Town Centre Christmas Lights – 2011

Town Centre Lights
The new bows and garlands round the Abbey Archway appeared mid November. The garlands do have lights, but also provide a interesting display in daylight – which is an interesting innovation.
Town Centre Lights
Only one of the older style across-the-street montage lights can now be seen. At one time it was one of four hung, and often in need of repair, across the High Street, but has now been moved to the top of West St Helen Street.
Town Centre Lights
It has made way for the newer style lights introduced a couple of years ago and seen here on High Street – lights that are more reliable and energy efficient.
Town Centre Lights
Not all of the lights were there for the extravaganza evening.

Some were being put up tonight. They are well worth another look now all is done.

Story Telling Round The Tree

Story Telling Round The Tree
Yesterday afternoon the south aisle of St Helen’s Church was full of young children, sticking decorations on trees they had drawn, and listening to stories round the Jesse Tree.
Story Telling Round The Tree
The Jesse Tree has pictures representing Old Testament characters and events from Creation to the Birth of Jesus, including Jesse, the father of King David. It is like an Advent Tree anticipating the coming of Christmas.

The Sea Cadets were not only leading the Extravaganza Parade but also got some awards

Abingdon Sea Cadets
The Abingdon Sea Cadets were not only leading the Extravaganza parade but they have also won a High Efficiency Pennant – a Sea Cadets top national award for the high standards they have achieved over the past 12 months. It was presented to them by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant on 22nd November.
Abingdon Sea Cadets
Also Genny, pictured above, is now a Petty Officer Cadet, the first time in 6 years an Abingdon Cadet has achieved the highest Cadet rank possible. She is seen here with her proud mum, Sue.

Craft Fair and Dragon this week. Father Christmas and Reindeer next …

Craft Fair and Dragon
The Town Crier was announcing all that was happening in town today, and went on to say that next Saturday Father Christmas will be on the Market Place with two real reindeer, Holly and Ivy.
Craft Fair and Dragon
The Abingdon Concert Band played carols on the Market Place today.
Craft Fair and Dragon
There was a Craft Fair which included The Honey Pot who swapped their shop for a gazebo for the day.
Craft Fair and Dragon
The Honey Pot have been trading in the town Abingdon On Thames for a couple of years so are ahead of the curve.
Craft Fair and Dragon
Loose Cannon were also there selling Abingdon brewed beer, some in gift packs with a Loose Cannon glass.
Craft Fair and Dragon
The Town Crier also announced that the Help The Heroes Rocking Dragon was on display. It can be seen here next to Brian Estoe who, with fellow wood carvers, carved the beast, and coated it with scales which people have sponsored for £2 a scale.
Craft Fair and Dragon
The dragon has raised nearly £10,000 for Help The Heroes.  I remember buying a scale for Harry the Dog but have not found it yet  …