Thanks to John for this picture of the new bell that was hung in St Helen’s Church two days ago. I heard from another source that it will ring the hours, and be louder and more noticeable than the current bell.

In early November we wear a red poppy in memory of those who lost their lives during wars, and this Sunday morning there was an act of remembrance around the country – joined by many people in Abingdon on Thames, who gathered round the war memorial, and along roads converging on the war memorial.

After a prayer and the hymn “O God Our Help in Ages Past”, Abingdon Town Band sounded the last post; then flags were lowered, and at 11am people stood in silence, for two minutes, to remember the fallen.

Wreathes were laid in front of the war memorial by many organisation, and a member of the British Legion said the Kohima Prayer:
“When you go home tell them of us and say
for your tomorrow we gave our today”

Afterwards people gathered to look at the wreathes, and put small wooden crosses with inscriptions, and poppies in the turf around the memorial.

After the ceremony, soldiers from Dalton Barracks, and uniformed organisations marched along the High Street between the crowds,

and their salute was taken by the Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, Cll Helen Pighills; the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, representing the Queen; and a Commanding Officer from Dalton Barracks.

Last Sunday, there was a large firework display, funfair, and bonfire at Dalton Barracks, and this Saturday the 2nd Abingdon Scouts held their annual firework display behind Long Furlong Community Centre.

Many people, young families mostly, streamed towards the show. Gates Opened at 6:30pm, and fireworks began at about 7:30pm.

It was another great show put on by the scouts, and I expect they raised lots of money.