The Abingdon Bowling Club celebrated the centenary of their first ever match on Saturday 21st June 2014. Thanks to Gordon for the the original announcement and the picture of the successful replay in progress.
A new Landlord has just taken over The Broad Face. He plans to build the business up again by serving good pub food, well kept beer, and put on live folk and jazz music. But first needs to re-kit the kitchen. The pub is already open, but expect more news in July when he starts promoting what is happening.
The Grapes has also been re-opened looking smarter – thanks to the Landlord, who also runs the Brewery Tap.
Greene King still have a large foothold in Abingdon, with a large distribution centre on the Business Park, and a number of pubs …
but they have been reported as selling off their two – at risk – pubs in Abingdon to Hawthorn Leisure. Hawthorn Leisure is a new rapidly growing pub chain with 275 pubs acquired from Greene King and 88 from another group. They could get even bigger, and they now own The Saxton Arms,
and The Cross Keys. I expect both will continue to sell some Greene King beer as a three year supply agreement has been signed between the two companies.
Mr Harry Knight was elected the Mayor of Ock Street this afternoon. The election result was announced by Mr Ewart Hemmings, President of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers. The Mayor of Abingdon, Angela Lawrence, was there to present Harry with the sword and chalice of office. Angela joined in with the dancing when everybody had a go on the Market Place, and showed that she was a good dancer herself.
Mr Harry Knight said it was a great honour to follow Stuart Jackson, and Roger Cox, his predecessors, both who were there. Roger Cox, who has been Mayor of Ock Street from 2007-2014, was the first to congratulate the victor Harry. The Mayor of Ock Street also becomes the Squire of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers.
There followed the traditional chairing of the new Mayor up and down Ock Street.
The ballot took place at The Brewery Tap where Ock Street Ale was on tap – from Loose Cannon.
The day itself saw Morris dancing around the town. The youtube video above shows ‘Princess Royal’ one of the Abingdon Dances, performed by the Abingdon Morris Dancers for centuries, and again today.
There were five visited teams including the Armaleggan, a Border Morris side, who rehearse in Cumnor Village Hall, on the old Berkshire Borders.
Also visiting town today were the Foxy Rangers from Didcot, in South Oxfordshire. They were raising money for Chanel, a child who needs special equipment to get a decent quality of life. One of those Foxy Rangers was chosen to be danced round in ‘Maid of The Mill’
After which every passing Morris Dancer kissed her on the cheek – some more than once. The Armaleggan kissing got very smutty.
More Pictures on the Abingdon Blog Facebook Page.
Coming soon will be new flats where Withy King once were in West St Helen Street. They have moved to the corner of the Vineyard and Stert Street.
Nearby Eben Lark opened a couple of weeks ago.
At the top of the road Efes Turkish Barber are also Opening Soon.
The newspapers in the window are from a time when low initial expectations had turned to hope.
Hope was dashed and now we must wait another 4 years for the dream of World Cup Glory …
The Abingdon Exchange (selling 2nd hand DVDs and CDs) did close and reopen and then closed again so I’m not sure what is planned next.
William Hill have opened in the former newsagents / convenience store two doors up from there.
Greggs have been closed for a week having a refit and are open again today. Vodafone should soon follow.
Breckon and Breckon also opened a week or so ago Selling and Letting properties.
It is a lovely morning: Mayors Day today, as well as the Trinity Fair and St Edmund’s School Fete. So plenty to help forget the football..