Abingdon Michaelmas Fair continued

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The Abingdon Michaelmas Fair stretches across the Market Place and along High Street and Ock Street, making it the longest street fair in the United Kingdom.

Marshall, the fire puppy from Paw Patrol, was among the popular cartoon characters featured on balloons at the 2024 Abingdon Michaelmas Fair. Joining him was Bluey, sticking out at the top on another balloon.

While the cartoon characters may vary from year to year, food at the fair stays the same. Favourites are burgers, sausages, and chips.

Not all of us can understand the appeal of eating + disorienting rides.

I love the Mexican Food from Dorindos –

but not combined with the Extreme Speed of Vortex.

The weather held out well for the Monday of Michaelmas Fair. As the sun set at around 7 PM, the lights in the Market Place illuminated the crowd.

More tomorrow.

Early Start to the Abingdon Michaelmas Fair in 2024

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Abingdon Town Council has made a new deal with Bob Wilson & Sons Funfairs Ltd. Because of this, the funfair has been open for an extra day today, Sunday. It started at 4 pm and finished at 9 pm. It will start again at noon tomorrow, Monday.

The Fair Service was held at 3 pm instead of the usual 8 pm. There were many people there. The Abbey Brass Band played the hymns.

The service was led by the Mayor, Cllr Gabby Barody, and by Deacon Selina Nisbett.

After the service there was a free ride on the galloping horses for those at the service.

Many people knew that the fair was starting early, and by 4 pm all the stalls and rides were open and the roads were full with people.

A fire engine was driven through the fair at one point. There are many road changes because of the fair, and a letter has been sent to town centre residents warning that the fair may make it take slightly longer for firefighters to arrive in case of a fire. The advice is: fit smoke alarms, keep doors closed at night, do a safety check before bed, practice your fire action plan.

It started to drizzle at around 5 pm, followed by a heavier rain. After the rain stopped, there were many open stalls and bright lights, but not as many customers.

New Pub Opens in Abingdon

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A new pub, the Earl of Abingdon, opened its doors last night in the town centre.

Located in the Coxeters building, the Earl occupies half of the downstairs space. Another part is being converted into a higher-end bar called the Countess, with separate entrance, which is expected to open by the end of November for Christmas functions.

The Earl features a large bar area with screens.

There is also a separate lounge area equipped with electronics, and a dartboard that can be used for quizzes. There are no plans for Strattons style nightclub.

The Earl is being operated by the same team that previously ran the Grapes pub. The Grapes has a planning application for a partial rebuild and renovation, including the addition of accommodation and a reconfiguration of the bar area. So that is one for the future.

A ‘Big Step Forward’ with ‘Ambitious’, ‘Innovative’, ‘Ground-Breaking’ Joint Local Plan

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A plan for the future of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse, the first joint plan, is now ready for six weeks of public review. It plans for housing, jobs, and infrastructure needs up to 2041 and will supersede the existing separate plans that go to 2031.

The plan prioritises existing developments, protecting greenfield sites. The only proposed expansion is at Dalton Barracks near Abingdon owned by the Ministry of Defence.

Council leaders are very enthusiastic in their press release.

Councillor Bethia Thomas (Vale of White Horse): “It’s a big step forward for our communities that we’re at this stage earlier than anticipated…”

Councillor David Rouane (South Oxfordshire): “We’re one step closer to adopting this ground-breaking plan with policies such as increasing the proportion of affordable housing on large sites…”

Councillor Anne-Marie Simpson (South Oxfordshire): “This is an ambitious and innovative plan…”

Councillor Andy Foulsham (Vale of White Horse): “I’m proud of this plan and how it looks to tackle the climate emergency…”

Visit https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/vale-of-white-horse-district-council/planning-and-development/local-plan-and-planning-policies/local-plan-2041/ to review the Joint Local Plan and submit your comments before November 12th.