
On the Market Place last Saturday there was a Christian Aid stall to mark the start of Christian Aid week. Many houses will also receive a Christian Aid collection envelope through the door.

Over half the Income of Christian Aid comes from this one week in the year, held during May since 1957. It is an opportunity for the Churches to work together, and provide assistance in places like Sudan and Syria where there is a great need.

There was also a European School stall on the Market Place that same day. As well as the St Nicolas School Fair this coming Saturday, and the chance to try out bowling at Abingdon Bowling Club, there is also a May Fair at the European School. They have a Pupils Art Exhibition in The Chapel, and outside there will be activities for all the family, including circus skills, a giant slide, games, art & craft and the usual stalls you would expect.
The Town Council has Moved over the Weekend

Armbands for Music in The Park are selling fast. They can be bought from the Town Council Reception if you can find it. It moved over the weekend to The Guildhall.

On Saturday the reception was still at Old Abbey House. But everything was packed to move, and old papers were in white bags to be sent to be shredded.

There has been a time of change at the Town Council with the move to the Guildhall, and a change of job roles generally. Recently the Town Council said goodbye to Sandra (Deputy Town Clerk), Marianne (Market Place Co-ordinator and Twin Towns Rep), and Sue (Mayor’s Secretary).
Their old offices stand empty waiting to see who buys Old Abbey House. Will it be an Art Centre, a Hotel, or Accommodation?
Tree Down on Ock Valley Walk and Suspected Lightening Damage at Trinity

Scott sent a picture showing there is a tree down on the Ock Valley Walk. There have been gusty wunds over the last 48 hours. Today is cooler than yesterday.
Anticipating bad weather St Nicolas School May Fair was rescheduled to next weekend – Saturday 17th May.
On the subject of weather there was a thunderstorm three weeks ago, and Trinity Church suffered some roof tile damage near the steeple, and water got in. The rumor among the congregation is that the church was struck by lightening. However Tom, the church warden, was unable to confirm.
Mr Hemmings Day of Dance – 2014

Mr Hemmings Traditional Abingdon Morris dancers held their annual day of dance in Abingdon today, on the nearest Saturday to the birthday of Tom Hemmings. Tom was instrumental in reviving the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dances in the mid 20th Century.
There were four visiting sides, on a day of sun and showers. The visiting sides were:

Mayflower Morris: A Ladies side from Ash Vale in Hampshire dancing in clogs.

Kennet Morris Men: based in the Reading area.

Ashnah: Glamorous bellydancing ladies from Abingdon.

Stroud Morris: Ladies side from Stroud in Gloucestershire.
The teams danced throughout the day starting at the White Horse pub, then visiting pubs, and ex-pubs, along Ock Street, and Bath Street. After lunch, they danced on the Market Place at around 2pm, and returned along Ock Street to finish at The Royal British Legion.
(Thanks to Steve Green for the details of the sides.)