Because of The Runaway fair, the High Street was closed for a day, and traffic diverted down East St. Helen Street and up West St. Helen Street. Larger lorries had to make an even bigger diversion. Security people and town council staff manned the barriers.

It rained and it rained, and the Runaway Fair was a much quieter event than the larger Michaelmas Fair last week. Traditionally they are a week apart.

But all the lights were on and the stall holders made it look as jolly as possible. Quite a few children braved the rain to enjoy this lower key event.

Dr. Neil R Crossley retired today after 32 years and 6 months at The Abingdon Surgery.

He joined Dr Vivian, Schofield and Cave on April 1st 1981, when there was a modest two-up-two-down practice on Stert Street. Since then the practice has expanded and taken over neighbouring buildings and hired nurses and become a yellow fever vaccination centre.

Our family have been with him for most of that time and seen him rise up the list, which Dr Buttar will now top. According to his goodbye message – on the practice website – Dr Crossley will continue as a GP appraiser, and do some Locum work, and continue to support Arsenal.

Dr. Crossley did take to twitter for a brief spell. On 30 Mar 2011 he said “That was hard work. 1 person ill enough for hospital, lots of poorly kids, as well as the usual. And it rained, and I’m still here ca va”.

Enjoy the locum work and your retirement and thanks for all you have done!

A contribution to the City Daily Photo Blogs October 1st theme – details.

Abingdon Drama Club are performing William Tell this week. There may still be tickets for Friday and Saturday available from their web site.

Then on 9th October at Abingdon School you can hear about how the disappearance in 1950 of a nuclear scientist brought the Cold War to Abingdon. The author Frank Close will reveal some of his trail of discovery. Even more will be revealed in his book ‘A Life of Two Halves.’