Yesterday afternoon the south aisle of St Helen’s Church was full of young children, sticking decorations on trees they had drawn, and listening to stories round the Jesse Tree.
The Jesse Tree has pictures representing Old Testament characters and events from Creation to the Birth of Jesus, including Jesse, the father of King David. It is like an Advent Tree anticipating the coming of Christmas.
The Abingdon Sea Cadets were not only leading the Extravaganza parade but they have also won a High Efficiency Pennant – a Sea Cadets top national award for the high standards they have achieved over the past 12 months. It was presented to them by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant on 22nd November.
Also Genny, pictured above, is now a Petty Officer Cadet, the first time in 6 years an Abingdon Cadet has achieved the highest Cadet rank possible. She is seen here with her proud mum, Sue.
The Town Crier was announcing all that was happening in town today, and went on to say that next Saturday Father Christmas will be on the Market Place with two real reindeer, Holly and Ivy.
The Abingdon Concert Band played carols on the Market Place today.
There was a Craft Fair which included The Honey Pot who swapped their shop for a gazebo for the day.
The Honey Pot have been trading in the town Abingdon On Thames for a couple of years so are ahead of the curve.
Loose Cannon were also there selling Abingdon brewed beer, some in gift packs with a Loose Cannon glass.
The Town Crier also announced that the Help The Heroes Rocking Dragon was on display. It can be seen here next to Brian Estoe who, with fellow wood carvers, carved the beast, and coated it with scales which people have sponsored for £2 a scale.
The dragon has raised nearly £10,000 for Help The Heroes. I remember buying a scale for Harry the Dog but have not found it yet …
Peter Wiblin has left his old shop behind – probably because it is one of the units Scottish Widows will soon be redeveloping.
And he has opened up a new shop where Thorntons used to be – as Abingdon News plus. He seemed pleased with the move, and is no longer so near W H Smiths.