One year on from the announcement that Thrupp Lake is saved, the Northmoor Trust, who have been put in charge, have begun to consult on the future of the lake and the adjoining house called Sandles. The black tyre round the edge has all gone and been replaced by a woodern fence.

At one end, the end nearest to Abingdon, tree planting has begun.

Earlier this month there were consultation sessions at the White Horse Leisure Centre, and there is still an online questionaire can be filled in. The Northmoor Trust are asking whether people are looking for improved access and viewing areas and whether Sandles should become ‘ an educational resource with outdoor learning space? ‘ The Trust will also be concerned to protect this as a wildlife habitat.

Can I thank Father Christmas for taking a couple of hours from his busy schedule to visit Abingdon yet again. He was telling me that his father before him was also a Father Christmas and as he got older and older and less able to perform the many duties, he the son gradually took over, and now does it all.

He is seen here with Jame White, the independent chair of the Abingdon Partnership. The Abingdon Partnership was launched last month with two sessions at the Guildhall attended by local business people and representatives of Community Groups. The Partnership is looking to get more joined-up thinking into tackling Abingdon’ problems. So we wish him well for the New Year.

The Town Crier also came round with his bell to announce The Mayor’s Carol Service at 4:30 in St Helen’s Church today (Sunday 20th).

We woke to the first snow of the winter.

Schools broke up for the Christmas break – some children even came home at midday.

It was cold for those on the Farmers Market.

Thanks to John E for these last two pictures. These are the Church in Abingdon Carol Singers. They shocked bystanders by singing “While Shephers Watched Their Flocks” to the original tune – “On Ilkley Moor bar t’at“.

The event started with a performance by some pupils from Larkmead School.

Tea and food was served about half way through.

The winners of Abingdon’s Got Talent then performed, and young Miles Burton even came back to do an extra song when there was a gap in the program.

And it ended with a sing-along-a-carol with music by The Abingdon Concert Band.