s Society held their summer jumble sale.

Plastic sheets were needed to cover books and clothes during the many showers. Bric-a-brac had to fend for itself.

Nostalgia Travel were near St Helen’s Church with one of their buses to transport wedding guests, and the town bus gave them a very wide berth.

At the Riverly Club, at Bridge House, there was a summer fete. Local groups and charities had stalls in the reception area (pictured). There was music, and a sing-a-long in the lounge; games and a magician in the gym; and a bouncy castle for grand children outside.

I did hear that some people thought the council had got the wrong time on the notices : World War One Commemoration – Monday 4th August at 10pm.

But no, the council is correct. It is not 10am. People will start to gather from 10pm to mark 100 years since Britain entered the First World War at 11pm. It will be preceded by a reading of the names of those who served in the war – at St Helen’s Church.

In the Local Studies section of Abingdon Library there is a copy of the August 1914 to June 1919 Abingdon (Borough) Roll of Service, on top of the filing cabinet.

It names all the Abingdon men who served in the First World War. Those in bold type were killed. Those with an asterix were wounded. The roll shows address, rank, and regiment. The picture above shows the As and some of the Bs.

Mike Badcock was on the front page of the Abingdon Herald this week saying that The Roll will be read as part of a special ceremony on August 4th 2014 – 100 years after the start of the First World War. He is looking for family members to read.

Organisers of Abingdon Heritage Weekend (September 13-14) are looking for pictures of those on the roll, and Abingdon at that time. The Roll of Service, together with pictures, will be displayed over Heritage Weekend, in tribute to those who served in the war. If you have a photograph of an Abingdon relation who was involved in WW1 in any way please bring it along to Abingdon Library. The photograph does not have to show the person in uniform. The staff at Abingdon Library are happy to scan original photographs

In Marcham today there was an archaeology open day at Manor Farm, next to the circular dovecote. (Marcham is 2 miles from Abingdon)

Archaeological digs happened there for 11 years ending in 2011. The excavations revealed the foundations of Roman buildings including a circular arena. There were also many Iron Age pits. During that time a lot of artifacts were collected. The current work called Trendles Project, funded by the National Lottery, involves experts leading, and enabling local people, and school children, to help and sort and categorise a lot of the finds: Iron Age and Roman pots and bones and coins etc.

The open day involved archaeological talks by the project director, and story telling by Chris the Celt who is telling here about how the first harp was made.

There were samples of Roman Food prepared with the help of Apicius’ Roman Cookery Book; demonstrations of various ancient arts and crafts including basket making, pottery, and spinning; and the chance to view and help sift through some of the artifacts that had been found.

Before cycling back to Abingdon I viewed a couple more Marcham dovecotes: one shown me by the owner of Manor Farm, who is a great supporter of the archaeological work, and follow up project, on his land.

The other dovecote is next to Marcham parish Church and has been fully restored.

Marcham had several dovecotes. The first ones would have been built when the Manor was owned by Abingdon Abbey – when pigeons were a source of winter meat, allowed to the privileged.

The Abingdon Abbey Buildings have re-opened for the summer months – from 1st May to 30th September. The opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday 2PM – 4:30PM. Entry £1.

On the left is the Checker and the Long Gallery (just out of view). On the right is the Unicorn Theatre.

Abingdon Abbey would have been a much large complex of buildings, and this is all that remains. The buildings have been taken over and cared for by The Friends of Abingdon – Abingdon’s Civic Society – since 1944.

Civic Societies generally exist to celebrate the heritage, and safeguard the best buildings of a town. In recent years The Friends have become more active, as they were in their founding years – 70 years ago. I have particularly noticed them responding and petitioning on planning applications in Abingdon, and organising walks and other events celebrating Abingdon’s Heritage. Their biggest treasure and worry has always been the Abbey Buildings, where they continue to renew the fabric. Last year they did some work on the roof. They have also added two interesting information timelines, one about the Abbey, and one about the town.

The next lot of walks are on the Bank Holiday – Monday 26th May 2014. Book from 10am on the Market Place.