The Town Crier could be heard through the day announcing the Queen;s 90th brithday. Thanks to Lesley for this picture.

People gathered on Abingdon Market Place this evening before the beacon lighting.

It was not as big an event as the bun throwing on 11th June (The Queen’s Official Birthday). Roads were not closed. Local people could find a place on the Market Place, and even watch from the comfort of a seat.

The Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Helen Pighills, lit the beacon flame above the County Hall at around 8:30 pm. Other beacons were lit across the country to celebrate the Queens 90th Birthday. Thanks to Elizabeth for sending this picture.

Colin covered the event on his famous twitter feed The Abingdon Taxi.
‘..and as the beacon was lit above The Bing, a chorus of Happy Birthday started up in one corner of Market Place..’

Meanwhile over the River Thames, near Nags Head Island, Rob send me a picture of balloons being blown up. There is more than one way to celebrate a birthday.

It is almost 60 years since the Queen opened the restored County Hall in the popular Thameside resort of Abingdon, and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event.

Back then Abingdon had a Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses. Nowadays there is a Mayor and Councillors.

On the eve of Her Majesty’s 90th birthday, three of Abingdon’s Charity Shops have 90th birthday displays:

Helen and Douglas House.

Cancer Research UK

and Sue Ryder.

There will be a lighting of the Beacon on the County Hall Roof – Thursday, 21 April 2016 – 8:30pm.

Thanks to Peter and Hester for reminding me that The Clubs & Societies Day happens this Saturday (23rd April 2016). Every two years the town council organises this event. Peter sent me the picture of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers above.

Normally this event takes place at the Guildhall in Abingdon-on-Thames, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire, England, The Earth, The Solar System, The Milky Way, The Universe.

But this year the Guildhall is closed for redevelopment, and so the event is being held at the Old Abbey Buildings, just 50 metres away – along Abbey Close and down Checker walk.

Last time, 2 years ago, I took a picture of Radio Abingdon Xtra interviewing the Abingdon Wine Circle. I’m sorry to say that Radio Abingdon Xtra have stopped broadcasting. The Abingdon Wine Circle are still going strong but won’t be there this time. But there will be around 50 other local societies promoting their cause and looking for new members.

At the Abingdon Cycle Festival, on the 10th April 2016, rides started at 9am from the Market Place.

The rides ranged from the 50 mile quick road ride, averaging 19-22 mph, to 5 mile family rides.

There were 31 rides on the schedule, and it was a case of sign in early to get the ride you wanted.

The day started off sunny with a cool breeze.

There was music to entertain the cyclists, and stalls servings food and refreshments, as well as stalls selling cyclist gear, and a stall with fold-up Brompton bikes.

The oldest bike was a 1891 Rover – still going strong.
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The Town Crier announced all the rides and helped direct people to their starting point. But this year he had a brand new bike. The green vintage bicycle he rode at previous cycle festivals has not lasted as well as the 1891 Rover.
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The final picture is at 10am and shows a typical scene with cyclists waiting for the off.