Category Archives: Events

Abingdon Traditional Morris Lego

Fat Face Morris
In the window of Fat Face in Abingdon can be seen a Lego version of the Mayor of Ock Street Ceremony. It shows the newly elected Mayor of Ock Street being chaired shoulder high from Coopers Lane into Ock Street. In front of him is held a cow’s head, a trophy won in a fight between Ock Street and the rest of the town in 1700. The elected Mayor becomes the head man of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers for the next year.
Fat Face Morris
In 2018 two other sides will be there in Abingdon to dance on June 16th along Ock Street, and in the town centre – before and after the election of the Mayor of Ock Street. They include Bampton Traditional Morris, founded approximately 600 years ago, and the Berkshire Bedlam Morris Dancers, founded in 1977.

The 4th side on the Supermorris box, called Stealing Sheep, could be the alter-ego of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers who appeared in this video …

Stealing Sheep – Apparition from Dougal Wilson on Vimeo.

Music in the Park

Music in the Park
There was glorious sunshine as Music in the Park began in the Abbey Grounds in Abingdon with a capacity crowd of 3500.
Music in the Park
The opening band, Sidekickz, got some of the crowd dancing,
Music in the Park
The Undercovers got almost everybody dancing.
Music in the Park
The Oxfordshire Big Band followed with a more laid back beat.
Music in the Park
Then the Mayor, Councillor Margaret Crick, thanked everybody who had helped at the event. Special thanks and a bouquet of flowers went to Councillor Alice Badcock who heads up the organising committee.
Music in the Park
The Abingdon Town Band then got people waving flags, and waving mobile phone torches, and even got a lot of people singing the proms part of the programme.
Music in the Park
That was followed by fireworks, and a polite request to take the rubbish home.

Fun in the Park

Fun in the Park
The Abbey Grounds have dried out in time for Fun in the Park. As one well known local told me, they knew what they were doing building the Abbey here on the gravel terrace for drainage.
Fun in the Park
On the little stage Punch kept the children entertained. Near them was a huge inflatable and a climbing wall.
Fun in the Park
On the big stage, at the same time, were Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers. They were followed by many other acts. Late afternoon and evening the stage will be used for Music in the Park.
Fun in the Park
There was also a concourse of stalls with local groups either side of the path. On the Church in Abingdon stall you could sponsor a duck for the duck race on June 16th – same day as Mayor of Ock Street, and opening the Outdoor Pool. Money from the duck race goes towards Abingdon Passion play 2019.
Fun in the Park
Monica Lovatt the new Chair of the Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC) was speaking to the people in charge of mobiloo. Its appearance was discussed at the recent town council meeting featured on this blog.

Royal Wedding in Abingdon

Royal Wedding
In Abingdon this morning the first thing that struck me was that there was a long queue outside Acreedo Tattoos.
Royal Wedding
It was the day of the Royal Wedding of Harry and Meghan. Was that the reason?
Royal Wedding
Most of the Royal Family could be seen at the Punchbowl with Harry and Meghan at the centre.
Royal Wedding
The Royal Wedding was taking place inside.
Royal Wedding
The Royal Wedding could also be viewed in The Old Anchor Inn and other pubs in the town centre.
Royal Wedding
Shops in town did not have a TV, but that did not stop them joining in. Oxfam had sparkling elderflower drinks to toast the Royal Wedding.