A book, celebrating 150 years of The Albert Park was launched today by The Albert Park Residents’ Association.

The Albert Monument was unveiled on 22nd June 1865, 150 years ago, in ‘the good old town of Abingdon’ – as described by the Oxford Times of the day.

The park on which it stands is owned by the ancient charity Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon, who established and still maintain the park.

Rev’d Paul Smith, the vicar of St Michael’s and All Angels Church, next to the park, welcomed people into the church for the launch of the book, and for a celebration of those 150 years.

Meanwhile, a short distance away there was a road closure, from 9am-10pm, for another celebration – the annual Exbourne Road Street Party.

There were lots of activities, and entertainments, visitors, and food. During the time I was there, after 4pm, the residents were being entertained by Ashnah Tribal Bellydancers,

and Mr Hemmings Traditional Morris Dancers

I left before the Naffle draw at 6pm. “The only rule for the free draw is you have to take the prize home.”

Today (27th June) a flag was flying for the seventh Armed Forces Day above the County Hall.

Down on the Market Place in Abingdon the Nasio Trust had their annual Market Place event.

Young people are raising money so they can go out and help in the rural area of west Kenya where Nasio has built centres to help HIV orphans, and is now building a medical centre.

The annual election of the Mayor of Ock Street took part today in town. The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers host the event, and the person voted in by the people of Ock Street becomes the Mock Mayor of Abingdon for the year.

Visiting teams were Bampton Traditional Morris Men

and  Wychwayz Border Morris.

Dancing took place round town in a large number of places including a return to Tompkins Almshouse, after an absence of 3 or 4 years.

Duncan Brown was elected Mayor of Ock Street in a closely fought  contest, narrowly beating Harry Knight and Roger Cox. Duncan was presented with the sash, sword, goblet, and hat of office by the Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames Helen Pighills.

Duncan was then paraded up and down Ock Street.

Duncan  was born in Abingdon and attended Dunmore and Fitzharrys Schools, He was the youngest ever Mayor of Abingdon in 2010, and is the first person to have been Mayor and Mock Mayor of Abingdon. For a living he sticks needles in people on behalf of the National Blood Service.

The day was generally dry, but following Duncan’s election came heavy rain, thunder and lightening, and then a rainbow.

The Card Factory in Bury Street is making a big thing of Father’s Day on Sunday.

While, the South Abingdon Children’s Centre is making a big thing of Dad on Saturday. They are putting on what dads, and male carers, with children under 5, like best … drumming.

Two people asked me to mention the Cumnor Craft Fair is on.

Trinity Church Fair is also on. As is the St Edmunds School Summer Fayre, and the European School Fete. So lots on for dads, and other people.