With just over a week remaining until the election on Saturday 21st of June, a display in the window of FatFace profiles the two candidates.

Harry Knight
Soon to turn 75, Harry is an Abingdonian by adoption and was first elected Mayor of Ock Street in 2014 – a role he has held several times since. He moved to Abingdon 51 years ago and joined the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers in 1976. For many years, he lived and worked on Ock Street as a funeral director. Harry is one of the side’s melodeon players and has also served as Bagman. He was Lead Dancer the last time the Morris performed at the Royal Albert Hall and still enjoys “Constant Billy,” one of the group’s most energetic dances. His son, Daniel, has also danced with the side.

Rob Charlton
Aged 51, Rob is a lecturer at Abingdon and Witney College and was elected Mayor of Ock Street in 2024. He first came to Abingdon over 20 years ago, arriving on his boat in search of somewhere to moor – and never left. Rob is unique in having been Lead Dancer for both Abingdon Traditional Morris sides. He supports their ongoing friendly rivalry, believing it brings spirit and colour to the town. He created the most recent original dance in the Abingdon repertoire, first performed during the Diamond Jubilee bun throwing. He’s also plays the fiddle, banjo mandolin, and other instruments during processions and music sessions.

Residents and workers in Ock Street (and its side streets), along with members of the Abingdon Traditional Morris, are eligible to vote. They are lucky to have two such good candidates.

The day will also include dancing throughout the day by The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers and two guest teams:  Bampton Traditional Morris, and Chiltern Hundreds NW Morris. The election result will be declared soon after 4 pm at the Brewery Tap.