Monthly Archives: December 2011

Final Night of Improvised Pantomime at the Unicorn – Sinbad the Sailor from Swindon

Improvised Panto
On the last night of the 4 night run of Improvised Panto at the Unicorn theatre, Sinbad was chosen by chance as the Panto. The plot was padded out by suggestions from the audience and so Sinbad the Sailor from Swindon, went to try to rescue the Princess, locked up by the baddy in a  cave of shoes on the Isle of Slough.
Improvised Panto
The improvisors did their best with the material they were given, and by their efforts, over 4 days, helped raise funds to support Pathway Workshops. Pathway Workshops give productive employment and training for disadvantaged adults and help improve their employment prospects. They mostly make things from reclaimed timber, such as the rocking horse and reindeer shown above.

Market Place – the week before Christmas

Market Place - week before Christmas
There was a nativity scene where you could have you picture taken at the Crib, and there were two donkeys from the donkey sanctuary.
Market Place - week before Christmas
Dunmore pre-school were there selling cakes to help raise funds for the nursery.
Market Place - week before Christmas
The Sea Cadets were there, ably led by the young lady on the drum.
Market Place - week before Christmas
There was also a raffle for the African Children’s Fund. Peter Tyrer, their leader, was recently killed in a car crash. Others are committed to carrying on his work.

South Abingdon Christmas Lights looking good this year


I cycled round South Abingdon earlier this evening taking a few pictures, and lots of video clips of the Christmas lights in that part of town and have joined them together into a video.
South Abingdon Christmas Lights
There were good displays at the top of Gainsborough Green… and the bottom half of Saxton Road …
South Abingdon Christmas Lights
and Medlicott Drive.  I thought the twin towns estate had far more lights than previous years.

I will try to do the same north of the River Ock early next week, but it is a much bigger area. Let me know any roads that should not be missed.

Old Gaol Views – December 2011

Old Gaol Views
From this angle on Wilsham Road the Old Gaol looks much as it always has.
Old Gaol Views
From Abingdon Bridge the new accommodation, next door, is more obvious.

I have no hard news on progress but building work continues. By now restaurant groups may have been invited to tender for the three restaurants,  and some of the luxury apartments may have been sold.
Old Gaol Views
A detail of the previous picture shows a heron watching from an undisturbed spot – reflected in the water.
Old Gaol Views
The final one is from the garden of St Ethelwolds.