Today we saw the election of the Mayor of Ock Street – the Squire of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers. The day began with Morris Dancing round about Abingdon.

Late morning, some of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers performed inside Old Station House for the 102nd birthday party of Mrs Hyde, the widow of Jack Hyde, a one time Morris Dancer and Bagman. A bagman is the keeper of the bag – that is to say, the side’s funds and equipment.

They also picked up an old boy Leslie Argyle, Mayor of Ock Street for many years

As well as dancing outside many pubs, and at the Market Place, and under the County Hall, the Morris dancers danced for the annual party of the Abingdon Almshouses.

where they also danced round a tree planted in memory of another former bagman, Tony Russell.

Tony’s wife Isabel was there to watch and hold the Morris Dog.

As to the election itself, Roger Cox, was re-elected as Mayor of Ock Street with an increased majority.

The Mayor of Abingdon, Monica Lovatt, took part in the count, and presented the honours.

Roger was then carried in state up and down Ock Street and just for a few minutes the traffic had to wait for tradition.

Also taking part in the festivities, from the Vale of White Horse, were the Vale Islanders who dress and dance in a style that predates road traffic.

Also visiting from Derbyshire were the very colourful Winster Morrismen with their equivalent to the Mayor of Ock Street – a mock Queen and King, who inspected the troups and who were in turn treated with great honour during the dances.