Nationally, one year after going into administration, just 400 of 1400 – First Quench (Threshers / The Local) premises continue as stand-alone off-licences. Of the three Abingdon shops two have become convenient stores, and one – in Peachcroft Shopping Centre – has become a betting office. Odds are 7/2 I think.
Around 300 shoeboxes full of Christmas gifts will be heading to orphanages and children’s centres in Montenegro thanks to the generosity of churches and schools in Abingdon. This pile were at Abingdon Baptist Church.
The weather was perfect for a firework display. There was a starry sky and large crowds turned out.
The mayor got to push the denonator setting off a chain of sizzles, booms, bangs, swishes, swooshes, oohs and aahs …
The pyrotechnics were organised – as every year – by the scouts and to be seen at the back of Long Furlong Community Centre in north Abingdon. They celebrate the failed gunpowder plot of 5 November 1605 – when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the houses of parliament.
Two more shops opened last week in the town centre …
Remade Guitars – an already established business that sells, repairs and customises guitars – have acquired a shop outside Coxeters. This establishes Abingdon as a centre of excellence for guitars with two shops and a number of good bands.
Abingdon is also fast becoming a centre of excellence of beauty with Funky Nails opening where the Charter Barber used to be.