Abingdon County Hall Museum stayed open late tonight as part of Museums at Night 2014 – an annual UK-wide festival encouraging visitors into museums, galleries and heritage sites by throwing their doors open after hours and putting on special events.

Music created a great atmosphere on a warm Friday evening. The Amity Wind Ensemble performed in the sessions hall, and a fine pianist played in Buns in the Basement.

Under the arcade, the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers and Vale Islanders encouraged everybody to join in the dance. Museum revelers mixed with Friday night revelers near the punchbowl.

The late opening proved popular – attracting about 300 visitors, many of them new to the museum, and there was always a queue to go on the roof.

On the Market Place last Saturday there was a Christian Aid stall to mark the start of Christian Aid week. Many houses will also receive a Christian Aid collection envelope through the door.

Over half the Income of Christian Aid comes from this one week in the year, held during May since 1957. It is an opportunity for the Churches to work together, and provide assistance in places like Sudan and Syria where there is a great need.

There was also a European School stall on the Market Place that same day. As well as the St Nicolas School Fair this coming Saturday, and the chance to try out bowling at Abingdon Bowling Club, there is also a May Fair at the European School. They have a Pupils Art Exhibition in The Chapel, and outside there will be activities for all the family, including circus skills, a giant slide, games, art & craft and the usual stalls you would expect.

Armbands for Music in The Park are selling fast. They can be bought from the Town Council Reception if you can find it. It moved over the weekend to The Guildhall.

On Saturday the reception was still at Old Abbey House. But everything was packed to move, and old papers were in white bags to be sent to be shredded.

There has been a time of change at the Town Council with the move to the Guildhall, and a change of job roles generally. Recently the Town Council said goodbye to Sandra (Deputy Town Clerk), Marianne (Market Place Co-ordinator and Twin Towns Rep), and Sue (Mayor’s Secretary).

Their old offices stand empty waiting to see who buys Old Abbey House. Will it be an Art Centre, a Hotel, or Accommodation?