Mayor Making becomes exciting – 9th May 7pm

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(Just corrected the date. I was looking at the wrong year on the TC Calendar)
Trading from two fronts
Out of 21 town councillors, each year, one is elected Mayor and one Deputy Mayor. From as far back as most people remember it has been the next one in line gets elected. But last year there was a shock result when Abingdon returned 11 Conservatives 9 Lib-Dems and 1 Labour councillor to the town council.  The Conservatives, with such a small majority, thought that the Mayor’s casting vote was more important than the tradition of next in line.

This year the make up of the council has changed slightly. We do not know if Peter Jones, the current Deputy Mayor, will be able to get there. Peter is well liked by both sides and would have made a very good Mayor – but sadly suffered a stroke.

I have also just read that one Lib-Dem has decided they can no longer remain a Lib-Dem because of the Coalition. So this year there are likely to be 10 Conservatives 8 Lib-Dems 1 Labour and 1 Independent.
Trading from two fronts
The Candidates for Mayor are Monica Lovatt and Samantha Bowring. As individuals they both have done a lot for the town. I would guess it will be 10-10 and then the current Mayor will use his casting vote for Monica.

Then we come to the Deputy Mayor. Again two candidates: Cllr Andrew Todd for the Conservatives, and  Cllr Angela Lawrence the ex Lib-Dem Independent. Again it is likely to be 10:10 and will rest on the new Mayor’s casting vote.

Who would have thought Mayor Making would become such a drama. It happens on Wed 9 May. If just one councillor did not get there for whatever reason everything could change.

Trading on Two Fronts

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Trading from two fronts
The pavement is being relaid as part of the County Hall project, and Outdoor Traders are closed until 21st April getting a makeover.
Trading from two fronts
The Abingdon Bowls Centre has recently closed on East St helen Street. I hear the man running it has retired . Instead, an Outdoor Traders sign has re-appeared there too. That is where they traded before moving to larger premises.

So it could well be that Outdoor Traders are about to open on two fronts.

Rowing at Abingdon-on-Thames – an early season time trial

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Spring Head of The River
On Sunday 400 crews came to Abingdon to row the 2000 meters from Culham Lock to Wilsham Road as part of the 2012 Spring Head of the River time-trial.

The Abingdon Rowing Club don’t get to row as they are all busy officiating.
Spring Head of The River
It is an early season event but in this picture it looks like a race away from Didcot A before the smouldering giant finally blows.
Spring Head of The River
These guys made it to the finishing line.
Spring Head of The River
After their race, our Abingdon stewards asked boats to keep moving. There is no real time for a post mortem. “I’m so sorry, I just lost it totally near the end. ”
Spring Head of The River
The 400 crews, 100 in each of 4 times slots, row back to the landing stages in Rye Farm Meadow.
Spring Head of The River
Carry their own boat back to the trailer.
Spring Head of The River
Only then is there the chance to put their feet up.

Freewheeling Spring Festival 2012

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There was a lot going on in Abingdon this weekend. I was taking pictures of the Abingdon Head of The River rowing event – pictures of that tomorrow – and so arrived at the Abingdon Freewheeling Spring Festival after a lot of people had left. Freewheeling
But it was a great pleasure to meet the Didcot Phoenix CC and see their stall. They have 70-80 members and do time trials and club rides. Their regular Sunday ride was to start at Abingdon Market Place today for a change.
Freewheeling
The town crier had what should become the town crier’s bike. He saw it a while back and borrowed it for the event. He is stood between two young ladies who were there to promote cycling safety. Be seen!
Freewheeling
Abingdon Freewheeling had lots of rides on offer this year: 4, 10, 27 & 50 mile road rides and 12 & 22 mile off-road rides. This is the leader of the 27 mile road ride with tandem.
Freewheeling
Beyond Bars Cycles (to be found in Coxeters) were there with a large stand and a large assortments of bikes. They were also doing repairs on alien bikes.
Freewheeling
Lastly the Kings Head and Bell were serving some tasty food. Perhaps a chance to ask you to put World Fairtrade Day in your diaries as there is a link ….

World Fairtrade Day is Saturday 12th May, and the Abingdon Fairtrade group is holding a Fairtrade Continental Breakfast at the KH&B. Steve (Kings Head and Bell) is donating the breakfast and the venue free of charge. Debbie (Patisserie) will supply croissants and Waitrose will provide the Fairtrade fruit. In return you can just come a long and maybe give a donation to a Traidcraft charity. I’ll remind you nearer the event.