In the Market Place this morning there was a ‘Summer’ craft fair, during which three different music groups performed. Pictured are Abingdon Concert Band, whose next concert is Saturday 13th July, where they will be playing favorites of their departing musical director. (Tickets from The Bookstore or Newbury Building Society.)
Also there were Revd Richard and wife Ann, from Trinity. Recently Trinity voted to ask Richard to stay for another 5 years, but the church area governing body want to use his talents elsewhere, so sadly he will be with Trinity for just one more year.
This event is organised by Marianne from the town council (not pictured). There were about sixteen stalls and would have been more but the windy conditions were difficult.
The Open Air Food was delicious, especially after a swim in the Open Air Pool. I was the only there this morning. Where are all those people who protested to keep the pool open a few year ago?
Sorry not to have been at the pool but I’m still involving a vest in my clothing every day. You must be hardier than me.
Really appreciate all the weekend activity in the market place
I think i speak for all shop owners that it is getting very frustrating now that the new units are still empty . The footfall is terrible and sales to match it is hard enough in the financial climate to make any money from a shop . The added building work and empty shops has only added to the hardship to the shops . We have carried out our own research and 8/10 people say they do not bother with Abingdon as there are no shops there and with the closure of QS this week it will any make things worse . I am requesting the local council start helping the shops that are here now or there will be more shop closures when the next rental quarter is due . I have invested my familys saving into our shop as was said Abingdon was an up and coming town and will rival Didcot and i am afraid it is not . The town is declining every week even market day now is slow with around 10 people through the door however with the sales down 70% the government still want 100% of the business rates set when the country was booming .
I spend a lot of time in Botley, and the different schemes for their precinct. Following another Public Meeting it seems they have dropped the plans for a Cinema, but is unknown if they are going to demolish the library/hall and Baptist Church, or refurb the precinct (using Abingdon as a model!!!).
At least it has gone quiet about stage 2 at Abingdon, (demolition of its library/GP/Day centre to build a Supermarket….).