The biggest day of the year for small business and The Christmas Craft Market

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It is ‘The biggest day of the year for small business’ …

an initiative to encourage consumers to shop locally – today and beyond. And so it was good to see lots of people in town.

On the Market Place there was a Christmas Craft Market. The town crier was letting people know from the County Hall Roof.

George Haslam was conducting a group of saxophone players. Some are his students. Others play in a number of other bands.

The flag on Abingdon County Hall was at half mast in memory of Nelson Mandela.

It was also the day when we said a tearful goodbye to Harry. See Harry Dog Blog.

Christmas Lights – town centre

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Thanks to Peter for a picture  of the Extravaganza as the lights were turned on. It is always a dramatic moment.

The lights have been on for a few evenings now.

What still looks new is the display along Bury Street.

Scottish Widows put their lights on two weeks before the Extravaganza.

I always enjoy the lights whether they come from Independent Retailers, Town Council, or Pension Funds.

Before New Abbey Court was built

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Thanks to Steve for these pictures he took, of Stert Street, before new Abbey Court was built. A few days ago on this blog you may have seen developers want to demolish the new buildings.

Steve says “Originally it was the Cinema, fondly known as the Flea Pit. The two shops on the right are now Thomas Merrifield…

The old coach house building at the rear is still there, access via Abbey Close. Beyond, the small building was I believe the parcel office for the station?”

Steve adds “… shop to the right was Carter’s Toy Shop.”