
Many thanks to Spike who sent me some more pictures of the parade. I’ve selected ones that are quite different from mine. So here is a second view of the parade …





Medal Ceremony with Princess Anne

The 12 Logistic Support Regiment (LSR) homecoming parade left the Fire Station in Ock Street at 09:35 and arrived on the Market Place at about 09:45.There were lots of school children on Ock Street to cheer them on their way.

After arriving on the Market Place there was quite a wait. A helicopter went over at about 10:00 landing in the grounds of Abingdon School.

HRH the Princess Royal arrived at about 10:15. She spent a lot of time giving out medals and talking to the troops.

She then spoke over the PA – very clearly. She thanked 12 LSR for their service in Afghanistan and for their service to the regiment which is to disband as part of the army modernisation changes. She wished the soldiers well in their future service.

After the medal ceremony, 12 LSR paraded though the Town, with the Princess taking the salute.
They then marched to St Helen’s Church to remember those who had not come back. More picture on Abingdon Blog Facebook.
12th Logistics Homecoming Parade

Barriers are stacked on the Market Place.

Notices have been put up warning people not to leave cars or bikes in town. Road closures will be in operation. The streets in the town centre have been gone over a couple of times, and will be gone over once more, in the early hours, with a street cleaner.

The Parade will leave the Fire Station in Ock Street at 09:35 and arrive on the Market Place by 09:45. HRH the Princess Royal will arrive at 10:00 when the ceremonies will take place, following which the 12 LSR will parade though the Town, with the Princess taking the salute.
New School Science Centre

A week or so ago Colin and Jenny Wiggins were here for a visit. They emigrated to the US in 1959 to further their scientific careers, and now live on Long Island, near New York. (Colin sometimes sends interesting old pictures of Abingdon and leaves an occasional comment on the blog.)

Jenny is pictured in the current edition of the Abingdon News where there is a feature on the Early History of Science at Abingdon School. Both Colin and Jenny studied science at Abingdon School (Jenny was at St Helen and St Katherine and used the facilities at S Level). Both went on to become President of the Oxford University Scientific Society.

Abingdon School have planning permission for a new Science Centre with 21 labs and other facilities. Currently Science subjects are very popular at the school, and they need more space.
The new centre will be paid for out of reserves, a loan, and the generosity of Old Abingdonians, and other sponsors. The new facility will not only benefit teaching of science but will free up space elsewhere for teaching other subjects.
(Last 2 pictures borrowed from Abingdon School website.)