Armistice Day

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The pupils at Kingfisher School have created a fabulous display for the Royal British Legion Club in Spring Road, Abingdon. (Thanks to Clare for the pictures.)

Most people will remember that Sunday is Remembrance Sunday. Saturday is Armistice Day, and there will be a smaller gathering at the war memorial at 11 pm for a two-minute silence.

World War I officially ended on November 11, 1918, at 11:00 AM, after the signing of the armistice a few hours earlier. From 1919 to 1939, Armistice Day was the main day of remembrance in the UK for those who died in the war. After World War II, the main observance in the United Kingdom moved to Remembrance Sunday, which is held on the second Sunday in November.

In the 1990s(1), Armistice Day was revived after a campaign by the Royal British Legion, and since then a two-minute silence has been observed at 11:00 AM on November 11.

ref 1: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/515640.stm

Old Anchor Inn untied from Greene King

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The Old Anchor, a historic riverside pub in Abingdon, is now available to lease on a free-of-tie basis. This means the new tenant can buy their beer from any supplier, giving them greater flexibility and independence. The details are at https://www.fleurets.com.

The pub closed in May 2023, and in August, the Oxford Mail reported that Greene King had decided to stop managing the Old Anchor as one of their tied pubs.

Early Christmas Lights II

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If you see a house with Christmas lights up on 8th November, the people who live there are probably trying to spread some good cheer and enjoy the season a little longer.

And when Bury Street, has its Christmas Lights on 8th November, it could be that the management company have read the studies that show that Christmas Lights help boost people’s mood. Many small businesses rely on the festive season for a significant portion of their annual revenue, and shopping early can help them.

Autumn Leaves while the sun shines

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Leaves are turning colour. The creeper on Bath Street, which was cut back a few years ago, has grown back, with a full display of red leaves this year.

The Liquid Amber trees on the Market Place have also got their fiery red autumn colour.

The Liquid Amber Trees around the War Memorial were planted at about the same time but look bigger in the smaller space.

The London Planes on St Helen’s Wharf provide shade and shelter in the summer. But in autumn, their leaves turn a golden yellow.

Queen Victoria, in the Abbey Gardens, has a view over many trees. Their autumn colours look at their best when the sun shines.