Lift and Lights at the County Hall

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Lift and Lights
Before getting to the magnificent lighting of the Old County Hall I should perhaps mention the lift.

This was the reason the County Hall project started in the first place – to give access to people who could not get up the stairs. That was before maintenance of the fabric became a major concern.

Unfortunately the lift designs failed to impress English Heritage (or Private Eye for that matter) and a less ambitious lift to the undercroft and basement was put in instead. One of the panes of glass is already cracked.
Lift and Lights
The lighting on the other hand looks magnificent, as is all the paving, roofing and flooring.
Lift and Lights
Along the walkways round the building are a number of pavement level up-lights.
Lift and Lights
The lighting engineers should get an award.
Lift and Lights
As should all the local craftsmen involved.

Abingdon Shop Changes in May 2012 – an eventful month

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This blog has already mentioned the changes at Outdoor Traders who opened a Bike Shop where Braggs used to be. There has been a lot more shop changes in May …
Abingdon Shop Changes
In West St Helen Street, The Qutis Clinic has opened to provide skin treatment.
Abingdon Shop Changes
A-Plan Insurance are at 3 High Street,
Abingdon Shop Changes
but they are just about to move into larger premises at 7-9 High Street (previously the 9TP shop and before that Modern Music).
Abingdon Shop Changes
The Thai Orchid Supermarket looks to have closed. The restaurant upstairs is still going.
Abingdon Shop Changes
Over the road Ybuynu opened a clothing boutique where the Mobile Phone Shop used to be. Their first day was Monday.

A Reynolds Way Shops Timeline

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Reynolds Way Timeline
Number 7  Reynolds Way has always been a Ladies Hairdresser since 1967 and in 2012 became a Pharmacy. Other shops in the same row have not changed much either.

The following is not a definitive guide but is what I have made after checking some  Abingdon Who’s Who and Directories since 1967 when Reynolds Way first gets a mention. There are still holes I’m sure. So please fill them in if you can.

1. 1967 Takeaway Restaurant——————————————————————————————–>

3. 1967 AR Arnold & Son (unknown shop) —> 1972 Newsagent ——————————————->

5. 1967 Bakers / Confectioner————————————–>1992 Betting Office————————>

7. 1967 Ladies Hairdresser————————————————————————- 2012 Pharmacy

9. 1967 Butcher ———————————————————-> 1996 Videos — 2003? Takeaway—>

11. 1967 Greengrocer / Fruit —————————————————–>2003? (extension to 13/15?)

13/15. 1967 Provisions / Supermarket ——————————————————————————–>

As an aside I also discovered from the internet that back in 2009 a company wanted to put a Pharmacy in South Abingdon. Other pharmacies in the town centre objected but on appeal it was judged that “Given there is limited connectivity to Ock Street, the Committee concurred with the applicant and Oxfordshire PCT in that this is a separate predominantly residential area to the south of Abington (sic), which has no pharmacy within it.”

There has been no Doctor either since Dr Allinson closed her practice at the bottom of Mill Road in the early 1990s.