The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers were dancing outside St Helen’s Church before the Abingdon Town Council Mayor Making. They were led by the Mayor of Ock Street, Harry Knight.

In St Helen’s Church, Councillor Jan Morter handed on the chain of office of the Mayor of Abingdon to Councillor Margaret Crick.

Margaret is an ex teacher who not only taught in England but also in the Bahamas. She became a member of the Town Council in 2007, and in the last year has chaired the planning committee, and been Deputy Mayor. She is a keen gardener and craftswoman, who behind the scenes donates handmade jewellery to help raise money for town events.

The new Deputy Mayor is David Pope, seen here signing the oath of office. David is also district governor for the Rotary International.

Margaret has chosen two charities that are close to her heart as the Mayor’s Charities. First is Abingdon Carousel who will soon take over running the South Abingdon Children’s Centre. Margaret said that a good start to life is so important for children. She also chose Be Free – Young Carers of Oxfordshire. Margaret was so impressed with how they bring together young people who have taken on the very adult role of caring for relatives.

The outgoing Mayor, Councillor Jan Morter, gave Mayor’s awards to:
* Emma Beacham, the founder of the Abingdon More in Common group.
* Anne Smart, one of the volunteers for Abingdon Cuts Plastic / Abingdon Carbon Cutters.
* Shirley Thompson as a volunteer for 20 years with the Abingdon Children Contact Centre, at Abingdon Baptist church, which allows separated parents to meet with children in a safe neutral place.