The Ox and Black Swan

The Ox
The Ox Inn on the Oxford Road closed about a week ago.

A couple of years ago the two bars were knocked into one and bigger entertainment added. About the same time a hand car wash business started operating from the pub car park – the bright car wash signs became quite a feature on the Oxford Road.
The Black Swan
The popular Landlord and Landlady from The Ox have now moved to the Black Swan in the town centre. It was refitted before they took over and boards outside now advertise ‘Our New Menus’. So there is more mixing of cultures in the Abingdon pubs (as first the Fitz, then the Nags Head, and now the Ox have closed). Some regulars from the Fitz have probably moved to the Boundary House, and some from the Nags Head to the Stocks.
News of the World
Stephen Green sent me this caption from today’s News of The World. A picture of The Nags Head is used with the story ‘Pubs fall victim to recession.’

Fitzharrys Year 7 Litter Pick

I have just checked the e-mail and there are 3 reports from different correspondents. It is always good to hear from others. Thanks to Ian for the first…
Fitzharrys Year 7 Litter Pick
“At the end of last term, some intrepid year 7 students volunteered to help clear all the rubbish that had blown up against the fence with Dunmore School over the last few years. They cleared several bin bags worth of litter. The constant rain failed to dampen their spirits, although the rewards of Mr Dennett’s big box of biscuits may have also helped keep enthusiasm high.

This latest drive to help clear the environment of Fitzharrys and the local area comes after all of year 7 cleared the field, all weather pitch and fences of our neighbours of litter. Students are also now eating their lunches in the hall to stop food waste and litter spreading around the school and community service volunteers work with the site team to help keep the school spotless.”

Oxford circus is everywhere in Abingdon

The circus posters appear to be everywhere in Abingdon at the moment…
Oxford Circus up to Old Tricks
On a boarded up window along Ock Street the circus posters has even replaced the usual D&B,  Dance, Trance, Rap or whatever else is happening in Oxford.
Oxford Circus up to Old Tricks
For a few hours there were even Oxford circus posters hung in the Community Shop. It is the weekend break before the Oxon and Bucks Wood Carvers take their turn.

The Morris Men’s Challenge

Mayor and Mayor of Ock Street
The Mayor of Abingdon and Mayor of Ock Street are pictured here together yesterday in the Brewery Tap, after the Morris Men’s Challenge – where a team of the Morris Men compete against a team from the Town Council at pub games and a quiz. The Mayor of Ock Street is the traditionally elected leader of the Morris Men.
Mayor and Mayor of Ock Street
The Mayor of Abingdon and Mayor of Ock Street in 2008 at the same event.
Mayor and Mayor of Ock Street
And again in 2009. As you can see the Mayor of Abingdon changes annually but not the Mayor of Ock Street.