Just after the museum opening ceremony we saw the first Schools’ Music Showcase – on the Market Place.
I caught the first part where musicians and singers from Larkmead School performed to a very dedicated audience.
After the early rain, conditions did improve. The Headmaster of Larkmead was there to watch, and applaud, and thought it very worthwhile – as it gave students confidence performing in public.
John Mason were on next, then I think Thomas Read and Caldecott.
Rush Common Pre-School opened in 1962 and operates from the church hall at All Saints Methodist Church in Abingdon. This year’s they celebrate their 50th anniversary.
The notice on the church door says “Praise God – Come Rain or Shine.” There was more rain than shine on the occasion of the summer fair. The people running the outside fair rides said they are not having a very good summer.
Inside there were some very interesting stalls, like snakes and iguanas from a nearby reptile rescue centre.
There were a record 33 stalls at the Local Excellence Market organised by the Abingdon-on-Thames Chamber of Commerce, and all week there have been notices up to advertise the event.
The Mayor, Monica Lovatt, walked through to have a look around on the way to Abingdon School where today is prize giving.
The Veg Van was there. It will be stopping weekly at the Northcourt Centre on Friday, 8.15 – 9am, selling local produce. It will do other stops if there is sufficient demand for an area. More details at Cultivate Oxford
There were a mix of chamber members, and stalls from the Farmers Market such as the cheese man.
There were also craft stalls such as the The Pathway Workshop. This young lady was painting one of their signs before taking it home.
On Sunday Barry and Beryl Stayte opened their lovely garden to raise funds for Friends of Radley Lakes. This garden is particularly special as it won two awards in the 2011 Abingdon in Bloom event – the Best Back Garden and the Best Wildlife Garden.
A good time was had by all as the sun shone all afternoon, the homemade cakes were delicious and the garden looked stunning.
Thanks to Marjorie White for this report … The pond dipping picture is by Lynda Pasquire and the other two by Maggie Harnew.
There will be another three open gardens this weekend on Saturday 30 June 2012 in East St. Helen’s Street. £5 will cover the entrance to all the gardens. Part of Abingdon Museum Friends fundraising.