Tomorrow is bank holiday and the sun does feel like it is having some impact on the prevailing cool air. On Bank Holiday Monday there are 4 guided walks to choose from – or leaflets available to follow at your own pace. All Free. Thanks to Marilyn for holding up the advert for me. Walks are organised by Pat Bryden of the Friends of Abingdon, and her helpers.

Marilyn, Alice and Mike Badcock were all on the Market Place, with other councillors (like the new Deputy  Mayor Angela Lawrence and Hermann Matheson and Pat Longergan) advertising Fun in The Parks and Music in the Parks. Both events are on June 1st. The first is free. The second is by entry with a wrist band. Over 60% are sold.

The Heated Open Air Pool opened for the summer season yesterday at 10am. Warmer weather is needed to cut down the heating bill, and to stop the trees dropping leaves. It was fine for 60 lengths by which times I got out to warm my feet a little.

Not quite open yet is the recently refurbished water feature. But it looks amazing.

Please leave a comment if there anything else on during the Bank Holiday (or half term) people might like.

Many thanks to Spike who sent me some more pictures of the parade. I’ve selected ones that are quite different from mine. So here is a second view of the parade …

The 12 Logistic Support Regiment (LSR) homecoming parade left the Fire Station in Ock Street at 09:35 and arrived on the Market Place at about 09:45.There were lots of school children on Ock Street to cheer them on their way.

After arriving on the Market Place there was quite a wait. A helicopter went over at about 10:00 landing in the grounds of Abingdon School.

HRH the Princess Royal arrived at about 10:15. She spent a lot of time giving out medals and talking to the troops.

She then spoke over the PA – very clearly. She thanked 12 LSR for their service in Afghanistan and for their service to the regiment which is to disband as part of the army modernisation changes. She wished the soldiers well in their future service.

After the medal ceremony, 12 LSR paraded though the Town, with the Princess taking the salute.

They then marched to St Helen’s Church to remember those who had not come back. More picture on Abingdon Blog Facebook.

Barriers are stacked on the Market Place.

Notices have been put up warning people not to leave cars or bikes in town. Road closures will be in operation. The streets in the town centre have been gone over a couple of times, and will be gone over once more, in the early hours, with a street cleaner.

The Parade will leave the Fire Station in Ock Street at 09:35 and arrive on the Market Place by 09:45. HRH the Princess Royal will arrive at 10:00 when the ceremonies will take place, following which the 12 LSR will parade though the Town, with the Princess taking the salute.