Monthly Archives: February 2014

Mr Harry Downey

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When Mr Harry Downey retired from running Bailey Shoe Repairs, the Oxford Mail reported Shoe Repair Shop Ties up Trade.

Sorry to say that Harry is no longer with us and his funeral is at 2pm on Monday 24 February in St Helens Church – all are welcome. Thanks to Elizabeth for three pictures taken when Harry was nearing retirement in March 2010.

Bailey’s opened in 1903 and celebrated 100 years of customer satisfaction in 2003.

They were located in what was the site of the stables behind the Rising Sun Hotel – now Barclays Bank.

Harry joined Baileys at age 15, became the owner in 1984, and retired in 2010 at the age of 70.

Valentine Displays in Abingdon Shops

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Thanks to Spike (Paul) for sending me a picture of the Fabulous Flowers shop door.

The Finishing Touch has LOVE on the door and hearts in the window.

The British Heart Foundation has a “fight for every heartbeat.”

Meanwhile Minnie Mouse at Oxfam would Love You to Donate Your Goods.

There are Special Valentine’s Displays in Abingdon Shops This Week. Enjoy them while they last.

A club for those entering their golden years

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There is new member only leisure club with great facilities for over 55’s. If you are of an age to benefit, you can find out more from The Riverly Club.

The club is inside Bridge House, the new Care Home near Waitrose. Annual membership is £80 for single membership and £140 for joint membership. Facilities include spa, library, gym, cinema, and cafe bar.

The cinema is also used by the AGE UK Film Club for screenings of recent films, at just £3 a time, and the seats are so much better than those found in the cinemas in Oxford and Didcot.

Thanks to Chantelle for letting me know.

Snowdrops, Daffodils, and Swans

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Snowdrops look to be thriving in this winter without snow.

The mass of daffodils that appear over the other side of the River Thames are grouping again. They have not experienced much frost yet – just lots of water.

Floods made nest building and raising young difficult for the swans last spring. But they are having an easier winter of it.

Our Seasons are never predictable.