In town this morning, at the Local Excellence Market, there were two young ladies who have their own company, called Rainbow Lane. They sell a wide variety of crochet, and were also part of the much larger group that yarn bombed Abingdon earlier this year.

Added Ingredients have a fine display of il Panettone and other Italian Cake – enjoyed usually at Christmas and New Year.

Meanwhile down Bury Street, The Abingdon Flower Club have been in the Community Shop for the last week giving people of all ages the opportunity to make their own Floral Christmas Decorations.

In St Helens Church there was a Christmas Fair with stalls, a very exciting raffle, and Handbell ringing.

Out in the cold, somebody has taken up residence in the porch of the closed down Connexions, job advice service for young people. They are keeping the area tidy using a dustpan and broom.

The new Christmas lights in Bury Street were already on this evening, and looking very good. It could have been a test run, or they could be on from now until twelfth night.

All the rest of the street lights will be turned on as part of the Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday 30th December – followed by fireworks. I have no idea who is turning on the lights this year but I hope it will be Cinderella .

The Extravaganza will start with the traditional parade at 11.45am. There will be the usual mix of stalls and entertainment throughout the afternoon. Reindeer and baby animals will be in the Roysse Gardens. Cinderella’s ballgown will be on display at the Guildhall.

Dear Abingdon Blog,

Firstly my apologies because you’re the gentleman I’ve spoken to many times in the Market Square when our clarinet and saxophone groups have played and I’m afraid I don’t know your name!; I was wondering if you would be kind enough to mention the forthcoming Christmas concert by the Abingdon Concert Band on your blog as tickets are now on sale. The details are all below:

The concert is titled “Christmas Joy” and will be held at St Michael’s and All Angels Church on Park Road, Abingdon on Saturday 14th December. The concert starts at 19:30 and finishes at 21:30. Tickets are available on the door or in advance from The Bookstore or Newbury Building Society, priced £7.50 (£5 concessions). Details can also be found on our website www.abingdonconcertband.org.uk .

This will be the band’s first concert under our new Musical Director Neil Brownless and will include a mixture of old favourites and festive music including the music of John Williams, West Side Story and Troika.

On Wednesday afternoon: ADFAS have a talk on ‘Old Father Thames – The River in Art’, at the Guildhall.

On Wednesday evening : ‘How can we make Transition real?’ at St Ethelwolds.

On Thursday: ‘The clothes of an ordinary woman in the seventeenth century’ at the Northcourt Centre Hall.

On Saturday: a Christmas Bazaar at Christchurch – all proceeds to N.S.P.C.C.

And on Saturday: a rival Christmas Bazaar at Long Furlong Community Centre in aid of Long Furlong Buggy Club.

On Saturday evening: a once in approximately five year opportunity to hear a live concert of Mozart’s Requiem in Abingdon at St Helen and St Katharine School.