Just after the museum opening ceremony we saw the first Schools’ Music Showcase – on the Market Place.
I caught the first part where musicians and singers from Larkmead School performed to a very dedicated audience.
After the early rain, conditions did improve. The Headmaster of Larkmead was there to watch, and applaud, and thought it very worthwhile – as it gave students confidence performing in public.
John Mason were on next, then I think Thomas Read and Caldecott.
Rush Common Pre-School opened in 1962 and operates from the church hall at All Saints Methodist Church in Abingdon. This year’s they celebrate their 50th anniversary.
The notice on the church door says “Praise God – Come Rain or Shine.” There was more rain than shine on the occasion of the summer fair. The people running the outside fair rides said they are not having a very good summer.
Inside there were some very interesting stalls, like snakes and iguanas from a nearby reptile rescue centre.
There were flowers waiting at the County Hall this morning.
A motorcade of MG cars brought the Mayor of Abingdon to the County Hall for the re-opening of the Museum.
Alongside the Mayor is Martha Howe-Douglas from the Children’s TV program : Horrible Histories, and Julie Mayhew-Archer, the chairman of the County Hall Museum Committee.
Both Mayor and Martha cut the ribbon. Children bought history books to be signed.
The museum lift can now take people down to the cellar but not yet up to most of the museum (pictures to follow in a day or so). The iconic building itself has been saved and restored and set up for the next 50-100 years, and the museum is now warm, and protected from the elements with more available, better, space for exhibits.
There is still work to be done to allow some people to enjoy the museum – like a mum who would like to go up with her children.
Work continues at the Shopping Centre despite the rain. Girders that once supported the canopy have been sawn off near the buildings.
Over the last week pile driving machines have been making ready for new girders where the new larger stores will be.
Underfoot it is looking very muddy. Businesses all open as usual.
Lets hope it is dry for the olympic torch coming through on Tuesday. I would be very glad to receive any pictures of the torch coming through Abingdon. Just send me an email (address on the about page.)