Over the last couple of months new cycle racks have been put in Abingdon town centre. One set are at one end of Broad Street by the new flower containers
The other matching set is opposite the Black Swan beneath the Great Western Railway train times.
The bike racks on High Street were also recently replaced . These used to be the most well used bike racks in Abingdon but cyclists have not got back to using them again yet.
The previous racks were all ploughed down by a vehicle.
According to Wikipedia High Street is the most common street name in the UK. It beats Station Road and Main Street by a long way.
Abingdon has a High Street. Looking today I saw three High Street signs. The first, near the Market Place, was from the days when Abingdon was a borough – before the local government reorganisation in 1974.
That end of the High Street is mostly banks and estate agencies.
The next sign, at the junction of West St Helen Street, has T over a dot. Did this look good in the days when shorthand was in vogue?
At the other end the High Street sign is black with smudgy white lettering.
The Vale of White Horse District Council has been in existence, making Abingdon’s street signs, since 1974. They have stamped their logo on signs for many other roads around Abingdon but have left the old signs on the historic High Street.
At the other end of the High Street are mostly pubs. The Grapes has a sign offering the government scheme of Eat Out to Help Out. Over the road The Narrows has a door with the sign Exit Only. It is part of their one way system to stop the spread of the virus.
Two new town maps have been installed by the riverside and Rye Farm car park. They were created and paid for by Pat Bryden in memory of Alan Bryden ‘who worked to make Abingdon a better place’. Alan was often involved in community events, and also served as a County Councillor and Town Councillor.
Here he is leading the Boundary Walk on 1st January 2012 and talking to former Freeman of Abingdon, Mrs Janet Morgan.
Steve sent me this picture of a bench in Bath street that has been unusable until a local carpenter took the matter into their own hands and repaired it. They even added a new leg for safety.
If you would like to use the seat then it can be found near the Black Swan and behind Poundland.