Councillor Margaret Crick  handed over the chain of office this evening to Councillor Charlie Birks, who became the new Mayor of Abingdon.  The previous deputy Mayor David Pope, who Margaret described as a tower of strength, failed to get re-elected when all the Conservatives lost their seats. So with 11 new councillors, the new town council had a dilemma who should be the next mayor. Charlie has lived in Abingdon since 1974 and seems very personable. So good luck to him.

The new Deputy Mayor is Abingdon’s first Green Party Councillor Cheryl Briggs.

The outgoing Mayor had a lot of praise for the Conservative Councillors who lost their seats. She thanked Mike Badcock for many years of work for the town, and his support for her in her year as Mayor. Another special mention was for Dennis Garrett after all the long hours he put in on the Guldhall project. All of them got mentioned by name.

Councillor Margaret Crick gave outgoing Mayors awards to:
* Penny Clover  for her contribution to life in the town including work on Abingdon Carousel and the Guild of Town Criers
* Helen Flynn for her work with the AbiBinit! initiative
* Sue Hammersley for many years of volunteer work including the opening of the Blue Sky Eco Cafe.

Margaret also gave cheques to her two charities: Abingdon Carousel, and Be Free Young Carers

Councillor Charlie Birks said the new Mayor’s charity is The Abingdon Bridge which supports young people in the town. Revd Charles Miller would be Mayor’s Chaplain. The civic service will be announced. He also announced that Fun and Music in the Park would be on Saturday 1st June, and there would be Abingdon-on-Thames pride celebrations on Saturday 22nd June.

Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers danced before the ceremony. Revd Paul Smith, the outgoing Mayor’s Chaplain, said the opening and closing prayers. Abingdon Town Band played music, including the National Anthem. Councillors then left the stage and people shook hands with the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor and were invited for a drink in the Roysse Room.

The Abbey Sailing Club invited people to join them sailing on the river in Abingdon.

Today was dedicated to new people having a go. More about the Sailing Club can be found at https://abbeysailingclub.btck.co.uk/

Jazz has continued over the weekend both at the Abingdon Jazz Festival and the events at the Roysse Room.

Bands played on the Market Place this Sunday afternoon in the sunshine as a finale.

The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers were also in town dancing at the Kngs Head and Bell. They will be back tomorrow for the Mayor Making at the Guildhall.