Thresher, at Peachcroft,

and The Local, on Ock Street, are part of the much larger First Quench Group – a private equity firm, that has gone into administration.

The administrator, KPMG, has already announced the closure of 373 loss-making shops and the two Abingdon Shops were not in that announcement, although notices have appeared saying that due to being in administration some services like Paypoint have been suspended.

Newspaper reports say there is interest in buying the rest of the group.

This year, in Abingdon, hundreds of shoeboxes have been packed full of gifts and goodies ready to be sent to children in disadvantaged situations. There was a dedication service this morning at Abingdon Baptist Church, before the shoeboxes were sent round the world. For more information visit Operation Christmas Child.

In former years this November Fair at Trinity Church was more a jumble sale where people could get rid of their old knick knacks and books. But now it is more high class with home cooking, raffles and Tombolas, and craft things for Christmas.

Outside it was raining but inside it was jolly festive.

We have seen Abingdon turned pink for ‘Against Breast Cancer’, and now it’s time for a man thing…

During November many men are growing moustaches. A work colleague of Derek – on the left – succumbed to prostate cancer and a group of them are growing moustaches in November to raise money for research and awareness into prostate cancer with the Charity Movember.

By the end of the month he may have as fine a moustache as Mick on the right. Derek and Mick are both essential people at one of Abingdon’s great success stories: Preston Road Community Centre – Derek is the Caretaker and Mick the Chairman.