Glenn asks whether I know of a Charity or Association/School that could use a very large pumpkin for a Halloween event. He intended to grow several small ones but a single one took over. It’s 75cm diameter and 2.6m circumference. He has no idea of the weight but he can’t move it on his own.

He will be able to get assistance to load it into his trailer and deliver it providing there is assistance available to unload it. He can also take it away if required.

So let know me know in comments or an email (to backstreet60@gmail.com) your suggested group and event and I will help put you on contact with Glenn. If need be I could help as well.

In Trinity Church Conduit Centre today, as a fund raiser for the Abingdon Passion Play 2019, there was an antique valuation afternoon, thanks to Bonhams.

I could not think of any valuable antiques that I might own, so instead took along my earliest and biggest postcard album, and was interested to hear more about some of the pictures.

Here is a postcard of Stert Street in Abingdon, posted in 1913.

In the foreground are The Bee Hive (Morland & Co Entire Fine Ales, with Good Accommodation for Cyclists – Teas Provided – Well Aird Beds) and over the road The Plough (Morrells Ales and Stouts), and behind that Ye Olde Printinge Workes.

Elizabeth says the apple press is up and running in the Community Freespace in Bury Street precinct, Abingdon. She sent some pictures of this annual tradition, organised by the Abingdon Carbon Cutters.

As in previous years Abingdon windfall apples are chopped and pressed into unique blends of apple juice. You can even borrow the kit of electric apple crusher, apple press and pasteuriser to turn your own windfalls into juice.

The freespace shop is open Mon 1st – Sat 6th October, and Weds 10th – Sat 13th, 11am – 2pm. It will be closed on 8th & 9th because of the annual Michaelmas Fair, where you are more likely to find toffee apples.

Ma Bessie and her band all the way from Reading

and Lisa Mills from the south of the USA were performing at the lecture theatre at Cosenors House on Sunday Evening.

The event was put on by Sam of Barnstormers. The venue was not the best for such a concert. The Unicorn Theatre would have been better but was probably pre-booked when he could get Ma Bessie and Lisa. Both acts were amazing. Ma Bessie was so warm, and Lisa Mills so passionate. Thankyou to Sam for hosting the event.

If only Abingdon had a venue for events like this – bigger than the Unicorn, and not a lecture theatre.