Martin Smith led the boundary walk in 2006 (when I first started doing this blog) and was still there leading the walk in 2013. On both occasions he was accompanied by a town crier who rang the bell and announced to anybody in earshot that we were walking the 1556 bounds of Abingdon. In 2006 we all went into a private garden to see a boundary stone and were given mince pies – something I’ve not experienced since.

This year we could not follow the normal route along the Ock Valley Walk, which is still underwater, and so went down Caldecott Road instead. At one point we saw where the canal bridge would have been.

We also made a small diversion at Box Hill Walk to view where Fitzharris House once stood, and saw the Motte.

The other change from 2006 was that we could now cross the new bridge over what was the Abbey Mill Stream.

The Christmas Extravaganza, organised by the Abingdon-on-Thames Chamber of Commerce, was a little different this year. Usually it is on Thursday or Tuesday and is an evening affair. This year it was moved to Saturday and went on all day with the finale of fireworks at 6pm.

For some people the Extravaganza began early at 6 am (the core helpers), but for most of us it began at around 11 am with the Parade.

Then through the day there was much happening in the Market Place

Roysse Court became a farm yard for the day.

In the Guildhall there was a Craft Fair. The man in the foreground makes bicycles and sculptures from wire – Garry Curran Wire Sculpture.

In St Nic’s Church there were stalls and performances throughout the day – at 2 am was the Abingdon Community Orchestra.

The day culminated in the turning on of the Christmas Lights at 5:45. For once they were not turned on by a celebrity but by the winner of the best dressed angel competition.

It was still early and mild enough for lots of families to enjoy the excellent fireworks. Often because of coldness or lateness families have left before the fireworks.

(There will be more about the Extravaganza tomorrow when I have a few pictures of Iggle Piggle and Upsy Daisy and some of the people they met and places they visited in Abingdon and how Iggle Piggle seemed scared of dogs.)

On Saturday there was a Cake and Tombola stall to raise funds for the Abingdon Passion Play.

Auditions for musicians and singers take place on Saturday 1st December at 2pm at St Michael’s Church, and actors and dancers get their chance on Sunday 2nd December at 2PM, The official website has more information.

The big performance will be on Palm Sunday 24th March at 2pm in the Abbey Grounds. It could be huge.

As the Queen led the national tribute at London, we like many other cities, towns, and villages gathered at our war memorial at 11am this morning to remember those who have fallen in conflicts, and those serving in areas of conflict. Many people were there to pay tribute.

Abingdon Town Band led the parade followed by serving soldiers from Dalton Barracks.

Many uniformed organisations followed, and veterans from WWII.

Reverend Charles Miller led the prayers at the start. At 11 the last post was played, and two minutes silence followed, at the end of which a glider flew over. Wreaths were then laid, first by the Mayor and Royal British Legion, then by other organisations – as Abingdon Band played solemn music. Finally we sang God Save the Queen.

It was significant this year that Remembrance Sunday coincided with Armistice Day – 11/11. It was also significant that two visitors representing our twin town Schongau, in Germany, were there. Also significant was that so many young people took part. I was struck by the quiet dignity of many of them during the service.